Careers & VM News 

Whoa, we are only 5 weeks into term and it has already been full on! Here's a little of what has been happening in the area of Careers and Pathways:

VCE and Careers Expo

Congratulations to all the Year 10 and 12 students who attended this event. As our students soon realised many, many schools visit the Expo and Jeff's Shed becomes a very busy place. It seems the most popular exhibits and booths are those giving away goodies, so our students were able to snare themselves all manner of freebies from pens and chocolates to toys and bucket hats. However, that aside, it was a very valuable experience, especially for those who approached exhibitors and asked questions about specific courses, careers and pathways. For example, some of our Year 12's looking at a Gap Year in 2027 came away with useful information on overseas camp experiences. Our Year 12's also attended a number of info sessions related to achieving good results in specific subject areas. I met a student presenter for VCE History, who said his mother and uncle attended Warrandyte High School many years ago. Believe it or not, I had taught both of them way back in the early years of our school. He had recently completed Year 12 with very high results and was sharing advice with students from all over Victoria.

I am hoping this excursion becomes a fixed event in our annual calendar, with Year 10's getting a feel for what's available and having something to think about and aim for. Also for our Year 12's to gather more detailed and specific information as they contemplate finishing school.

Year 9 Morrisby

As outlined in the last edition of our Gang Gang newsletter, Morrisby Career Appraisals are a great starting point to get Year 9 students thinking about the future. No one expects a student of 14 or 15 to be certain of where they are heading in the future, but it's never too soon to be thinking about careers related matters. 

Estimates vary, but all research institutions agree that unlike previous generations, a 14-year-old today (Generation Z) can expect to have 3 to 7 distinct careers and approximately 15 to 18 different jobs over their lifetime. 

Unlike previous generations who might have stayed in one field for 30–40 years, Gen Z will experience a portfolio career, often switching industries, engaging in job-hopping, and prioritising skill development and job satisfaction over lifelong loyalty to one company. These are interesting trends to ponder!

After already taking the Morrisby appraisal, students had a 30 minute interview with a Morrisby counsellor, who talked the student through their results (i.e. those areas of strengths and interests), explained how the Morrisby portal works and all the information that can be gathered through the portal. Some parents attended and joined in the discussion. It can be difficult to attend an interview, but parents/guardians can access the results and interview report by asking their child to log into Morrisby and share the details with them. Students cannot retake the formal tests, but can repeat the questionnaires as their thoughts change in the future. New responses may lead to different suggestions regarding future subjects, education and jobs. 

Interestingly, research by the Australian Institute of Family Studies (a Federal Government agency) has found as many as 40% of 14-15 year old students did not know what job they wanted to have in the future. About half of those expected they would complete No post-school qualifications and were very uncertain about their future job. This group was also the least likely to be talking to others about future jobs. Interesting data that underlies the importance of Careers education and planning. Morrisby is a great place to start!

Year 10 Work Experience

With only 5 weeks to go in the term, about half our Year 10's have returned their work experience paperwork. There are some interesting placements planned including in industries such as Health, Retail, Hospitality, Education, Animal Care, Hair and Beauty, Building and Construction and more. Most students say they have something planned, but if not, they should come and see me for a chat and some ideas and leads to follow up. Any parents who may be able to offer a Year 10 placement are asked to please get in touch.

Vocational Major - VM

Well done to our VM students at both Year 11 and Year 12. So far, we have had external trainers in the school to take students through the following Units of Competency and/or Certificates:

First Aid, Cert 3 Public Safety, White Card (OH+S on a construction site), Responsible Service of Alcohol and Food Handling.

Our Year 11 VM students held a mini Careers Expo to display their research and knowledge of various Careers. Students looked at careers in Architecture, Youth Work, Interior Design, Steel Work, Carpentry, Painting, Retail, Recreation and Electrical. The student's research looked at wages, training, skills required and projections on future work in these fields. The expo was well attended by both staff and students, particularly VCE students. An interesting lunchtime activity that was enjoyed by everyone.

We are also looking forward to a number of excursions which will have our VM students out in the "real world of work" interacting in mock interviews with employers, exploring road safety at the Museum and undertaking a Great Race in teams.

Coming Up

Please keep an eye on the school Dates and Deadlines as we move into the busy times of subject selection and course counselling. 

Some key events:

  *Tues June 9th - Parent and Student Info Session in the Theatre 5.30-6.30 for 2027 Year 11 students (and 2027 Year 10s wanting to do a VCE subject). Looks at VET, VM and Headstart options for VCE.

  *Mon June 15th - Parent and student Info Session online for 2027 Year 9 and 10 students.

  *Wed June 17th - Student and Parent Course Counselling and Course Confirmation. Students going into Year 11 and Year 12 (2027) At school 12pm – 8pm. Appointments to be booked on Compass.

And to conclude...

Please remember to access our Careers Newsletter https://warrandytehighcareers.com/important-information/school-newsletters

And contact me if you have questions

careers@warrandytehigh.vic.edu.au