Welcome back from the Careers desk IN M11!

It’s so nice to be back into facemask-to-facemask interactions… and I look forward to one day in the future when we can see everyone’s smiles again.

Well done to all of our Year 12 students who have successfully applied through VTAC for courses for 2021. It was great to hear in the federal budget that more undergraduate places will be opening up in universities, and vocational courses should also be more accessible in terms of costs in 2021. If you missed out on applying, remember that you can apply directly for many Certificate and Diploma courses. These provide excellent content, and great pathways to employment or further study. Students can also make a late application to VTAC, however the costs are significantly higher. Please make an appointment to see me if you need some assistance or wish to discuss your plans further.

Term 4 is a term of transition preparation for all year levels, and I am here to support you through that process.

Great opportunity for Year 11 and 12 students

Are you wondering what the impact of COVID will be on the employment market? Do you want to find out more about trends in employment and the skills and experiences you should be building on for your career future? Are you curious about new jobs emerging in the labour market? If so, there is a free webinar for Government school students in Years 11 & 12 on Thursday 22 October from 3.30 until 4.15pm.

This webinar will be hosted by Ivan Neville – Director of Labour Market Research at the National Skills Commission. I have attended two presentations with Mr Neville in recent weeks and I found them very useful.

To register for this event you need to email Booma by Friday 17 October – Karen.Burgess@education.vic.gov.au

NHS students contribute to important research

As a member of INYET (Inner North Youth Employment Taskforce), we are preparing to provide support to young people in responding to the impacts of COVID. An important part of our work is a research project which is currently being undertaken by UNESCO @ RMIT. A number of NHS students have already taken part in the research, which asks them to respond questions around the current impacts of COVID on themselves/friends/family; their thoughts and feelings about the future; their aspirations; and how we can best respond to support them over the next five years. As usual, the voices of our students have proved insightful and articulate. The first of many short videos have been released and can be found via the following links: Health & Wellbeing Education & Training Economy & Livelihood Community

Important information for Year 12s

Now that Year 12s have finished the process of applying for courses next year, it’s time to address some administrative ‘housekeeping’ to assist with a smooth transition.

The information provided below should assist you in being well prepared, and will ensure you can access financial support:

Tax File Number

Year 12 students are reminded that they cannot enrol in a CSP (Commonwealth Supported Place) university course next year without a Tax File Number (TFN). Students who do not have one are reminded to apply for a TFN online and have their identity verified through an interview at a participating Australia Post office. To apply and also to find out about participating Post Offices, visit TFN Application

USI

A USI - Unique Student Identifier is a reference number that creates an online record of your training and qualifications attained in Australia. Current Year 12 students are reminded that you will need a USI number when applying for Commonwealth financial assistance when you enrol at university next year.

Some students who have already been studying a VET subject may already have one, and it is recommended students create or find their USI via www.usi.gov.au ahead of time

Study Assist

Students are encouraged to browse the Study Assist website for information about Australian Government assistance for financing tertiary study. There is very useful information on study loans, how one pays back those loans, scholarship opportunities, etc.

A useful PDF titled Beyond School Study Guide published in February this year can also be found at - Beyond School Study Guide.

Year 8 Abstract Sculpture

Artwork by Elena Thornton

Creating sculpture from everyday materials