Careers Update
The careers space is really starting to ramp up now with lots happening for our students. It is important our students try to engage with all the wonderful opportunities on offer to help them decide their future pathway options. Our Careers Team encourage students to try the different programs and if it turns out not to be for them then this is just as critical as experiencing something that they enjoy! It’s all about discovering as much as they can about the world of work!
VCE Vocational Major (VM) – Structured Work placements
Our Vocational Major students have commenced their work placements over the last couple of weeks. Well done to those students who have sourced, completed paperwork and contacted employers as this is a requirement of your VCE VM certificate. Students who are in the workforce completing their structured work placements are building their employability skills and working profiles within our community.
Some students still have not found a placement. Please note this is a critical component of the VCE Vocational Major (VM) program and students must find a work placement. If your child does not have a work placement, please speak with them about arranging it. Careers and the Senior School Team are here to support students.
Work Experience
In Year 10, students will undertake a work experience program. It is expected that all Year 10 students will participate in this 5-day program. All work experience arrangement forms must be returned to the Careers Team by Friday the 16th of May.
Work experience program: Term 2 – Monday 2nd June to Friday 6th June (inclusive)
Work Experience Week is a one-week placement where students will gain insights into the industry and the workplace in which they are located. It provides students with a valuable opportunity to develop employability skills, explore possible career options, understand employer expectations and increase their self-understanding, maturity, independence and self-confidence.
Work experience students are with employers primarily to observe and learn, not to undertake activities which require extensive training or expertise.
Students are required to source their own work experience placement. Doing this provides students with a wonderful opportunity to develop their communication skills, initiative and ‘real world’ experiences. Should students have any issues or difficulties in gaining a work experience placement they can be supported through this by teachers and careers staff.
Please discuss work experience placement with your child and encourage them to ‘have a go’ at calling and speaking with employers.
We look forward to seeing our Year 10 students out and about in the working world.
Year 12 Career interviews
Over the past few weeks, the Careers Team have been meeting with all Year 12 students to discuss their plans for 2026 and beyond! The individual meetings are set to offer support, assist with course selections, tips and research links. This ongoing support will continue throughout the year and beyond for our students.
Part of this meeting process was for our Year 12 students to compete their Career Action Plans. A Career Action Plan is a dynamic planning document, owned and managed by the student. The creation of the plan is a process of self-reflection and goal setting. The plan helps students:
- consider their motivations and strengths
- identify their values and interests
- decide on their career and learning goals and pathway
- clarify the actions needed to achieve these goals
This helps them develop the knowledge, skills, attitudes and confidence they need to make informed decisions and effectively manage their career throughout life. The Careers Team always looks forward to reading students' Career Action Plans and will support students in their future pathway planning.
Tertiary Information Session (TIS)
On Tuesday the 13th of May our Year 12 VCE students will attend the Gippsland TIS Day (Tertiary Information Session) at Federation University. Students will watch a presentation explaining the benefits and 'how to' steps to apply for University, TAFE and other independent colleges. At the conclusion of the presentation, students will experience a mini careers expo, speaking with representatives from all major universities and TAFE institutions. It is important that all Year 12 VCE students attend.
Engineering Ahead 2025
Engineering Ahead 2025 is a 4-day immersion program offering our students a unique opportunity to dive into the world of engineering. We were lucky to have 17 Year 10 students participate this program. The first day of the program was held at TAFE Gippsland (Yallourn Campus) and it was fantastic!
Students started with a tour of the Engineering Department, then experienced the classroom setting to give them real world exposure to TAFE. Hands on activities were delivered during the day to ensure our students gained some understanding about engineering. The activities included undertaking basic skills such as using the Oxcy acetylene torch for cutting metal and using hand grinders for cutting and cleaning up metal.
Our students had a great day! We would like to thank TAFE Gippsland and the Baw Baw LLEN for facilitating this valuable program.
Monash University – Pathways into Medicine session
Last week our students were very lucky to have a visit from the Monash University Rural Health Gippsland Training Hub and the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) about pathways into medicine. The students enjoyed an informative presentation with lots of insight from Dr. Rob Dawson who is an anaesthetist with a local hospital.
Lowanna College would like to thank Amy and Ketrah from Monash University Rural Health Gippsland and Dr. Dawson, Kristen and Grace from ACRRM for giving up their time to support our students.
Lowanna Careers
Don’t forget to check out our Careers website, which has mountains of information and resources to support students and families.
https://www.lowannacareers.com/
On behalf of the Careers Team, we would like to wish all our students and families a restful holiday break!
Careers Support
We are available as a support for students and parents with any questions. Please feel free to contact the Careers Team:
Kirsty Mitchell ph: 5127 9225 or kirsty.mitchell@education.vic.gov.au
Alisha Disisto ph: 5127 9264 or alisha.disisto@education.vic.gov.au