Careers Corner

Bricklaying and Blocklaying Careers

Have you ever considered a career in bricklaying or blocklaying?  These jobs fall under the banner of the Construction Industry.  We all know that bricklayers lay bricks however, building blocks and pre-cut stone are also part of this field.  As well as working on houses and buildings, brick and block layers may also work on walls, partitions, arches and other structures. It is a growing industry so definitely worth considering as a career, if you are interested in construction.

To become a qualified brick/block layer, you must complete an apprenticeship where you will be awarded with a Certificate III in Bricklaying/Blocklaying.  You will learn how to study plans, work out dimensions, use trowels, mix mortar, cut and shape bricks and stone etc.  On average, brick/blocklayers work a 42 hour week. Did you know that only 1% are female?

For further information on this industry, go to the Brick and Block Careers website:

https://www.brickandblockcareers.org.au

Deakin University now offers Associate Degrees via the VTAC application system

Deakin University is an excellent university and a number of our VCE students have completed degrees through Deakin in the past.  They have campuses at Burwood, Geelong and Warrnambool.  The usual way to gain entry is via an ATAR (the score a VCE student gets at the end of the year if they have completed their SACs and exams).

The good news for our students is that Deakin are now offering Associate Degrees.  Associate Degrees are two years in length and can be used to gain employment or used as pathway into a Degree.  They offer a supported learning environment and skills needed to be successful at university including communication, digital literacy, critical thinking and teamwork skills.

Students apply via VTAC and must complete a Personal Statement which asks a series of questions regarding their education thus far.  It is open to any student who has successfully completed a Year 12 Certificate (this can also include an unscored VCE or VCE VM). These Associate Degrees are available in three study areas: Arts, Business and Education.

For further information visit their webpage:

https://www.deakin.edu.au/study/entry-pathways/associate-degrees

Careers in Sustainability Engineering

What are Sustainability Engineering Careers? 

Sustainability engineers tackle problems like climate change, population growth, and access to clean drinking water. Careers in sustainability engineering are about improving or creating things to lower our environmental impact and finding more sustainable ways to keep doing the things we're used to. There are opportunities in water management, renewable power, biofuel development, electric vehicle manufacturing and more - it’s a very diverse field, and it's in the top 25 emerging occupations in Australia (NSC, 2021). 

What skills and strengths are needed? - Sustainability engineers need solid STEM skills and well-developed enterprise and employability skills such as problem-solving, communication, time management, curiosity, good use of ICT, and team work. 

What are the pathways? - To develop the skills above, choose school subjects such as English, maths (advanced if possible), physics and/or chemistry. And if your school offers them, engineering and environmental science subjects can be useful. Once you finish school, you will need further study to become an engineer. 

(Article thanks to Career Tools)

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Whether you're looking for work life balance; travel; career pathways; sustainable work; meaningful work; a great team; money; responsibility; exciting work; variety, or something completely different, you can achieve it through VET. 

VET covers hundreds of different occupations, professions and industries such as trades, aviation, robotics, engineering, nursing, building, horticulture, land management, manufacturing, transport and logistics, business, management, sports and recreation, community services, health, retail, tourism, hospitality, and technology. 

With qualifications including apprenticeships; traineeship; skills set courses; micro-credentials; diplomas and advanced diplomas, or VET as a pathway to University, VET is an excellent place to start your career. 

Many of our students at Pakenham Secondary College complete a VET course.  All students who complete the VCE VM must complete VET as part of their certificate. For more information on VET, contact Nicole Sing in our Careers and Pathways department. 

AVCAT Scholarships (for Students moving into Tertiary Education in 2024)

Australian Veterans' Children Assistance TrustApplications open 18 August and close midnight 31 October. 

AVCAT Scholarships, including the Long Tan Bursary, are for the children and grandchildren of Australian ex- serving veterans. Scholarships provide $4000—$6000 per year, for three years, to full-time students at university, TAFE or a registered training organisation. 

Eligibility 

• Australian residency
• Child or grandchild of Australian ex-serving veteran 
• Fulltime tertiary student in 2024 at uni, TAFE or RTO in a minimum one-year course
• In receipt of or eligible to receive Youth Allowance, ABSTUDY, Austudy or Veterans’ Children Education Scheme (VCES)

Find more information at avcat.org.au or contact the office Monday - Thursday on 02 9213 7999 or at info@avcat.org.au. 

Register interest in applying at avcat.org.au/scholarships. 

CitiPower Work Experience

Experience what it’s like to work in STEM or electrical trades 

Are you keen to discover what a career in technology, engineering or electrical trades is all about? How about doing so within an exciting and everchanging industry which plays a genuinely important role in supporting the transition to a clean energy future? 

The CitiPower Bright Sparks 5-day structured work experience program could be just what you need to see if these career paths are right for you. You’ll rotate across different teams to learn about a variety of projects and get a true feel for the different opportunities available. At the end of the five days, you’ll have the opportunity to chat through any final pressing questions you have that could help you decide on whether a career in STEM or electrical trades is right for you. 

Eligibility and application process 

Suited to students who want to learn more about electrical engineering, electrical trades, or information technology. You must be be in year 10 (15 years +) or above at a Vic. secondary school. 

Apply at least 10 weeks prior to your requested placement dates. Complete the application form outlining your personal details, school details and aspirations. 

If there is availability in the program on your chosen week, you'll be contacted to discuss your application. 

Before applying, you will need to speak to your Team Leader and the Careers and Pathways office to check your eligibility.

NECA Education and Careers Open Day

When:  Sunday 27th August, 10am - 3pm

Where:  40 Cheltenham Road, Dandenong

What: Find out if an electrical career or a traineeship is right for you with demonstrations, plus free food, activities, and giveaways with our sponsors and the Casanovas from Nova 100.

Who:  Meet expert apprenticeship and traineeship staff and current apprentices

Click here to register

Want to test your aptitude for electrical?

10:30 am | 12:00 pm

Book your NECA Pre-Selection Assessment on the spot, ask at the registration desk.

What to expect on the day

Electrical Apprenticeship Presentations

10:30 am | 12:15 pm | 2:15 pm

Topics include:

• Introduction to Electrotechnology
• Women in the electrical trade
• What it's like to be employed by NECA Education & Careers
• Trade school life

Traineeship Q&A

10:00 am-11:30am | 12:00pm-3:00pmWhat is a traineeship? What type of career can it lead to? What government opportunities are available with NECA Education & Careers?Your traineeship questions answered.

Nova 100 Casanovas 

11:00am-12:00pmCatch the Casanovas live onsite for prizes and giveaways! 

NHP: Electrical Career – Day in the Life and Q&A11:30 am 

David DeCata, Strategic Partnerships Manager at NHP, shares his story and gives insight into where an electrical career can take you.

Young Women in Trades Showcase Event - Chisholm Institute 

Are you considering a trade career?

Come and ‘Try a Trade’ at our interactive trade stands and get hands on to experience with electrical, plumbing, carpentry, cabinet making, automotive, and engineering (including virtual welding) trades. Hear from a panel of successful Women in Trade to hear about their experiences. Chat to teachers and industry about all your career and study options and grab a giveaway and free popcorn. We’d love to help you find out which trade is right for you!   

Where: Chisholm Frankston Campus, Building D START

When: Wednesday 13th September, 4pm-7pm 

Register now https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/young-women-in-trades-showcase-frankston-campus-tickets-668618394617?aff=SP

Photography Studies College Update

Bachelor of Photography – Early Offers for 2024 Entry

Early offers will be available for this course again this year. No ATAR is required. Selection is based on interview and folio and completion of Year 12. Students need to apply through VTAC from 31 July 2023 – 13 December and attend an interview with folio. Students are advised of their Early Offer following successful completion of interview. More information on their Career Advisor page

Interview Period during September School Holidays for Early Offer Program

They will again be running their very successful Early Offer interview period again this year from 18 – 22 and 25 – 29 September. Further dates will also be available in November after the VCE exam period. 

Students will be able to book their individual interview times here.

Studio Arts/Arts/Media Teacher PD Workshop – Thursday 21 September 10-1

Professional Development Studio Lighting Workshop for creative arts teachers. This workshop will be held in their state-of-the-art professional studio space at the South Melbourne campus and delivered by studio expert Mark Harper. There are only five spots left so get in quick! Lunch provided. Register here

Year 12 Information Hub

Their updated Year 12 student information provides you with current and up to date information on their courses and applying.

College Campus Tours

If you missed their Open Day and would like to book an in-person or group campus tour, click here.

If you have any other questions or would like any further information, please don’t hesitate to contact us (Sally – skaack@psc.edu.au) or Jenny (jheron@psc.edu.au).

SAE Create for a Day

Saturday, 9 September 2023 // 10am - 4pm// $25 per person

SAE is hosting another full day workshop, open to all high school students!

Due to the success of their April workshops, SAE is opening its doors once again this September for Create for a day, a one-day program to expand skills and get students working on inspiring creative projects in the fields of Animation, Audio, Design, Film, Games and Music. 

If you are creatively inclined and thinking about studying creative media you can experience life as an SAE student and discover what it means to be a creative professional in state-of-the-art facilities, with industry experts. On the day, attendees will learn valuable practical and collaborative skills as they work towards building a creative piece of work.

You will also receive a certificate of participation to acknowledge the creative project you have undertaken. Due to the tertiary level of the workshop content, this event is open to anyone aged 15 yrs and above (Year 10 and over).

All workshop types run at the same time, therefore only one workshop type can be attended by an individual. Create for a Day is running at all SAE’s campuses so be sure to select the right one when purchasing your ticket!

Click here to register.

University and TAFE Open Days

This is the time of year when Melbourne's Universities and TAFEs open their doors to the public and show potential students what they have to offer on Campus.

Open Days are an excellent way to find out which institution is right for you if you are considering further studies in the next few years.

On the day you can:

• Learn more about the course offerings
• Discuss your study options with experts
• Go on a tour and watch demonstrations
• Find out what campus life is like with current students
• Join Q&As and discussions with alumni

and a whole lot more.

Most universities and TAFEs ask you to register before you attend, so please click on the link(s) below to book your place at the Open Day(s) of choice.