Pathways Update

Pathways Update from Paul MacCallum and Melissa Tresidder, Pathways and Transition Officers. 

• A small group of Year 12 students recently commenced a Certificate 2 in Resource and Infrastructure Preparation. The course comprises a healthy mix of online learning, practical activities and off-site training and site visits. The 8-week program delivers valuable entry level knowledge and work skills while also contributing 4 QCE points upon successful completion.  
   
• The Year 10 TAFE Trade Taster Program came to an end last week. Nine SSCC students (from 20 applicants) were offered the chance to undertake this valuable 7-week program in Cairns where students rotate through a variety of construction-related projects. Held in Term 2 each year, this TAFE program provides an opportunity for students to explore construction-related trades and pathways.  
   
• The Year 11 & 12 TAFE At School program continues each Thursday for enrolled students. All reports so far indicate these students are gaining valuable work-ready skills in their chosen course areas. This program is available to Year 11 and 12 students each year and utilises their VETIS funding to complete a Certificate 2 level course. Students currently in Years 10 and 11 are being reminded that applications for 2025 courses open Monday 12th August, 2024.  
   
• A number of students across Years 10, 11 and 12 have been successful in gaining school-based apprenticeships and traineeships (SBATs) in Term 2. SBATs can be completed as part of a student’s QCE (Yr 12 Certificate) and ATAR (university admission rank) and provide an excellent opportunity for students to begin their pathway to the world of work.  SBATS have been commenced in Sheet Metal Fabrication, Early Childhood Education and Care and Hospitality. 
   
• A variety of Positions Vacant have recently been advertised to Year 11 and 12 students for both full time and school-based apprenticeships. We are always appreciative of local employers contacting the college to offer employment opportunities for students.    
   
• Various students continue to ask if they can commence school-based apprenticeships/traineeships in Year 10.  Generally speaking, yes, they can, but like most things, there are a number of important considerations, like: age eligibility; job availability; maturity level; work suitability; prerequisites; learning and working ability, etc.  The best recommendation is to encourage exploration of options, speak with people already employed in the industry and seek advice from College staff.    

What Is VETIS Funding?

VETIS funding relates to the Queensland Government’s VET in Schools (VETiS) program. Funded by the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training, the VETiS program covers training fees for VET courses that are aligned to jobs and skills in demand, putting secondary school students on a path to employment and further VET opportunities.  Students in Year 10, 11 or 12 can complete one Certificate I or II level VETIS-funded qualification. Schools, in consultation with students and their parents, are able to choose an “approved” training organisation to deliver the eligible qualification. For example, SSCC students presently use their VETIS funding to cover: 

• Queensland TAFE’s “TAFE At School” program courses (Year 11 and 12 only)
   
• Traineeships (combining work + course completion) (Year 10 – 12)
   
• School-based courses – Cert II Hospitality, Resource and Infrastructure Preparation, Sport and Recreation (Year 11 – 12)
   
• External courses in place of a school subject – Rural Operations (Horse Husbandry).

NB:

• VETIS funding does not cover all Cert I and II level courses – the Qld Govt approves courses related to priority skills areas AND training organisations to deliver them;
   
• Courses can be undertaken “in school” and “offsite” depending on the context – VET In Schools does not literally mean in school only; 
   
• The Queensland TAFE program TAFE at School is generally completed at a TAFE facility, not literally at school – we currently provide transport for 30 x Year 11 and 12 students to Cairns each week; 
   
• Queensland TAFE is not the only training organisation approved to deliver VETIS programs;
   
• Students generally get one stab at VETIS funding – Queensland TAFE is sometimes able to offer 2nd Chance Funding for some courses. 

Year 10 Students and SET Plan Meetings

Information will be provided to parents of Year 10 students around the SET Plan process being conducted in Term 3. A SET Plan (Senior Education and Training Plan) is an important and vital aspect of a Year 10 student continuing into the Senior phase of secondary education. A SET Plan meeting is held between the student, parent/carer and a school representative wherein pathway options and subject choices are discussed and recorded. These meetings are generally short and to the point and can often identify the need for a greater discussion around a student’s pathway and career thinking. Please do not hesitate to request a separate meeting prior to, or after, your designated meeting time. These can be held with an appropriate staff member including me, Mr Vaughan, teaching staff or other suitable staff members. 

I’m Worried About Getting Into A University Course! (Source: myfuture.edu.au)

Nowadays, it is worth exploring the support programs and alternative entry pathways aimed at providing greater access to university courses. For both current and past students who think they haven’t or may not qualify for entry into university-level courses, a range of support programs and different pathways are being made available by many universities. 

Historically, university entry has been achievable after successful completion of Year 12 and gaining an ATAR at the minimum level or above for a particular course. While this pathway continues to be an effective one for many, it is not the only way to access further education at university.

A student may have:

• not studied the prerequisite subjects for their chosen course
   
• not achieved an adequate ATAR score for entry
   
• left education early and want to return to study 
   
• not studied for a long time (eg: due to family duties, financial hardship) and want to return to studies.

New alternative entry points are being developed and are available to assist a broader field of applicants. Most universities within Australia have developed and now offer a range of 'alternative entry pathways'.

8 Alternative Entry Points To Higher Education

1. Enabling Courses - Enabling courses can be used to develop entry level skills for university studies. These courses can provide foundational skills for successful university careers. These are often offered over one semester and are administered in smaller, highly supported groups that help you to acclimatise to the university environment and develop skills in academic studying and writing. Successful completion will often guarantee entry to your course of choice, including credit for one unit.

2. Bridging Courses - Similar to enabling courses, bridging courses give you an opportunity to further develop skills in prerequisite areas (eg science) before you enter your chosen course of study.

3. Special Tertiary Admissions Test - If you are 'mature age' (in many states, over 19 in the year of application) there can be further options. You can sit a Special Tertiary  Admissions Test, which is usually done in one day and includes a general intelligence element and an essay. You will get a score that can be used instead of an ATAR in applying for a university course.

4. Vocational Education and Training (Vet) and Tafe Pathways - Many universities and TAFEs have an agreed pathway arrangement where you can start a course at Certificate III or IV, continue to diploma level and transition into a specified university level course. For many learners, this is a preferable process, as it offers short-term goals, an opportunity to re-enter study for a shorter period and an opportunity to gain confidence, while building skills and benefiting from clear progress points along the way. Sometimes a university will give credit for work (usually at diploma/advanced diploma) level and advanced standing into your course of choice, reducing your overall time in study.

5. Credit for recognised learning (CRL) - CRL (previously RPL or recognition of prior learning) is another approach if you have previous study or work experience (paid or voluntary), and can demonstrate certain skills in an area. Each institution has its own preferred method of applying CRL and should be contacted directly.

6. Portfolio entry - Whether you are a school leaver or mature entry candidate, portfolio entry allows you to apply for a place using a combination of courses, vocational education course results, training, endorsed programs, an introductory letter, resume and letters of support.

7. VET in schools - In high school, you may choose not to work towards university entry through an ATAR. Some students' learning styles are better supported in the Vocational Education & Training (VET) system. VET programs offered through your school may help you gain entry to your chosen field of study. For example, you may choose a VET course in Certificate III Health Services. After Year 11–12, that could be followed by a Certificate IV in Preparation for Nursing, then a Diploma of Nursing. That could then create a pathway to university and there may be an opportunity to apply credits to a nursing course.

To learn more about any of the above, make sure you explore and research your options and/or speak directly with university staff or Pathways staff.    

Please do not hesitate to contact me to find out more about any of the above information. 

Paul MacCallum | Pathways Officer and Melissa Tressider | Transition Officer

pmaccallum@cns.catholic.edu.au