Pathways and Transition

To contact the Head of Pathways and Transition, Jane Hedley, you may call 9383 0416 or email pathways@johnxxiii.edu.au You can also make an appointment to see Ms. Hedley using this booking link: https://calendly.com/johnxxiiicollege-pathways-transition

In this week’s Pathways and Transition newsletter read about:

• Pathways & Transitions at JTC
• University news
• Scholarships
• Australian Defence Force careers
• Medicine News
• Training and VET news
• Senior school opportunities
• Career-building opportunities and resources
• People with a disability news
• Spotlight – How to become a medical technician

PATHWAYS & TRANSITION AT JTC

Students following a Uni Transition or Training Direct pathway (and their parents) may like to gain an understanding of which Registered Training Organisations and Vocational Education and Training courses the College has accessed in recent years. Find a list below, which is also accessible on SEQTA Documents under ‘Pathways & Transition’.

INSTEP West for work experience

John XXIII College partners with INSTEP West to facilitate work experience opportunities for students wishing to complete ongoing work experience (one day per week as part of a Training Direct pathway) or longer block placements during senior school examination periods and/or holiday periods. Browse the INSTEP West site here. Get in touch with Ms. Hedley or Mrs. Beaton should you wish to pursue a work placement. 

Pathways and Transition Parent Presentations

Jane Hedley delivered two parent presentations as part of the Secondary Parent Information Evening in Term 1, Week 3. One presentation focused on the role of Pathways & Transition in the College and the senior secondary pathways available to our students. The other presentation focused on the expectations of students studying offsite courses. Slides of the presentations are available in SEQTA Documents, under ‘Pathways’. You may also view them here:

UNIVERSITY NEWS

Early Offers for 2025 courses in WA

WA universities are participating in an early offers process (for students entering WA universities in 2025.) 

Applications open: 1 May via TISC for all WA universities. As in previous years, students may apply to Notre Dame University directly via their website.

Early offers will commence after the Semester 1 examinations. Offers will then roll out on a one-day-per-month schedule. Some courses such as Medicine and Podiatry will close applications at the end of September.

Which universities have early entry programs? 

Here’s a list:

• Australian Catholic University
• Australian National University
• Bond University
• Campion College
• Charles Sturt University
• CQUniversity
• Curtin University
• Deakin University – Regional Access Scheme & Indigenous Access Scheme
• Edith Cowan University
• Federation University
• Flinders University
• Griffith University
• James Cook University
• La Trobe University
• Macquarie University – Leaders and Achievers,  ATSIEP & Gifted and Talented
• Murdoch University
• Queensland University of Technology
• RMIT University
• Southern Cross University
• Swinburne University of Technology
• Torrens University Australia
• UAC
• University of Adelaide
• University of Canberra – Fast Forward & Portfolio Entry
• University of Melbourne – through the Elite Athletes and Artistic Performers Entry Scheme only
• University of Newcastle
• University of New England
• University of Notre Dame
• University of Southern Queensland
• University of the Sunshine Coast
• University of Sydney – Portfolio Admissions,  CASAS & Gadigal
• University of Tasmania
• University of Technology Sydney – Early Entry & Edge
• University of Western Australia
• University of Wollongong
• UNSW (excluding UNSW Canberra/ADFA)
• Victoria University
• Western Sydney University – HSC True Reward & ATSI Pathway Program

Don’t see your chosen university on this list? You might like to contact them directly anyway and ask about their pathway options.

Note: many of these programs are still showing information from 2023, and it is up to the university whether they will be offered again in 2024. Dates, courses, and eligibility requirements are subject to change.

CURTIN UNIVERSITY UPDATES

Portfolio Pathway Toolkit

To support those wishing to apply for uni via a portfolio pathway, Curtin is developing a Portfolio Pathway Toolkit. You can find it HERE. 

NEW: Bachelor of Innovation + Bachelor of Law double degree

This combination of Law and Innovation will probably appeal to school leavers. Curtin is excited about this course, and we will hear more about it at future events. 

You can find information HERE. 

NEW: Commerce + Fashion Marketing double degree

This is another combination that will probably appeal to school leavers who are interested in a career in fashion marketing, but realistic about how few opportunities would be available in that field in WA. The addition of a commerce major will help graduates to become more employable. 

Medical Radiation Science

New pre-requisites. 

The Medical Radiation Science course pre-requisites now allow:

• Physics ATAR 

• Mathematics Applications ATAR or Mathematics: Methods or Specialist ATAR or equivalent.

Graduate Diploma of Education 

In line with State government education policy, Curtin has reintroduced the Graduate Diploma in Education. This was a traditional pathway to secondary teaching in the past. Students undertake a degree in their chosen field of study (English, science, etc) then they undertake a one year post graduate diploma. 

Schools are introducing more comprehensive support programs for graduate teachers which are designed to reduce the workload and stress experienced by new teachers.

ECU UPDATES

New course in Sonography 

50 students enrolled into the new 2024 Bachelor of Preclinical Foundations of Imaging Science, these students will then go on to complete the Graduate Diploma of Medical Sonography to become Accredited Medical Sonographers. This pathways will continue to be available in 2025.

Experience ECU

ECU will be offering six Experience ECU Day’s during the school holidays in 2024 and these are aimed at Year 9’s and 10’s. For more information about these events please reach out to Ginetta Papaluca Team Leader, Student Ambassador Program g.papaluca@ecu.edu.au.

Bachelor of Engineering (Robotics and Autonomous Systems) Honours

ECU continues to put a lot of resources into keeping West Australian engineering skills up to date. The Bachelor of Engineering (Robotics and Autonomous Systems) Honours program starts with a general first year of engineering before specialising. 

Later in the day we heard from a Resources Industry representative how robotics is being used underground and across the resources sector. 

ECU Portsmouth Partnership 

In 2022 ECU formed a partnership with Portsmouth University in England, that enabled students from either university to study on both campuses and get a dual degree. 

The first cohort from England came to ECU last year and this year the first West Australian contingent is going to Portsmouth. You can check it out HERE. 

Teacher Education Qualifications

ECU identified their education qualifications as:

• The Post Graduate Diploma (1 year after a degree)
• Bachelor of Education courses in Early Childhood, Primary and Secondary teaching. (4 years)
• Master of Education in Early Childhood, Primary and Secondary Teaching. 

Find details HERE. 

MURDOCH UNIVERSITY UPDATES

Murdoch Partnership with Ag Department

The Agriculture Department is now called the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. 

This Government Department is going to co-locate from Kensington to the Murdoch University site. 

The plan is for all universities to be able to use the new buildings and labs for biosecurity, research and teaching purposes. 

Murdoch has always delivered veterinary science and is a leader in conservation, so it is well placed to grow into this new role. 

Biosecurity research will be a priority at the new facility which is due to open in 2027. 

Ngala Kwop Biddi Brighter Future Scholarships

Each Western Australian Secondary School will be invited to nominate one of their graduating Year 12 students who, by their leadership and activity, has effected positive change in their School or community related to one of the three strategic themes.

• Sustainability
• Equity, diversity and inclusion
• First Nations

The scholarship is valued at $12,000. Find out more HERE.

Murdoch Access Engineering Scholarship 

The Murdoch University Access Engineering Scholarship seeks to widen participation and support students from underrepresented groups in a field of study that is becoming increasingly important and impactful for a sustainable future. 

Value $12,000

Indigenous Engineering Pathway Scholarship

Murdoch University Indigenous Engineering Pathway Scholarship is for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students seeking to access engineering study or careers via the Bachelor of Engineering Technology. 

Value $9,000 – $12,000

NOTRE DAME UNIVERSITY (FREMANTLE) UPDATES

Assured Pathway to Medicine via Bachelor of Biomedical Science starting 2025

This pathway to medicine is targeted to school leavers who are aspiring doctors. Students apply in Year 12 with:

• An outstanding ATAR score. 
• Successful completion of UCAT
• Final selection through the Multiple Mini Interview

Notre Dame will be conducting applications for medicine information sessions in 2024, which are yet to be scheduled. 

You can view information session from September last year HERE. 

You can find information about the Priority Pathway, General entry pathway and Indigenous entry pathway HERE.

Become a doctor at the Kimberley Remote Medical School

The Kimberley Centre for Remote Medical Training opens in 2025 and will provide up to 20 students per year with the opportunity to complete their medical training in the Kimberley region of WA. 

The school will target Aboriginal students from the Kimberley, people already living in the Kimberley and other groups under-represented in the medical profession. 

Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science 

The Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science is a specialty at Notre Dame with industry practicums and internship placements during the course. 

Exercise Science – Physiology is a specialisation of Notre Dame.

New Course - Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours)

This course is a 4 year decree program that will be available in 2024.

Bachelor of Physiotherapy

This is a four-year program. You can take a two-year accelerated Masters's program from the Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science or the Bachelor of Biomedical Science.

Graduate Diploma of Paramedicine

This is a one-year course, which is a popular qualification for those studying nursing. 

This course is recognised by St John’s Ambulance. 

Bachelor of Psychology

Notre Dame has responded to the shortage of psychologists by delivering a 3-year Bachelor of Arts Psychology degree. This is recognised by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council. 

Notre Dame also offers a:

• 1-year honours program
• 1-year masters program

Computer Science at Notre Dame

The Bachelor of Computer Science at Notre Dame has introduced a significant ethics component in response to the issues delivered by AI and deep fakes.

There is a Semester 2, 2024 intake for this course. 

UWA UPDATES

Last year UWA broke ranks with its traditional pathways and started recognising life experiences as a pathway into some of its courses. 

Now UWA has introduced micro-credentials as a potential pathway into undergraduate degrees. 

Check out Admission entry pathways HERE. 

• UWA is finding that ATAR students do better at uni, but the new pathways are gaining traction.

Studysmarter.uwa.edu.au

In an effort to support students to succeed, UWA has established the StudySmarter app. 

UWA+ Starter Credentials

These micro credentials are designed to meet secondary students' flexibility requirements, UWA+ Starter micro-credentials focus on providing secondary students with the opportunity to study subjects online or in mixed mode with the school.  

Students can gain credit towards selected bachelor’s degrees by completing 3 micro-credentials. 

UWA has SCSA recognition for 3 micro-credentials and is applying for recognition for more. 

INTERSTATE UNIVERSITY UPDATES

ANU visiting John XXIII College Friday 1 March

Come to the GBLT at lunchtime on Friday 1st March to hear all about studying at the Australian National University. 

UniMelb 101 for WA students Wednesday 27 March 6pm – 7.30pm (AWST) 

We are running a webinar for WA students who are interested in knowing more about the University’s unique curriculum structure, study and accommodation options, applications, scholarships, special entry access scheme and more. Students will have the opportunity to hear from a current UniMelb student who made the move from Perth, and will be able to have their questions answered in a live Q&A.   

Register now

UniMelb Hansen Scholarship Program information session Wednesday 21 February 6pm – 7pm (AEDT) 

The Hansen Scholarship Program is excited to welcome its fifth cohort of students in February 2024. The Scholarship is awarded to talented students from around Australia who have demonstrated resilience to adversity, and a commitment to supporting others. We are hosting an online information session on Wednesday 21 February where students will hear from the Hansen Scholarship Team and current scholars about the program and application process.    

Register now 

UniMelb Residential Colleges Open House Saturday 11 May 

The University’s Residential Colleges will again be holding their annual May Open House event at Parkville campus on Saturday 11 May. Future students and their families are recommended to hold this May date with more event information and registration details to be published in an upcoming edition of our Careers Update.   

For more information 

The University of Sydney Upcoming Webinars

View all USYD term 1 webinars

Electrical Engineering | Wednesday 28 February 4–4:30pm

(Eastern Daylight Saving Time)

If it excites you to know how electricity can benefit our lives, then Electrical Engineering may be for you. Join this webinar to find out about how Electrical engineers design all the electronic devices that have, and continue to, transform society and the practical learning and industry experience in USYD’s Electrical Engineering degree.

University Rankings

Read about how WA universities performed, according to student satisfaction data, in the Good Universities Guide 2023/24 and via QILT/CompareEd. 

University Open Days 2024

Attend University Open Days 2024 to find out what’s available and which campus suits you.

University Admissions 2026

For students who are in Year 11 in 2024

1. How to apply for a place at university, requirements and different pathways
2. Pre-requisites
3. Check out the University Admissions 2026 for a comprehensive list of prerequisites from each West Australian university. 
4. Make an appointment with Ms. Hedley and go through university courses that you might choose. 
5. Make sure you are doing the subjects you need to get into those courses. 

SCHOLARSHIPS

UWA Fogarty Scholarship Program

If you are aiming for an ATAR of 98+ consider going for a Fogarty scholarship. This is a prestigious scholarship that is awarded to 10 outstanding Year 12 graduates each year. To be eligible you must demonstrate outstanding achievement across Years 11 and 12. 

Find out about the program HERE.

Tuckwell Scholarship for 2025

Australian National University (ANU) launched the Tuckwell Scholarship Program in 2013.  The Tuckwell Scholarship Program at the ANU is the most transformational undergraduate scholarship program in Australia.  A Tuckwell is not just about a students’ intellect.  It is also about their desire and determination to use their natural abilities to realise their full potential so that they can make a difference in the world.  All up, one could say, this is no ordinary scholarship!

Scholarships are awarded based on four criteria:

• academic potential and achievements to date;
• other significant achievements to date, of any type;
• demonstration of the Attributes of a Tuckwell Scholar; and
• a desire to eventually give back to Australia.

Tuckwell Scholar students receive:

• $26,000 per annum (2024 rate) (increasing with inflation) for each year of the length of their undergraduate degree, to cover on-campus residential costs, books, and general living expenses
• from 2024, a one-off payment of $1,500 relocation grant for first year Scholars.
• priority access guaranteed to ANU-approved student accommodation
• travel allowances to assist with the move to Canberra and to support two annual return journeys (e.g. airfares) between the Scholar’s home and the University for each year of their degree.
• an allowance to help cover the transport costs for their parents to attend Commencement Weekend at the start of the program, and
• an  ANU Sports Centre membership for the length of their degree.

Applications will open in March 2024.  For more information, browse Tuckwell Scholarship. 

UniMelb | Hansen Scholarship Program online information evening

21 February, 2024

Are you a high achiever completing Year 12 in 2024?

The Hansen Scholarship Program is the University of Melbourne’s most generous undergraduate accommodation scholarship, valued at up to $108,000.

The program rewards high-achieving Year 12 students from across Australia who have faced adversity and are committed to helping others. Hansen Scholars receive free accommodation at Little Hall, generous financial support, tailored academic mentoring and more throughout their undergraduate degree at Melbourne.

Applications for the 2025 program will open on 5 February 2024. In this online information session, you’ll discover more about the range of benefits on offer, as well as the eligibility criteria and tips on submitting a competitive application. You’ll also hear from a current Hansen Scholar and have the chance to ask any questions.

Find out more

AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FORCE CAREERS

Defence Force Work Experience

Defence Work Experience Program provides young Australians interested in Defence as a future career, the opportunity to sample life in Defence and learn more about the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the Australian Public Service (APS). 

The Defence Work Experience Program is pleased to advise that Defence is offering opportunities for work experience activities. As placements are planned and confirmed, they will be advertised through the “Placements” tab. We encourage you to check the website regularly.

Click here to browse face-to-face and online events from ADF Careers. Events take place every week and are repeated throughout the year. Here are some happening soon:

MEDICINE NEWS

Medicine Matrix 2025 (February Edition)

Check out this Matrix of Medicine courses (undergraduate and post graduate) offered across Australia.

University Clinical Aptitude Test 

The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) is an admissions test used by the UCAT ANZ Consortium of universities in Australia and New Zealand for their medical, dental, and clinical science degree programs.  Universities requiring the UCAT are listed at this link - Universities requiring the UCAT but also listed below.  Students intending to apply for courses requiring the UCAT at any of these universities are reminded that they will need to book a test.  

Bookings will open on 5 March 2024 and close 17 May 2024.  The testing dates will be from 1 July 2024 to 9 August 2024.

Students who are preparing for entry into any of these courses are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the format of the test at UCAT Test Format  and the practice tests and preparation material provided at UCAT Preparation.

Institutions that will require the UCAT are:

Find out more at UCAT.

Getting into Medicine in WA

There is good reason to believe medical students are outstanding. 

If you want to apply for medicine:

• Take chemistry: Chemistry is a pre-requisite subject for medicine at most universities across Australia. 

Entry to Medicine for 2025 (UCAT)

Only Curtin University in Western Australia takes students into medicine straight from school*. It was designed as a pathway for West Australian school leavers. 

Candidates from rural and regional areas and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and those from disadvantaged backgrounds will be prioritised. 

• Rural and remote applicants: The Medicine Faculty at Curtin is keen to address the shortage of doctors in the bush in WA. Contact Associate Professor Keith McNaught - Rural Academic Lead, Curtin Medical School at Keith.Mcnaught@curtin.edu.au

There were over 3000 applicants for the 120 places being offered at Curtin in 2024.

• Applicants must have an ATAR of 95 or higher, including Chemistry, with a final score of 50 or higher. (See P4 of the Admission Guide for details.)
• A competitive score on the Universal Clinical Aptitude Test. Bookings for the Test open 5 March. Testing begins 1 July. 
• Applicants then take the Casper Test which was introduced by Curtin last year. 

Please refer to the Domestic admissions guide for information. 

School leavers with an outstanding ATAR may be granted an Assured Pathway into post-graduated medicine or dentistry degrees at UWA.  Find details here:

Doctor of Medicine : The University of Western Australia (uwa.edu.au)

TRAINING AND VET NEWS

Apprenticeship Support Australia

Apprenticeship Support Australia is an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (AASN), contracted deliver skills development advice and solutions to businesses and job-seekers across Australia. We offer employers holistic business-wide training advice and can assist in recommending suitable qualifications, advice on how to access Government funding for training, help with matching and recruitment of new staff, as well as ongoing coaching, mentoring and support of apprentices and trainees.

Link : Apprenticeship Support Australia - WA (cciwa.com)

Year 9 and above - Construction Futures Try a Trade 

Gain construction experience with CTF’s fully funded Try-A-Trade program. Participants get a taste of careers in the building industry and learn what to expect in various trades.

The Try-A-Trade program gives students in Year 9 and above, school leavers and mature-age job seekers, a chance to try various construction trades. 

Selected Registered Training Organisations deliver the courses on behalf of CTF at locations throughout Western Australia. Find details HERE. 

Get an electrical apprenticeship at Electrical Group Training 

Electrical Group Training (EGT) is the largest employer of electrical apprentices in Western Australia. Our apprentices are amongst the safest and best trained in the electrotechnology industry.

See how to get an apprenticeship by going to the EGT site. 

Subsidies for Apprentices

The Commonwealth Government has created incentives for apprenticeships. You can find an overview of incentives for employers and employees HERE. 

SMTAFE Women in Defence Scholarship

Delivered in partnership with industry, the Women in Defence Industry Scholarship provides 6 months of free technical engineering and electronics training. Applications generally open around October/Nov for Semester 1. For information contact Martin.Turnbull@smtafe.wa.edu.au 

Fee-Free Training in 2024 

Find details of the 130 courses that a fee free in 2024.

NOTE: Students must still pay for their tools, uniforms and equipment.

Find details HERE. 

Notre Dame to deliver free Diploma of Nursing

Notre Dame is delivering a Diploma of Nursing in 2024 under the FREE VET courses offering being subsidised by the WA government. 

• Students can undertake the 18-month Diploma, which leads to work opportunities as an Enrolled Nurse. 
• Students may also choose to use their diploma to gain one year credit towards a Bachelor of Nursing. 

There will be a resource fee; however, the course delivery will be subsidised. 

For more information go HERE or email to VETAdmin@nd.edu.au .

SENIOR SCHOOL OPPORTUNITIES

31 March 2024: Applications Close for Rotary Youth Exchange 2025

Rotary Youth Exchange students spend 12 months in a foreign country with board and accommodation provided by host families. 

Students make lifelong friends, expand their worldviews, and have a brilliant time.  

Students must be between the ages of 15 and 18 on the 1 January of the year of their exchange.  Contact Rotary Youth Exchange Western Australia for details on how to apply. 

Fully supported volunteering overseas 

Projects Abroad supports students aged 15 to18 who would like to volunteer to work overseas for approximately two weeks. There is a range of fantastic opportunities available and Projects Abroad support participants through all stages of the experience. Programs cost about $3000.

The most popular High School Special projects include:

You can find more HERE. 

Senior School Language

Here is a quick guide to some of the acronyms and initials that you will her in senior school.  You can download a free copy HERE. 

Weekly WA Police Recruitment Sessions – Saturday mornings 

There is no age limit to apply for the WA Police Force. You must be 17 years and 6 months or older to apply for a Police Officer (Entry-level) and over 17 to apply for Cadet or Police Auxiliary Officer roles. You can register for a session HERE. 

Year 12s - Register NOW for Scholarship Alerts

Set up your infrastructure to support your transition from school at the end of the year. Register for scholarship email alerts at universities of your choice at:

• Good Universities Guide Scholarships page. 
• Your local TAFE college

Check out special needs scholarships like:

• Australian Indigenous Education Foundation
• Australian Disability Clearinghouse on Education and Training 

2025 Scholarships to Boost Diversity in STEM

The Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) has announced 116 scholarships to support women and diverse people to thrive in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers.

Applications for the Elevate program commencing in 2025 will open in early 2024.

GAP YEAR STUDY

Medical Work Experience Overseas for High School Students

Projects Abroad has spent over 30 years helping our participants fulfill their potential and make the world a better place. 

Projects Abroad offers a range of Medical Work Experience programs for high school students, and a number of the destinations are overseas.  These overseas medical programs might be of interest to students keen to pursue studies and careers in medicine and healthcare.

These programs are designed for students in Years 10, 11, and 12 and run in the mid-year break and over the summer holiday.  They are ideal for individuals or groups of friends.

Projects Abroad has been running these programs for over 15 years. They are very popular with students from across Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and North America.

Projects Abroad will be running a free webinar that interested students and their parents might like to participate in.

Date:               Tuesday 27 February 2024

Time:               6:30pm

Register at Projects Abroad Medical Work Experience.

Thinking of Law? Thinking of a Gap Year? 

Projects Abroad has launched Law & Human Rights in Tanzania designed for teens aged 15 to 18. This project offers a unique opportunity to enter the world of justice and make a difference in the vibrant city of Arusha.

Alongside local lawyers, you’ll work on real legal cases, empowering women to defend their rights. You’ll also campaign for critical issues such as illiteracy and domestic violence.

Living with fellow teenagers, you’ll prepare presentations, conduct interviews, and attend court hearings. This provides unbeatable hands-on experience while actively contributing to human rights in Tanzania.

Find out more HERE. 

If you think you might like to do something different in 2025, you could try studying overseas. You can find courses @ hotcoursesabroad. 

Thinking of studying overseas?

If you think you might like to do something different in 2025, you could try studying overseas. You can find courses @hotcoursesabroad. 

Crimson provides services that link you to universities in the US or UK. Crimson staff come to Perth and give presentations each year. 

Register on their site for updates. 

For information about Gap Year opportunities for the end of the year check School Leavers 2025 Gap Year Opportunities HERE. 

CAREER-BUILDING OPPORTUNITIES AND RESOURCES

Register now for Curtin Girls + Engineering Tomorrow 

Runs Terms 2 & 3. 

Register now for Girls Engineering Tomorrow

It is an outreach initiative that aims to support and inspire girls and those whose gender is under-represented in STEM. The initiative offers a range of programs and events to support students at different stages of their educational journey, showcasing opportunities in engineering. 

The program will offer an opportunity to: 

• Receive study support.
• Meet inspiring women in engineering. 
• Connect with our university GET Student Mentors
• Participate in a range of engineering-themed activities and workshops.
• Learn about engineering courses and careers.

Register HERE.

8 March Innovators Tea Party for girls in Years 7 – 9

Hear a panel of women who work in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths fields talk about opportunities and career paths in their industries. 

It’s on 8 March 6.30 – 8pm at Hillview Intercultural Community Centre Bentley.

Register HERE.

WAAPA Junior Academy for secondary school students

The WAAPA Junior Academy is designed specifically for young people who have a passion for performing.

The program runs in 8 week blocks from February to December each year, in line with the school terms.

2024 Courses

• Acting and Performance Making - School Years 7 to 12
• Music Theatre - School Years 7 to 12
• Tell Your Story - (For CALD Students)

Education Coordinator: Gabrielle Metcalf Phone: (+61 8) 6304 6775

Email: explore.waapa@ecu.edu.au

MyFuture – your one-stop shop for career information 

Do quizzes, watch career videos, check out courses and what happens when you get into the job. MyFuture takes you on a career exploration pathway. 

• MyFuture is thorough and delivers loads of free information.
• It is supported by ALL Australian governments. 
• The information is not biased by someone trying to sell you something. 
• They have a strong privacy policy and DO NOT share your data. 

You can register HERE.

WAAPA Junior Academy for secondary school students

The WAAPA Junior Academy is designed specifically for young people who have a passion for performing.

The program runs in eight-week blocks from February to December each year, in accordance with the school terms.

2024 Courses

• Acting and Performance Making - School Years 7 to 12
• Music Theatre - School Years 7 to 12
• Tell Your Story - (For CALD Students)

Education Coordinator: Gabrielle Metcalf Phone: (+61 8) 6304 6775Email: explore.waapa@ecu.edu.au

PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY NEWS

Support for Australian Apprentices with Disability

The Australian Government provides support to Australian Apprentices with disability to help them reach their full potential as skilled workers. A range of assistance is available, including tutorial, mentoring and interpreting services, as well as the Disabled Australian Apprentice Wage Support (DAAWS) incentive, which is paid to employers.

Find out more and how to claim HERE.

Can Do Training for people with disability.

Marilyn Garbin has been around the WA careers education world for some time. She is providing short courses that develop soft skills, for people with disability.   Some courses like these have been cut from TAFE, and Marilyn is addressing the needs identified by families of people with disability.  I went to the graduation of the Term 4 group in December and all participants were supported by a family member or carer. 

Check out the pictures and find out about the courses HERE.

Employment Pathways for People with Intellectual Disability

Everyone Can Work is a website designed to help people with intellectual disability and their families to understand the supports available to get into open employment.

School Leavers kit for students with Disability

A School Leavers Information Kit specifically designed for school leavers with disability has been developed. You can find a copy HERE. 

Entry Roles Supporting Deaf and Hard of Hearing 

Find information about entry roles supporting the Deaf and Hard of Hearing HERE.

SPOTLIGHT 

How to become a Medical Technician 

Medical technicians play a crucial role in the healthcare industry. They are responsible for performing a variety of laboratory tests and procedures to help diagnose and treat patients. You’ll use cutting-edge technology and equipment and work closely with other healthcare professionals, such as doctors and nurses, to provide the best possible care for patients.

Being a medical technician is a fulfilling and exciting career choice for those who are passionate about healthcare and helping others – see if it might be right for you.

What skills do I need as a medical technician?

• Hands-on
• Excellent team worker
• Great communicator
• Patient and kind
• Analytical and thorough
• Adaptable and flexible
• Highly resilient
• Good with technology

What tasks can I expect to do?

• Collect and prepare samples for laboratory testing
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment
• Analyse test results and report findings to medical professionals
• Keep accurate records of laboratory procedures and results
• Adhere to safety and sterilisation protocols
• Report faults with important equipment
• Maintain a clean and organised laboratory environment
• Stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in the field

What industries do medical technicians typically work in?

• Health Care and Social Assistance
• Retail Trade
• Professional, Scientific and Technical Services

What kind of lifestyle can I expect as a medical technician?

There are lots of part-time opportunities available for medical technicians, and the work can be quite flexible. This also means you may need to work late nights, weekends, and holidays too. It’s a medium-sized field that is expecting very strong growth, so jobs are typically plentiful and secure.

Most of your work will be done indoors, in hospitals, private clinics, and other healthcare settings. Because of the hands-on nature of the job, remote work is very rare, though sometimes basic consultations can be done over the phone or via video conferencing.

Most medical technicians earn an average wage.

How to become a medical technician

To become a medical technician, you typically need to complete a post-secondary program in medical laboratory science or a related field. This includes coursework in biology, chemistry, anatomy, and medical terminology, as well as hands-on training in laboratory techniques and procedures.

Many programs also require clinical rotations or internships to provide practical experience in a healthcare setting. Additionally, certification is available to demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field.

If you’re in high school now and are thinking of becoming a medical technician, here are some steps you could take:

• Study English, Mathematics, and Sciences at high school. Completing these subjects will equip you with the basic knowledge you need for further study.
• Contact hospitals and clinics near you and ask about work experience or volunteering opportunities to get a taste of the field and start making connections.
• See if there are apprenticeship or traineeship pathways into this career.
• Be prepared to engage in lifelong learning throughout your career.

Find out more here:

• Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists
• Medical Sciences Council of New Zealand
• Academy for Healthcare Science (UK)
• Medical Laboratory Scientists Association (Ireland)
• American Medical Technologists
• Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science

Similar careers to medical technician

• General Practitioner
• Aged Care Worker
• Registered Nurse
• Physiotherapist
• Social Worker
• Medical Engineer
• Orthotist

Find out more about alternative careers.

Jane Hedley

Head of Pathways and Transition

Direct: (08) 9383 0416

Email: Jane.Hedley@johnxxiii.edu.au