Careers

Year 12

With Year 12 students nearing the end of their schooling just a quick reminder that we are still here to support you to achieve your career aspirations in the future. For those students who have made VTAC applications, please make sure you are checking your emails for important information that may come up regarding the courses that you have selected. If you have any questions or require help to talk through your course preferences reach out to your Careers Practitioner on TEAMs and make an appointment. Parents are most welcome to attend. Exam results and ATAR’s will be available on 11th December at 7am. The Careers Team will be available to discuss your results and course preferences at GSSC from 11th – 13th December. No booking is required.

Work Experience – Year 10

Year 10 students have the opportunity to do work experience this term. Work experience is a great way for students to see what different occupations are like. The college has set aside a week from 30th October to the 3rd November for students interested to have this experience. There is a detailed process that students must follow to be able to participate  so if interested make a time to see your Careers Practitioner to discuss.

Further Career News

YEAR 12 STUDENTS

VTAC

Nursing courses

Complete the nursing and midwifery English language proficiency declaration form via your TAC account/s.

Initial Teacher Education Courses

Victoria

To be eligible for initial teacher education courses in Victoria, you will need to do the following:

• Meet academic admission requirements, including a minimum ATAR and course prerequisites. 
• Complete and pass a test designed to assess your suitability to be a teacher (measures personal competencies such as ethics, empathy, and communication skills). 

Test options include:

Casper test

Sit this test to be eligible for all Victorian universities, https://takealtus.com/

Australian Catholic University (ACU)

Students applying to ACU in Victoria for initial teacher education courses can complete the free ACU Teacher Selector Statement. This is can only be used for entry into ACU initial teacher education courses. It can be used as an alternative to the Casper test, or in addition to it, https://bit.ly/3rAvGTq 

Monash University

Has just introduced the Monash Teaching Suitability Test. This is a free online test and can only be used for entry into Monash initial teacher education courses. It can be used as an alternative to the Casper test, or in addition to it, https://bit.ly/3tgzrhl 

La Trobe University

Will soon launch the La Trobe University’s Aptitude for Teaching Assessment (AFTA). This is a free online test and can only be used for entry into La Trobe initial teacher education courses. It can be used as an alternative to the Casper test, or in addition to it.  Use this link to apply for it - https://www.latrobe.edu.au/courses/short-courses/aptitude-for-teaching-assessment-afta

NSW/ACT

To be eligible for initial teacher education courses in NSW/ACT, you will need to:

• Meet academic admission requirements, including a minimum ATAR and course prerequisites. 
• Complete the Teaching Questionnaire in your UAC account or a motivation to teach questionnaire direct to the university.

Additional forms, tests, auditions etc.

You may need to complete additional tasks or tests to be eligible for selection into your dream courses (e.g., performing arts, fine art). Double check the selection requirements for the courses you’re applying for. 

Resources

Download resources from https://slmcareerresources.edublogs.org/

Other states

Access information about course applications via:

Latest university ratings

THE GOOD UNIVERSITIES GUIDE

The latest batch of ratings from The Good Universities Guide are here! These rating highlight unis that scored highest in various categories, from student experience to graduate outcomes. Check them out via www.gooduniversitiesguide.com.au 

ARTISTIC PERFORMERS ENTRY SCHEMES

Some universities have entry schemes for people who have been heavily involved in performing arts during their high school studies. Applicants must be recognised by an organisation by such as:

ABC Concerts, Actors Equity Australia, Australian Chamber Orchestra, Australian Dance Council, Australian Dance Theatre, Melbourne Theatre Company, Musica Viva, Opera Australia, The Symphony Australia Orchestras, Victorian Opera. 

The following are examples of universities that offer a performer entry scheme:

ELITE ATHLETE ENTRY SCHEMES

Are you an elite athlete? Did you know that you may be eligible for a range of benefits as an elite athlete at university or TAFE? This could include:

• ATAR adjustments towards your selection rank for entry into courses.
• Academic planning advice and course flexibility. 
• Negotiation of assessment deadlines and attendance at lectures and tutorials. 
• Support with special consideration, exam relocation, and studying classes at other universities or online if you’re travelling for training or competitions. 

The Elite Athlete Education Network (EAEN) provides ‘a network of Australian Institute of Sport endorsed providers in the areas of higher education where athletes can learn and equip themselves with qualifications, knowledge and skills for future careers beyond their sport.’

Applicants must be recognised an organisation by such as:

Australian Institute of Sport, state institutes or academies of sport, AFL Players Association, Australian Cricketers Association, Australian Professional Footballers Association, and national Squad members from Sport Australia funded sports. Note – some universities recognise emerging athletes from eligible organisations. 

For information on endorsed institutes and the application process and dates for each institute, visit www.ais.gov.au/career-and-education/eaen

VICTORIAN INSTITUTES

What universities don’t place scholarships through the VTAC scholarships system?

• The University of Melbourne and Federation University: apply for all scholarships direct.
• Australian Catholic University: apply for equity scholarships via the UAC system by 8 December as well as direct to the university by the relevant due dates, www.acu.edu.au
• Monash University: apply for scholarships via the VTAC SEAS system.

Important to note

Closing dates vary between institutes for direct scholarships and some scholarships close early. For example, many direct scholarships to RMIT University close in October. 

NSW & ACT COURSES

If you have applied to the university directly and not via UAC, contact the institute to confirm if you have to complete a UAC Equity Scholarship application. 

For most institutes, regardless of the application method, you will still need to complete a UAC Equity Scholarship application as well as apply direct to the university for scholarships.

RESOURCE

To learn about Government and external scholarships, download a scholarships guide from https://slmcareerresources.edublogs.org/ 

ACCOMMODATION

If you plan move away to study your course, you may need to consider accommodation options. If you would like to live on-campus, you will need to start considering your options now as some universities are ‘first in, first served’.

STEPS TO APPLY FOR ON-CAMPUS ACCOMMODATION

• Make an Excel sheet or table in Word.
• List the universities you are applying to.
• Google the university name and the term ‘accommodation’ (e.g., Monash University accommodation).
• In your table, list the types of accommodation available (e.g., studio, shared apartment, catered, non-catered).
• Then list the weekly or yearly price for each option and the contract period.
• List the application method, the closing date, cost to apply and if a deposit is required.
• Speak to your family about budget considerations.
• Then tick off the accommodation you have applied for once this is completed.

CRITICAL CONSIDERATIONS

Private student housing

Some universities are affiliated with private student accommodation companies such as UniLodge, Scape, and Yugo. Whilst you will generally receive an offer quickly, you will be required to pay a large deposit to secure your place. If you don’t end up living there you may not be able to get your deposit back. 

Costs can add up if you are applying for accommodation at multiple universities, so budget carefully. 

First in first served

Some accommodation providers approve applications in the order they are received, so apply early.

Closing dates

Some accommodation providers will have closing dates – make sure you apply well in advance. 

Scholarships

Some accommodation providers offer scholarships, and some have early closing dates for applications. 

ACCOMMODATION RESOURCE

Download from https://slmcareerresources.edublogs.org/ 

ALL STUDENTS

TAFE AND POLYTECHNIC APPLICATIONS

Students planning to study at a TAFE or Polytechnic institute next year are encouraged to contact the organisation/s to find out the following:

• When applications open and close
• What the application process entails (e.g., apply direct to the institute or via a Tertiary Admission Centre)
• If there are additional selection requirements such as a portfolio or interview.
• If there is an information session running.
• Back-up courses they should also apply for (e.g., Diploma of Nursing and Certificate III in Individual Support – Aged Care).

Applicants will most likely have to complete a literacy, language, and numeracy test once they apply for the course. 

Note: some universities offer TAFE courses. For example - 

Federation University

Victoria University

RMIT University

Swinburne University.

Speak to your school Career Adviser to narrow down the best institutes for the study areas you’re interested in. 

APPRENTICESHIP AND TRAINEESHIP PATHWAYS

Students planning to start a traineeship or apprenticeship next year are advised to start preparing now.

Get specialised support

Register with local Group Training Organisations (GTOs) and Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (AASN) providers. Staff from these organisations are highly skilled and can assist you through all stages of finding, securing, and undertaking an apprenticeship or traineeship. Search for organisations via www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au 

Work experience

Speak to your work experience coordinator at school about completing work experience before the end of the school year.

Update your resume and create a cover letter

Work with your career adviser to update your resume and to create a cover letter you can tailor for job applications.

‘Cold call’ businesses

Why wait for an opportunity to present itself? Send your resume and a tailored cover letter to the businesses you would love to secure a traineeship or apprenticeship at. 

Explore the Australian Apprenticeships Pathways website

This website contains fantastic resources for young people interested in pursuing a professional trade or traineeship. Some of the resources include:

• Job and training descriptions
• Career interest explorer
• Job pathway charts
• Information on apprenticeships and school-based apprenticeships
• Literacy and numeracy quizzes for different industries such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and hairdressing. 

To explore the website, go to www.aapathways.com.au 

Note: this website will close on 31 December and information will be transitioned to this website - www.apprenticeships.gov.au 

FREE SHORT COURSES

Ashurst UK: Building your personal brand

In this free virtual 6-hour program you will work on your personal branding, develop a LinkedIn profile, and learn how to brand yourself to potential employers. You will receive a certificate and you can complete the program on your own time, https://bit.ly/3EcbStr 

Artificial intelligence

Careers with STEM has written an article on free AI courses offered by:

Harvard’s edX Learning Platform

IBM

Microsoft

Access the article via https://bit.ly/3ZH3Bq9 

AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FORCE ACADEMY (ADFA)

Current Year 11 students who are considering applying for ADFA are encouraged to start their application now. You can complete the YOU (Your Options Unlimited) session at a local Defence Force Recruiting Centre or online. 

During this session, you will complete an aptitude test which will narrow down the roles you are eligible for. If you don’t achieve the marks required for your desired role (e.g., pilot), you can retake the YOU session in Year 12. 

University degrees offered at ADFA are:

• Arts
• Business
• Science
• Engineering – Aeronautical, Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Naval Architecture
• Computing & Cyber Security
• Technology – Aeronautical Engineering

For information visit www.defencejobs.gov.au 

For information on the YOU session and to register, visit - http://bit.ly/2Tyn8Yp 

SUMMER SCHOOLS

Indigenous Australian Engineering School (IAES) 2024

The IAES will be held at Sydney between 14 – 20 January 2023. Year 10 – 12 participants will experience:

• a fully sponsored week-long program 
• exploration of various engineering fields 
• site visits, cultural activities, and more 
• networking with industry professionals 
• recreational fun on Sydney Harbour.

For information and to express an interest in the program, visit https://bit.ly/3QZtLSX  

University of Melbourne - VCE Summer School

The University of Melbourne will run a two-week summer school in January for students entering Year 12 in 2024. Applications haven’t opened yet, but students can read about the program and complete an expression of interest for the program via https://bit.ly/47RACUg 

Magnify Music Camp

Magnify is an intensive high-level skills camp for high school students between the ages of 14 – 18 who are serious about career success in the field of music. Run by Box Hill Institute, the camp will run between 15 - 20 January 2024. There will be a final concert on Friday night, where students can show off their newfound skills. Entry is by audition and there are only 30 places. The cost is $450, https://bit.ly/45idxrc 

UPCOMING CAREER EVENTS

BUILD YOUR DREAM TECH CAREER

Careers with STEM is running an exciting webinar for students who are passionate about STEM on 1 November at 1pm. In this webinar you’ll ‘meet an entrepreneur who has a goal of growing plants on the moon, an ecologist who uses machine learning to protect threatened species and a virtual reality expert who is exploring how gaming and immersive technology is reshaping the way we work and learn’. Register via https://bit.ly/3ZD1y6F 

MEDICINE AND DENTISTRY

Current Year 11 students who are considering applying for undergraduate medicine and/or dentistry courses in the future may need to sit the Undergraduate Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) in Year 12 for the 2025 intake, www.ucat.edu.au 

NIE is running a free webinar on 15 November that will cover the following questions:

What is UCAT? UCAT scores? UCAT Sub-tests?

The Undergraduate Selection Criteria

Application process into universities for medicine and dentistry.

When and who can sit the UCAT.

UCAT vs GAMSAT - How is UCAT different?

Can you prepare for the UCAT?

Undergraduate medical school interview explained and medical school interview preparation advice.

Gap Year.

Alternative degrees and career choices.

Students and their families can register for the webinar via www.nie.edu.au 

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

Are you considering a career in occupational therapy? Austin Health is running a Career Night at the Austin Hospital on Thursday 19 October at 5pm. Students will have the option of attending virtually via Microsoft Teams. There will be a combination of interactive workshops and speakers throughout the night. 

You’ll hear from clinicians experienced in the following occupational therapy specialisations:

• Acute
• Rehabilitation
• Hand Therapy
• Spinal Cord Injury
• Oncology and Palliative care

RSVP by 12 October via this link https://bit.ly/3F7Kyvz   

AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FORCE

Interested in a career in the Army, Navy or Air Force? Check the amazing career information sessions running across the country and online, www.defencejobs.gov.au/events 

AUSTRALIAN CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY (ACU)

Talk with Industry webinar – nursing, midwifery and paramedicine

Hear firsthand from ACU’s distinguished Nursing, Midwifery, and Paramedicine graduates in this exciting webinar running on Thursday 5 October. Discover exciting courses and envision your dynamic career in healthcare. Don’t miss this opportunity to step into a world of opportunity and inspiration in these vital healthcare fields. Your future in healthcare starts here!

ACU scholarships seminar

Unlock your potential with over 700 scholarships available at ACU! These scholarships embrace diversity, celebrating students of various backgrounds and abilities, not just academic high achievers. Participate in an information webinar on 22 November to hear success stories from current recipients and navigate through the application process seamlessly. Register your place for the above events via www.acu.edu.au/about-acu/events 

SANTOS SCIENCE EXPERIENCE

Agriculture

The University of Melbourne is running an exciting 3-day program at the Dookie campus between 29 November – 1 December 2023 for Year 9 and 10 students. Dookie campus is a working farm - a centre of agricultural research and teaching. You will join scientists and agricultural student mentors in hands on activities in the laboratory and paddock investigating real world issues. 

There are 10 places left and accommodation is available at an additional cost. Book your place via www.scienceexperience.com.au 

VICTORIA POLICE

Are you keen to explore careers in the Victoria Police? An online information session is being run on Thursday 26 October. Students and their families are welcome to attend. Register for the event via https://bit.ly/3uBvCOQ 

The GSSC Careers Team

Careers Leader – Natasha Boyko

Neighbourhood 1 Biyala – Susan Barr

Neighbourhood 2 Dharnya – Graeme Crosbie

Neighbourhood 3 Bayuna – Dan Watson

Partnerships Manager – Mary-Ann Linehan

Industry Engagement Priority Cohorts Coordinator – Colleen Wilkinson