Careers Corner

Update on Year 12 Student Nei Mang Ciokip and His Successful Transition from School to the Workforce

Year 12 student, Nei Mang Ciokip, initially signed up with BuildOz in early September 2024 for a School-Based Apprenticeship Training (SBAT) program, just before completing his Year 12 VCE Vocational Major. Since finishing school, Mang has transitioned to working full-time with BuildOz in his carpentry apprenticeship. He recently caught up with Kristen Kerby, our Headstart Industry Coordinator, and shared that he is doing exceptionally well and thoroughly enjoys working with the BuildOz team. Mang has developed strong relationships with his colleagues, and they appreciate having him as part of their crew. Kristen also spoke with site supervisor, Cooper, who praised Mang for his excellent work ethic and progress. Mang has now started his Certificate III in Carpentry with Skillinvest and is continuing his onsite training for his apprenticeship.

HeadStart will continue to monitor and support Mang, as well as all of our SBAT students, for six months post-secondary school to ensure they stay on track and successfully transition into full-time apprenticeships.

We wish Mang and all of our Year 12 students the very best and are excited to see which paths they will take in the coming year and beyond.

Life After the ATAR 

Many of our VCE students will be waiting anxiously for their ATAR result.  Some will be excited with their score, others will be disappointed.  It is important to remember that life doesn’t stop just because you didn’t get the score you had hoped for.  There are so many pathways into further studies these days and, if you are aware of how to navigate these, there is still a chance you will get to where you want to go.  It might just take a little longer to get there.

Please click on the button below for an article titled, “7 Things you need to know about life after Yr 12”. It is worth reading as it covers several areas students need to consider.

As always, we are here in the Careers and Pathways office to help students or parents at any time.  We wish all Yr 12 students waiting for their ATAR, good luck. We wish all Yr 12s the best in their future endeavours.

So you want to be a Veterinary Nurse...

What is a Veterinary Nurse?

Veterinary Nurses provide support to Veterinarians in the management and care of animals receiving medical care and surgical treatment. The job involves providing animal care advice, and preparing, delivering and reviewing animal care education programs. Vet Nurses may also act as a receptionist, accept payments and undertake clerical work. 

What skills and strengths are needed?

• Enjoy working with animals and handle them with confidence and patience
• Able to make accurate observations
• Good communication and teamwork skills
• Caring and understanding

What are the pathways?

You usually need a Certificate III or IV VET qualification and you can also become a Veterinary Nurse through a traineeship. Some Veterinary Nurses hold a Diploma/Bachelor qualification.

Box Hill Institute - https://www.boxhill.edu.au/course-areas/veterinary-nursing/

TAFE Gippsland - 

https://www.tafegippsland.edu.au/courses/find_a_course/courses/courses_by_department/animal_sciences/veterinary_nursing/certificate_iv_in_veterinary_nursing

*  These courses have recently been added to the list of FREE TAFE through the government.

**  There are several other courses offering Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing however, they are quite a long way away from Pakenham.

Early Childhood Teacher v Early Childhood Educator

With the growing number of jobs within the Early Childhood sector, it is easy to confuse some of the titles however, they are not the same.  Check the image below which outlines the duties attached to each of these roles.

Teachers hold higher qualifications, eg. a Bachelor qualification, and are required to deliver higher level duties such as planning and leading sessions, assessing children’s learning and behaviour. Educators assist teachers, therefore, require a Certificate III or above.  They can commence this training while they are completing their senior years in secondary school through a VETDSS program. 

Some Certificate and Diploma courses are on the government FREE TAFE list which can save students a significant amount in course fees. With the introduction of 3 year old kinder, there are many job opportunities.

Possible pathways:

Certificate III Early Childhood Education and Care (arrow right) Diploma Early Childhood Education and Care (arrow right) Bachelor of Education Primary &/or Early Childhood degrees*

* Check with the appropriate university as some may not accept this pathway 

https://www.chisholm.edu.au/Courses/Diploma/Early-Childhood-Education-And-Care

Cyber Security Activities

The number of students visiting us in Careers and Pathways, seeking information on Cyber Security, has grown dramatically.  With the ever increasing dependence on technology, we are becoming more vulnerable to security risks.  As a result, the demand for cyber security is rapidly increasing and positions are available in almost every industry.

What education or training do I need?

Cyber Security education is available from Certificate IV courses onwards. The higher the education, the more opportunities available.  A range of institutions in our area offer these courses.

A pathway example at Swinburne University of Technology is as follows:

• Certificate IV in Cyber Security - 1 year - preferred Yr 12 (must have at least Yr 10 or equivalent) - Complete BKSB (Literacy and Numeracy testing and be at a specific level)

The type of careers this qualification leads to may include cyber security technician, computer helpdesk support, network security support.

• Diploma in Networking and Cyber Security - 1 year minimum - Yr 12 or equivalent (Certificate IV) - Complete BKSB (Literacy and Numeracy testing and be at a specific level)

Graduates will be prepared for an in-demand career as a network and system administrator, help desk professional, or system and network technician or security professional.

• Bachelor Degree in Cyber Security - 3 years - Yr 12 (at least 20 in English) and ATAR - at this point of time they will guarantee entry into this course with an ATAR of 70

Graduates of this course will have developed extensive skills associated to the cyber security of systems, networks, and programs. Via a combination of technical units and those with embedded industry-relevant projects, graduates will have demonstrated contemporary technical abilities, teamwork, oral and written communication skills. Examples of specific careers include cyber analysts, penetration testers, security consultants, and information security officers.

When you use a pathway, you may get credit for any similar units you have already completed thus, reducing the time of your qualification. As with many courses, there is a range of pathways as a mature entry student. 

The Australian Government has developed a range of fun problem-solving activities for those interested in this field.  As well as the puzzles, there is further information regarding cyber security. “We’re looking for people with curious and creative minds who will bring new ideas and skills to our organisation. Decoding hidden messages, cracking codes and revealing secrets is a large part of the work that we do. Test your problem-solving skills with our unique challenges and puzzles designed by ASD staff.”

If this sounds like you, visit: https://www.asd.gov.au/careers/puzzles-and-challenges

Emerging Jobs - Find Your Future

Wondering which jobs are taking off?  Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) has done the research, and has found 37 emerging roles across fields like health, tech, sustainability, and science.

What are Emerging Jobs?

Emerging jobs are roles that have appeared in the job market recently or are expanding fast.  They’re not just rebranded old jobs - they’re all about new skills and responding to our changing world.  The fields stated above are growing which means more opportunities and a need for new skills.

Why do Emerging Jobs matter?

Understanding where jobs are heading helps you plan for the future.  For example, knowing what’s in demand can help you choose subjects and skills that set you up for success.  Emerging roles mean fresh opportunities so explore these roles find your future!

For further information, Click on the button below or visit: https://www.jobsandskills.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-11/emerging_roles_report.pdf

Victoria Police School Leavers Career Information Session

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CHANGE OF PREFERENCE

University Events

Monash Change Day

Chat with the course advisors about studying at Monash University in 2025. 

Friday 13th December from 2pm until 5pm at Clayton Campus

Federation University - Berwick Study Expo

Looking into further study? Get the advice you need at our Berwick Study Expo.

Study Expo is a great opportunity to visit your future campus and discuss your study plans with an experienced advisor before making your final decision.

You can also find out about a wide range of pathway options, scholarships, flexible online and part-time study options as well as attend one of their information sessions:

13th December at 11.00am - High School Students and Parents: Uni Pathways and a guide to Uni

Free TAFE Courses

Get the skills you need without the tuition fees 

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