In focus: Community and Careers
You have probably heard the saying “It takes a village to raise a child”. This is definitely relevant when it comes to young people, careers and pathways. The policy makers, schools, employers and key caregivers have a very influential role to play in shaping the futures of our wonderful young people.
The data and research referenced in the previous section, along with our recent workforce disruptions means careers and pathways has a really important role to play in providing opportunity and support to young people with regards to career development, as well as pathways planning and decision-making.
Career education also has an important broader role in challenging stereotypes, sustainable futures and workforce equity.
Government
At the National level we have DEWR with the National Careers Institute, Jobs and Skills Australia and Workforce Australia and the Victorian State Government has also taken steps toward improving career education through the creation of a Career Education Framework https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/curriculum/CareerEducation/Pages/default.aspx and initiatives connected with Transforming Careers which are gradually filtering into all schools. https://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/programs/Pages/transforming-career.aspx
Careers and Pathways at Marist-Sion
Mrs Elly Martin, Mr Ben Gaze, Mr Mark Paynter, Mrs Lexie Fenton and Ms Tammy Barnes are the team responsible for careers and pathways support at Marist-Sion College. Together, we provide a wide range of assistance and programs to support students and with increased time given to Careers and Pathways.
| Careers and Pathways Assistance | Careers and Pathways Programs |
| Work placement and job opportunities | Year 12 VTAC Information Session |
| Job seeker advice | Tertiary Information Service |
| MSCW programs information and advice | Living Library Careers Session |
| VET in Schools | Year 10 Career Day |
| One-on-one appointments | Year 9 Careers Day including Job Skills Expo |
| University options and courses | Inspiring Young People Activities |
| Regular Simon/PAM Careers notices | Morrisby Program |
| TAFE options and courses | Trade Pathways Program |
| Subject selection counselling | Girls in Trade and Girls in Blue Programs |
| Monthly Career Newsletter | Engineering Ahead Program |
| Qualification and pathways information | I am Ready Program |
| GAP options | Access to VET qualifications as part of school program |
| Helpful career resources | Range of careers focussed excursions |
| Key dates and open days | Access to Responsible Service of Alcohol training |
| Tertiary application process, early entry programs, scholarships and accommodation options | Institution, Alumni and guest speakers sessions |
| Year 10 Work Placement |
Parents/Caregivers
“Research indicates that parents are the single greatest influence on their child’s education and career decisions. High parental engagement can have a major impact on the young person’s learning, so every opportunity should be explored to nurture family-school/organisation partnerships.”
We encourage parents to engage with the weekly career notices, this monthly career newsletter, and, where possible via attendance at student career appointments and interviews (in person or via virtual means).
We welcome your feedback and involvement so please do not hesitate to get in touch with the Careers and Pathways team.
As a parent you can also assist your child in many different ways to help develop their knowledge around careers. From a young age your child will start to explore the world around them, including their understanding about work.
For those supporting young people with post-school decision making, Your Career has a really handy Parent and Guardian Guide which will provide a clear and concise summary to give you a broad and basic understanding of the options, resources and support available. Well worth a look – Your Career Parent and Guardian Guide.
Parents and carers might also like to consider the advice and questions offered on the Vic Gov page – Talk to you child about their career
In addition to this, for those supporting young people with disability or learning challenges, there are also some helpful resources available, including a Parent and Carer Guide.
Our parents are also a great network and resource for alumni contacts, so if you or someone you know has an inspiring career story, please reach out so we can showcase these to our community and inspire the next generation.
Employers
We are lucky to have a very supportive community of employers who readily support our students via part-time or casual work, placements and sponsorship for a range of school activities.
The Careers and Pathways Team welcomes contact from employers who wish to provide feedback, information about updates to industry requirements or advertise a position available.
We are also especially keen to showcase any successful, unconventional and varied career stories of past MSCW students via our Careers Newsletter and school events. For the benefit of expanding our College community’s knowledge of jobs and the workplace, please get in touch with Elly Martin if you, or someone you know, might have a worthwhile story to share.