Careers 

Careers Report

It is great to see students back on campus and hear lots of interesting conversations about their subjects and future pathways

Year 10 students are planning for the alternate Work Experience week Monday November 29 – Friday December 3, please see me as soon as possible if you have questions or need some assistance.

In the next few days a letter will be coming home to students who have selected VET programs for 2022. The letter will provide confirmation of placement and information about orientation days.  This process is a bit later this year as external VET providers had to await confirmation to bring students on campus.  If you have any questions or concerns once you have read the letter, please email  careers@scoresbysc.vic.edu.au

This version of the careers news has lots of interesting information including 

• University Terms
• Park Ranger Courses in Victoria in 2021
• Snapshot of Holmesglen Institute in 2021
• New Economics Major in the Bachelor of Arts at Monash University
• November Online Information Series at William Angliss Institute
• VCE Extension Studies in 2022
• Australian Jobs 2021 Publication
• Snapshot of Monash University – Peninsula Campus in 2021

Important dates

Year 12 VTAC very late applications – early November to early December

University Terms

When students are looking into university study, they often come across words or terms they are unfamiliar with.  So, here are a few of the more commonly used terms to help students understand what is being talked about.

Associated Degree – an associate degree is generally a two-year qualification that is made up of two-thirds of a bachelor degree and may be offered by both TAFEs and universities. Students often use this as a steppingstone to the full Bachelor Degree.

Assumed knowledge – refers to subjects the university recommends or prefers a student to have studied at school before starting the course.

ATAR – Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank – the figure used by UAC and VTAC to calculate the entrance ranking for a university course.

Bachelor Degree – the award/qualification a student gains when they have completed studies in an undergraduate course, which takes between 3 or 4 years of full-time study.  This is the traditional starting point of a university qualification.

Bridging Course – an introductory course to help students achieve the preferred entry level to a degree, e.g., a bridging maths course for students who do not have the preferred maths but need it to access a course.

Census Date – the last day a student can withdraw from their university course and not owe fees.

Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) – a student’s enrolment in a university degree for which the Commonwealth government contributes towards the cost of that student’s education (formerly known as a HECS place).

Credit – if a student has previously studied – perhaps at TAFE – and has Recognised Prior Learning (RPL), the student may be able to receive credit for a subject or subjects in their course.  Also often referred to as Advanced Standing.

Double degree – a student can choose to complete a double degree – this integrates studies in two degrees resulting in an award of two degrees, usually after a minimum of 4 years of study. Often also referred to as Combined Degrees.

Defer – a student may choose to delay starting their course.  Deferring an offer of a place might mean delaying for 6, 12, 18 or 24 months. Deferment ensures the student is guaranteed their place in their selected course.

Elective – a subject that is not core to the degree and is often from another faculty, e.g., a commerce student might choose psychology (from the Arts Faculty) as an elective.

Faculty – a department within a university devoted to a particular area of study – so, Faculty of Arts or Faculty of Science

FEE-HELP – a loan scheme for domestic students used to pay all or part of an eligible student’s tuition fees for university courses but cannot be used for additional study costs such as accommodation or textbooks.  A 20% - 25% loan fee applies. 

HECS-HELP – a loan scheme that assists domestic students with a CSP place to pay their contribution. Students may choose to pay their fees upfront or choose to defer payment via the HECS-HELP loan scheme.

Honours – many Bachelor degrees offer a fourth year – called an Honours year.  The Honours year allows students to further focus on a particular an area of interest.  The Honours year can either be integrated into a 4-year Bachelor degree or be offered as a separate year after completion of a 3-year Bachelor degree.

Lecture – a period of teaching given by a lecturer to a large group of students in a lecture theatre; can often be as many as 300 students in a lecture.

Major study – an area within a course that allows in-depth study in a particular field.  More than one major may be allowed in some courses.

Minor study – a grouping of subjects allowing a broader understanding of a few subjects, with less emphasis on in-depth study.

Prerequisite – a set of conditions – usually a completion of a subject – that must be met before enrollment in a subject or course is allowed. 

SA-HELP – SA‑HELP is a loan scheme that assists eligible students to pay for all or part of their student services and amenities fees – so, non-academic fees.

Transcript – this is the university academic record each student receives, like a school report.

Tutorial – a period of teaching given to a small group of students – involving discussion and participation.

Undergraduate – a student studying at university for a first level degree, e.g., a Bachelor degree.

VET Student Loans – a loan scheme for domestic students used to pay all or part of an eligible student’s tuition fees for TAFE courses but cannot be used for additional study costs such as accommodation or textbooks.  A 20% loan fee applies. 

Workplace learning – practical training in a workplace, such as internships or practical work experience. This is a hands-on experience – some universities call it Industry Based Learning or Work Integrated Learning

 Park Ranger Courses in Victoria in 2021  

Park rangers’ control, supervise and manage national parks, scenic areas, historic sites, nature reserves and other recreational areas **

Park rangers may perform the following tasks:

• assist with guided tours and promote an understanding and appreciation of the natural and cultural features of the park
• supervise public visits and inform visitors about park facilities, advising of park rules and regulations, and enforcing these when necessary
• patrol waterways, roads and tracks to observe and report on the park environment, including the condition of animals and plants
• ensure endangered animals and plants are protected, and assist with related research projects
• ensure parks, park facilities and equipment are clean and properly maintained
• assist with wildlife management projects, including surveys and monitoring of wildlife
• participate in search and rescue operations
• supervise and coordinate fire management, weed eradication and pest-control programmes
• investigate and report to supervisors on matters relating to park management
• support local communities in protecting their cultural heritage and in developing sustainable land management practices
• conduct research into the protection and recording of Indigenous and historical sites
• supervise and train park staff and volunteers, and oversee crews of general maintenance workers and contractors
• undertake administrative and clerical duties
• prepare, review and implement reports, submissions, management plans, development proposals and environmental impact assessments
                                                                                     ** Good Universities Guide - Park Ranger   

There are several professional associations park rangers can be part of, and in Victoria it is Parks Victoria.  There are a number of courses in Victoria that prepare students for a career as a park ranger.  Some of these include 

For a comprehensive list of all similar courses, visit VTAC.

Snapshot of Holmesglen Institute in 2021

• Holmesglen was formed in 1982 and has grown.
• Holmesglen offers over 500 courses from eight campuses at six locations, including Chadstone, Moorabbin and Glen Waverley, Bourke Street in the city, St Kilda Road, Futuretech in North Melbourne, and Eildon.
• Holmesglen has invested over $25 million the last few years in building world-class facilities at the Moorabbin Campus.  These include four large teaching wards, microbiology, and bioscience laboratories, two simulation suites, a community apartment, an allied health laboratory, lecture theatres, general teaching spaces, a co-operative learning centre, computer laboratories and teaching and administrative staff offices. The facilities have state-of-the-art equipment, reflective of industry standards.
• In 2017, Healthscope opened Australia's first TAFE-based hospital, the Holmesglen Private Hospital.  The Holmesglen Private Hospital is actually located at the Holmesglen Institute’s Moorabbin campus and provides clinical practice as well as teaching and research for nursing and allied health students.
• The Learning Skills Centre at Holmesglen is there to help students with their studies.  This includes academic referencing, assignment support, note taking, presentation skills, report writing, research skills, study skills, summarising skills, time management.
• Many of the Allied Health programs offered by Holmesglen are taught at the Moorabbin Campus.  These include –
• Allied Health Assistance
• Community Service (including courses in Disability, Mental Health, and Youth Work)
• Nursing
• Pathology and Laboratory Technology
• Students interested in studying Aged Care or Individual Support, are encouraged to browse the following link - Five tips to a Rewarding Career in Aged Care 
• Holmesglen partners with industry, which is a hallmark of what Holmesglen offers, and covers all areas of its teaching and learning disciplines. We ensure this connection extends to our learners through partnerships and placements that enable students to experience contemporary work practices and work in relevant and stimulating environments.
• Holmesglen offers both Free TAFE and Job Trainer courses.

New - Economics Major in the Bachelor of Arts

Economics is now available in the Bachelor of Arts as a major and as free electives in any arts single degree.  Economics is taught by Monash Business School and there are many unit choices.  There is no maths prerequisite – a great option for students wanting to study economics but who do not have Year 12 maths. Find out more at Bachelor of Arts. 

November Online Information Series

William Angliss will be hosting a week of Information Sessions in the week of 22 – 25 November for students keen on finding out more about the range of certificate and diploma courses on offer.  Students can select to register for one or all of the sessions of their preferred study area:

• Tourism Info Session
• Events Info Session
• Foods Info Session
• Hospitality Info Session

VCE Extension Studies in 2022 

• Deakin University – Deakin Accelerate

Deakin Accelerate is a distinctive VCE higher education program that allows students to study two first-year university subjects during Year 12. Studying one subject per trimester, this selective program gives students a head-start into university studies and also provides a potential boost to their all-important ATAR score. Besides the challenge of taking on a university subject, this subject will also count as part of the VCE and contribute towards the ATAR as the fifth or sixth subject.  There are no tuition fees for Deakin Accelerate.

Find out more, including the subjects on offer, at Deakin Accelerate

• Federation University – Advance to University

Advance to University is an opportunity for Year 12 students to study first year university units as part of their VCE.  Successful completion of these units may contribute towards the ATAR, and students get credit towards their university degree.  There are no fees for Advance to University.Find out more, including subjects on offer, at Advance to University 

• La Trobe University – Achieve and Achieve Plus Programs

Achieve is an opportunity for high achieving Year 12 VCE students to complete a university subject in either the first or second semester in their Year 12 and have them recognised as part of their VCE.  Achieve Plus is an opportunity for high achieving Year 12 VCE students to complete a pair of first-year university subjects – one in each semester – in their Year 12 and have them recognised as part of their VCE. Both programs are offered at all La Trobe campuses and subjects are delivered online, face-to-face, or a combination of both.  There are also no fees associated with these Programs.

Find out more, including the subjects on offer at Achieve and Achieve Plus Programs. 

RMIT University – VCE Extension

RMIT’s VCE Extension allows Year 12 students to undertake university subjects while completing their VCE.  These courses are VCAA-accredited towards VCE results and students may be eligible for credit in a related RMIT program.

Students will get a taste of university life; they attend lectures and study on campus with full access to all the services and facilities enjoyed by RMIT students.  VCE Extension subjects are taught at the City campus and are counted towards students VCE and provide a boost to their ATAR.  RMIT charges no fees for RMIT Extension courses.

Find out more, including the subjects on offer, at VCE Extension. 

• University of Melbourne – Extension Program

The Extension Program is an opportunity for high achieving Year 12 students to study a university subject whilst at school which counts towards their ATAR, as well as experience university life.  The University of Melbourne does not charge any fees for participation in the Extension Program.  However, some School Centres where an Extension subject is taught may charge a reasonable fee to cover teaching and administrative costs.  Find out more, including the subjects on offer, at Extension Program.

Australian Jobs 2021 Publication

Australian Jobs gives an overview of trends in the Australian labour market.  It is designed to support students, career advisers, job seekers, those considering future training and work and people interested in labour market issues.  The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the labour market and there is now more competition for jobs.  It is more important than ever to understand what employers are looking for and to understand the labour market students hope to move into. 

Download the publication from the National Skills Commission website. 

Snapshot of Monash University – Peninsula in 2021

• Monash University’s Peninsula Campus specialises in nursing, physiotherapy, paramedicine, occupational therapy, education, and business administration courses.
• There are approximately 4,500 students studying at the Peninsula Campus
• The Peninsula campus has a very vibrant campus life and is connected to the Clayton Campus through free shuttle buses that run between the campuses every day
• There are three faculties offering courses at the Peninsula Campus: the Business Faculty, Education Faculty, and the Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences Faculty.
• Courses offered at the Peninsula Campus include - 

Education

Bachelor of Education (Honours) in Early Childhood and Primary Education *

Bachelor of Education (Honours) in Primary Education *

Bachelor of Education (Honours) in Primary and Secondary Health and Physical Education *

Bachelor of Education (Honours) in Secondary Health and Physical Education *

Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences

Bachelor of Nursing

Bachelor of Nursing and Midwifery (Hons) *

Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Hons) *

Bachelor of Paramedicine *

Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Hons) *

* Only offered at the Peninsula Campus

Monash University offers an excellent Diploma of Tertiary Studies (DoTS) pathway program into a few of its undergraduate degrees.  The pathway programs offered at the Peninsula Campus are: Diploma of Tertiary Studies – Business: Upon successful completion of the DoTS - Business stream students can apply to enter into the second year of the Bachelor of Business Administration (Peninsula) OR the Bachelor of Business (Caulfield) depending upon their mathematics preparation, and their average marks in the DoTS program.

Diploma of Tertiary Studies – Education: Upon successful completion of the DoTS - Education stream students can apply to enter into the second year of the Bachelor of Education (Honours) in several specialisations.

Diploma of Tertiary Studies – Nursing: Upon successful completion of the DoTS - Nursing stream students can apply to enter into the second year of the Bachelor of Nursing.

Browse and learn more about studying at the  Monash University Peninsula Campus

Ms Bronwyn Haines

Careers Advisor