Resources

Senior Secondary Certificate Reform

Victoria is transforming the delivery of senior secondary education with the introduction of two programs that will offer greater access to quality vocational and applied learning pathways, while making sure student achievement is equally celebrated and recognised.

The new pathways, scheduled to be introduced from 2023, aim to provide students with high-quality vocational and applied learning pathways that secure their future, meet the skills needs of the modern economy, and ensure these pathways are celebrated and recognised.

The VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM) is a two-year program within the VCE that will replace Intermediate and Senior VCAL. It will prepare students to move into apprenticeships, traineeships, further education and training, university (through non-ATAR pathways) or directly into the workforce.

The Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) is an inclusive Year 11 and 12 standards-based certificate that meets the needs of a smaller number of students who are not able or ready to complete the VCE (including the VCE VM). The VPC will help students move into a senior secondary qualification, entry level vocational education and training, or straight into a job. Students will be able to start their VPC at any time during the school year and the time to finish the program will be flexible.

The VCAA has reached a major milestone with the accreditation and release of the VCE VM study designs and support materials.

The new curriculum features improved breadth and quality, a simplified structure and reduced repetition. The studies allow students to apply knowledge and skills in practical contexts, including taking part in community-based activities and collaborative projects.

The VPC will soon be accredited, and the curriculum will be released upon accreditation.

Find out more on the Senior Secondary Certificate Reform page.

Careers with STEM: Focus on VET, Apprenticeships and Traineeships

Some great articles and info in this month’s Careers with STEM installment – available here

Careers in Information Technology

Are you interested in IT, but not sure which course to choose? The Monash University ‘Find My FIT’ quiz is a fun way to discover which IT course is your best fit, from data science to games development, https://bit.ly/3513fmt
Careers with STEM especially the Technology section and the Quiz: Should you study computer science or data science?
This amazing website features an interactive ICT career wheel. www.careersfoundation.com.au

Occupations are broken down into the following sections:

Digital design
Security
Specialties
Marketing/consulting
Industry
Software
Hardware
Content

Ocean Youth Program

This amazing program is for young people who are passionate about ocean and marine life sustainability and conservation. You will participate in nature-based experiences and skills-building workshops, and pitch your ideas for ocean conservation. For information, visit www.oceanyouth.org/oy-program/

Career planning for students on the Autism spectrum

Unfortunately statistics relating to post-secondary education and employment for those with autism leave a lot to be desired. MyFuture has released a MyInsights paper relating to this topic and it showcases a resource from Autism CRC called myWAY Employability — an online career exploration and goal setting resource. Students and their career advocates might like to find out more via this link.

National Skills Commission NERO Data Dashboard

What is NERO? The National Skills Commission (NSC) Nowcast of Employment by Region and Occupation (NERO) dashboard provides data on employment levels, both by job and location. It’s a great way to see how the landscape of jobs has changed across Australia, and how it might change into the future. NERO.

Transition of LMIP and Job Outlook: Change is coming to how the Australian Government delivers labour market information. Over the coming months, the Labour Market Information Portal (LMIP) and Job Outlook websites will be moving over to the National Skills Commission (NSC) website, before being decommissioned mid-year. We will be sad to see Job Outlook go, but those interested in the new look version can check out the Labour Market insights.

Career Research Tools

Some tertiary institutions have Career Questionnaire tools on their website, these typically involve a short quiz which provides suggestions about the future of work, careers and/or courses which might be suited and can be helpful for students who are a bit unsure about their preferred course areas. Just be aware that these type of resources might be an unbiased resource. Some examples include:

Free online courses

Have an interest you want to learn more about, for example Block Chain, Climate Change, Mindfulness, and Entrepreneurship? Bit of spare time? Future Learn uses MOOCs to offer a range on online short courses, many free. https://www.futurelearn.com/courses

AATIS Industry Spotlight Videos

To celebrate and raise awareness of the National Careers Week initiative, AATIS has produced several videos spotlighting select industries. In these videos, which are to be released in NCW, they interview key industry participants and delve deeply into all things relating to careers and career development. Check them out here.

Make Your Move

The International Freight, Transport and Logistics industry in Australia offers great careers and pathways opportunities. For more information, videos and case studies students are encouraged to visit https://www.mymv.org/

Complete a free online career planning and job seeker program

The team at My Career Match have developed a free program for high school students that is broken into five key categories:

Career planning
Promoting yourself
Getting a job
Personal development
Wellness

You can choose which categories and lessons you would like to work through. To get started, visit http://bit.ly/2VXfBow

Job Related Videos

55 short (no more than 5mins) behind the scenes videos of various careers brought to you by Student Edge. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLC4jotN_tSTy0ZCt2X5LqVlmyJmfN4TLd

Endeavour College

Endeavour College is launching online short courses across Nutrition, Mental Health & Wellness, Natural Health, and Business. Fees for these offerings are around $300. Click here for more info.

Canadian-based resources to help parents support teen career development

Worth a look, is this extensive list of guides, activities, tools, websites and videos (albeit Canadian) which can assist parents of secondary students with careers and pathways. And as always, I am happy to answer any parent and/or students questions which stem from this https://careerwise.ceric.ca/2020/04/16/resources-to-help-parents-support-teen-career-development/

16 Career Documents to Boost Any Job Search

Another Canadian article by Sharon Graham which is easy to read and relevant to job seekers keen to maximise opportunities. 16 Career Documents to Boost Any Job Search - Career Professionals of Canada (careerprocanada.ca)

Resources, research and ideas to ponder

“Careers is life-long and life-wide.”

Reflecting the CICA definition of Career Development: “The process of managing life, learning, work, leisure, and transitions across the lifespan in order to move towards a personally determined future.” Source: CICA 2021 Summit

How to get a high ATAR – UQ Students provide their tips

In this article UQ got fresh advice from 12 graduates who received a UQ Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship in 2022 by getting an ATAR of 99.90 or 99.95. How to get a high ATAR – The University of Queensland (uq.edu.au)

Gen Z: Life after school infographic

This infographic looks at LSAY participants levels of engagement with study and work, their desire for different work, and what they think about their health. Here are a few snips from the much broader and easy to view infographic, available here