Pathways 

Head Start

We are excited to announce the Head Start model has arrived at VSC offering secondary school students the opportunity to do on the job training that leads to a qualification whilst completing their studies at school. Head Start is designed to give students the confidence, capabilities and skills that employers in growth industries need.

The Head Start program recognises students learn in different ways, have different passions and empower their own career choices. Head Start students receive:

· Career planning advice from VSC career practitioners to find the right pathway

· A Head Start pathway plan is tailored to the specific needs of the student and the employer

· One-on-one support from a Department of Education Head Start Coordinator to keep students on the right track

· Quality assured training through TAFE’s and Skills First contracted providers

· A Secondary certificate such as the VCE, VCE Vocational Major or VPC

· Significant progress towards or completion of a trade qualification

· Payment of a fair training wage

· A tailored pathway into a priority industry career

Head Start provides support for students whilst they undertake a school-based apprenticeship/ traineeship across a range of key industries including building, construction, community services, health, business, technology, and primary industries. Head Start matches students with employers that have genuine workforce needs and helps employers to build their future workforce.

Students undertake a work trial to make sure the placement suits all parties. Depending on the employer and student needs a Head Start apprentice or trainee can increase their hours of paid employment as they progress their studies. For example a student might have employment for:

· one day per week in Year 10

· 2 days a week in Year 11

· 2-3 days per week in Year 12

Head Start apprentices and trainees are able to work at their place of employment on weekends and in the school holidays and depending on the stage of their training plan, can transition into full time apprenticeship or traineeship once they leave school. Year 12 may be completed over 2 years if required on a reduced subject load. 

Head Start also supports students in their first year post-secondary school, to help the transition into full time training and employment an easier process.

If you interested in discussing the Head Start program more and would like to meet with the regional Head Start Coordinator please contact Pathways. 

Students will need to complete an expression of interest form and are encouraged to watch the compilation video https://vimeo.com/543441634/d0542cc9d8

VCE VM Class

 Our VM students have had an exciting couple of weeks attending several curriculum based excursions. A collaborative VM unit was undertaken at the Healesville Sanctuary, followed by a career event at the Box Hill Town hall hosted by Gateway LLEN with the opportunity to meet and chat with several industry and tertiary stakeholders. Concluding the term with an adrenaline fuelled excursion to the Grand Prix for the Work Related Skills unit. For more information please refer to the VCE VM page of the Newsletter.

Year 10 Pathways > Careers Fast Track (CFT)

So far, 40 Year 10 students have completed their quizzes, refined their portfolios and had a 1:1 careers counselling session with Rob our CFT counsellor. This invaluable process helps students think about and plan for the future, setting goals and selecting subjects in senior school that align with their future pathways.

CFT counselling will continue into Term 2 and we encourage all remaining Year 10 students to complete at least the following 4 quizzes during the school holidays to enable printing of their individual career portfolio required for interview:

 * Career area interest quiz 

* Personality quiz 

* Values quiz 

* Skills quiz 

The CFT program is 3 stage process and must be completed sequentially and is very different from the Year 9 Morrisby program which focused on individual aptitudes. The two programs combined will create a more holistic individual pathways plan enabling future planning and goal setting.

To get started copy and paste the highlighted link below into your web browser. On the registration page complete the "My Personal Details" section only then submit. Start with the first quiz and ensure a tick is recorded against each completed quiz on the main page before moving to the next quiz. Careers pathways quiz

Work Experience

Work experience participation is optional at VSC, however we strongly encourage all students aged 15yrs+ to get involved in this very beneficial and rewarding program. Students can undertake Work Experience every year until they graduate VSC.

Work experience provides young people with a taste of the real world of work and a clearer understanding of a particular industry, field or business they may be interested in pursuing in the future. It assists in career discovery and exploration, goal setting and decision making whilst preparing students for senior school, future tertiary studies, apprenticeships, traineeships or full time work.

There are no designated time frames for students to complete placements as we believe a flexible delivery arrangement provides students with a better opportunity to meet the availability and operational time frames of businesses and industries within the community. This also means we are not competing with other local schools which can limit student’s placement opportunities.

Placement dates are arranged through consultation and negotiation between the employer, school and student to maximise the experience.

Drop into Pathways to discuss further and collect the ‘Preparing for the Workplace’ pack.

Certificates & Traineeships add value to the VCE 

All accredited external VCE subjects such as Dance, Drama and Languages contribute to the VCE. Student’s need to present the Assessing School Notification Form to Pathways for enrolment on VASS the VCE software program. Additionally some work certificates and traineeships in Retail, Hospitality and Sports Coaching undertaken as part employment can often provide credits towards the VCE. Students studying a certificate or traineeship via a training plan in their workplace such as McDonalds, KFC, Hungry Jacks or retail environment are encouraged to bring in the completed certificate or training plan to have added to VASS.

Inclusion students

Aspergers Victoria are offering a ‘Teen Work KnowHow’ program with a pathway for teens to understand themselves in the world of work, including the development of positive job readiness skills that are practical, empowering and specific to each individual learning styles. Students also receive supported work experience placements in the July and September school holidays. Students who participate in this program leave with more career understanding, improved self-confidence and useful tools to help map their own working future. Click on the link for further information and resources. https://aspergersvic.org.au/

Deakin Campus Tours

Any students interested in studying at Deakin University post-secondary school can attend informative campus tours over the upcoming April School Holidays. Click on the link for more information and to register your interest Deakin Campus Tours | Deakin 

ATAR notes 

ATAR notes provide free seminars to support all Australian students in achieving academic goals with the assistance of quality resources and the guidance and support from recent graduates. From 11-14 April ATAR notes are offering free online lectures during the school holidays for students in Years 10, 11 and 12 with special presentations from La Trobe University and Deakin University.

La Trobe University Session 

Aspire Early Entry Program - Tues 11th April from 12-1pm Investigate a degree in law and criminology - Tues 11th April from 2-3pm Explore arts, social sciences and communications – Wednesday 12th April from 12-1pm Discover a career in health science – Wednesday 12th from 2-3pm 

Deakin University Session 

Everything you ever wanted to know about Deakin Uni – Wednesday 12th April from 10–11am 

ATAR Notes for Students 

How to get Top marks! – Friday 14th April from 1-2pm 

ATAR Notes TuteSmart How TuteSmart can help you succeed – Thursday 13th April from 4-5pm 

Register for the ATAR Notes free events via the link: atar notes

ADF Gap Year Program 

Open for Enrolment, a Gap Year in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) is a unique opportunity for students to experience life in the Navy, Army or Air Force without needing to make a long-term commitment. The skills obtained through a 12-month ADF Gap Year program will provide them with experiences that are completely transferable and will help them develop confidence for their next endeavours.

Students who take part in the ADF Gap Year program will grow and develop in a dynamic, supportive and people-focused environment. They will: 

• Gain valuable skills and work experience 

• Enjoy a great salary package plus free healthcare 

• Live a varied, active and healthy lifestyle 

• Make friends with like-minded people 

• Have the opportunity to see more of Australia

There are a variety of roles for students to select from. These include experiences in management, engineering, logistics and warehousing, combat and security, and administration. Browse over fifteen roles available for students. 

Employment Opportunities

Apprenticeships > students must be 18yrs and have their drivers licence

· Commercial Refrigeration apprenticeship available located in Scoresby

· Carpentry apprenticeship available for family business in Wheelers Hill

VU Sport Coaching Opportunities April School Holidays

The VU Holiday Sports Program is looking to recruit new coaches for the April sports program. This program is suitable for students aged 16 years + looking for work over the school holiday break and may lead to ongoing work each school holidays.

The VU School Holiday Sports Program runs a range of sports such as soccer, basketball, netball and AFL and multisport during the school holidays. The program is aimed at children aged 5-12 years and is a great opportunity for young adults to explore the coaching and teaching world. Students are not expected to be available every day of the program and must be willing to obtain a working with children's check, First Aid and CPR certificate.

Program dates: 

Tuesday 11th April - Friday 14th + Monday 17th April - Friday 21st April

For more information contact: Email: sportscamps@vu.edu.au Phone: 9919 4460 https://www.vu.edu.au/school-holiday-sports-programs

Pathways Website – www.vscpathways.com

Did you know VSC has its own careers website? It’s a ‘One Stop Shop’ for everything you need to assist with Career planning, research, information and help, available 24 hours a day. To access the website please click on the link vscpathways.com or go to the VSC website and click on the Pathways tab. 

Features:

· Latest news and events

· Senior school options

· Work experience and OH&S in the workplace

· VET – Vocational Education and Training

· University Admissions requirements through VTAC

· Find what careers suits you & course discovery

· Interactive Career bullseyes

· Gap Year

· Resume creation & finding a job

· Youth allowance and money matters

· Informative career videos

· Plus lots, lots more to help individual career development

Career Development is the lifelong process of managing life, learning and work (paid and unpaid) over our lifespan. The ability to make informed decisions, manage and transition through change for a personally determined future.

Young people build their career development through self-awareness; understanding how they make decisions and how these decisions impact future aspirations through exploration, identifying interests, values and preferred

learning styles through careers exploration activities such as Morrisby in Year 9 and Careers Fast Track in Year 10. The ability to research a wide range of career options helping them to select subjects they may enjoy learning whilst aligning to tertiary course pre-requisite requirements in the future or apprenticeship/traineeship requirements and work.

Career development is further enhanced by juggling the expectations and requirements of school with extra-curricular activities like sport and family responsibilities, part-time work, community involvement and social interests. 

To further assist your Career Development please visit vscpathways.com an easy to use interface with links to a multitude of career resources for both Students and Parents. We encourage all VSC students and their families to explore the Pathways website to assist in making positively informed decisions about their future.

We wish our VSC community a safe, restful and Happy Easter and term break. Stay Safe. Stay Well. Stay Connected.

VSC Pathways Team