Pathways 

Pathways Newsletter 1st May 2023

Congratulations Hongru (Aaron) W of Year 11 Stirling house who experienced a fantastic study abroad opportunity over the term one holidays; visiting Switzerland, Italy and the UK arranged by Crimson Education.  The study trip included a visit to the UN and campus tours of the prestigious Cambridge and Oxford Universities in the UK.  Aaron travelled alone with other students from the Crimson program and has graciously provided Pathways with a brief description of his personal experience and photos to share with the VSC community.  Well done Aaron, you are an inspiration to others!  This life changing experience has opened your eyes to the many career and course opportunities that present themselves both locally and globally! 

Over the school holidays, I went on a study tour to Switzerland, Italy and the UK.  One of the highlights was attending the United Nations, Palais des Nations in Geneva and participation in a Model United Nation conference in Milan; with teenagers who share the same interests in discussing global issues.  Before the conference, we had to submit a resolution to a certain global issue.  Successful solutions would be presented and discussed at the conference.  Luckily, mine was successful and I was able to present my proposal to the entire group which was very exiting!  I’m holding the microphone in the image above.   Another highlight of the study tour was the opportunity to visit the highly respected University of Cambridge and University of Oxford in the UK.  We were able to explore the architectural buildings, grounds, speak to lectures and academics and research courses offered to assist in future course selections aligning with my personal career aspirations.    I was really motivated and inspired by this trip.  While my view of the world was broadened, I enjoyed my time, found things I am passionate about and made lots of new friends who share similar interests. 

VCE + Careers Expo 2023  

Thursday 4th, Friday 5th and Saturday 6th May from 9am-3pm - Caulfield Racecourse 

This is Australia’s biggest education and careers event which has been running for over 30 years!  Tickets can only be purchased online via the link.  https://www.vceandcareers.com.au/  General admission is $12 per person or $30 for families (3-5 members, with at least one parent).   Speak to University, TAFE and training providers at the event.  Lots of VCE resources, information and services including apprenticeship & employment organisations, cadetship opportunities, tutoring, career advice, study skills, GAP year and youth services programs.   View the visitors Guide in the link below. https://issuu.com/remagazines/docs/317123_12pp_self_cover_vce_visitor_guide_expo_23?fr=sN2EzOTU5NzI3OT 

International Students Careers Expo 2023  

16 VSC international students from Years 10, 11 and 12 attended a Career Expo at the Melbourne Town Hall yesterday with Cindy Wu our VSC International Coordinator and Jennifer Fagarason from Pathways.  The event was arranged by AIDE ISSP - International student support program and offered our students the opportunities to speak to representatives from the tertiary sector, explore scholarship opportunities and participate in a treasure hunt with prizes awarded.  By all reports the students and staff had a wonderful afternoon.  Congratulations to Cynthia Y who won the door prize! 

 Year 10 Pathways > Careers Fast Track (CFT) 

We have a large volume of Year 10 students that have not completed the CFT quizzes.  We have refined this process so students only need to complete 4 quizzes to enable a CFT interview with Rob.  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.  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.  Parents/Carers please encourage your child to complete this activity asap(click on highlighted link).  http://asp2.careersfasttrack.com.au/Assessments/Enrol.aspx?id=EslTrVyQaqY%3d&quizid=1,2,3,4,5,6,7,9 

* Career area interest quiz 

* Personality quiz 

* Values quiz 

* Skills quiz     

Head Start 

The Head Start model is now available 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 supports 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 

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, apprenticeship/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.  Students are required to present the Assessing School Notification Form to Pathways for enrolment on VASS the VCE software program.  Some certificates and traineeships in Retail, Hospitality and Sports Coaching undertaken as part of employment can often provide credits towards the VCE.  Eg. McDonalds, KFC, Hungry Jacks or similar retail or hospitality environment are encouraged to bring in the training plan or completed certificate with statement of results for this information to be added to the VCE VASS software database.    

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/  

FREE RMIT Tech and Trades Experience

 RMIT is hosting a FREE Tech and Trades Experience Day for Years 10, 11 and 12 students and parents/carers on the 29th June 2023.  Students can experience hands-on workshops from various fields in Future Technologies and Trades to gain practical knowledge, tour facilities and interact with teachers, current students and industry.  Lunch is provided and prizes on offer!  Click on the hyperlink below to register attendance https://www.rmit.edu.au/events/2023/june/tech-and-trades-experience-day  

 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 

 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