Careers Corner

Year 10 Work Experience by Harrison Byron

When doing Work Experience with Acciona, I was tasked with a variety of tasks over the course of a week, including working with the indigenous Advisor, assisting the Community Team with putting up level crossing removal signs, working with the engineering team on how they are building the Glen Huntly Station and small office tasks. It was an interesting experience that has assisted me in working out my career in trade. 

Head Start

Hi, I am Kristen Kerby, I am your Head Start Industry coordinator for Pakenham Secondary College. 

Head Start is a School-based Apprenticeship and Traineeship pathway for Year 10 -12 students. Head Start students are paid employees who can spend a considerable amount of time on the job and in training whilst still working towards completing their secondary education. Head Start allows students to gradually transition into full-time employment and begin working towards their qualifications on a part-time basis. 

As the school’s Head Start coordinator, I will provide ongoing tailored support to students whilst undertaking their apprenticeship or traineeship. If you are a student who is confident in your career choice, engaged with learning, work ready and responsible, Head Start could be the pathway for you.

For further information contact: 

Email: Kristen.Kerby@education.vic.gov.au 

Mobile: 0499 945 807

Head Start Student Update

Jack Tennant-Watson and Thomas Christie are two students who are part of the Head Start program at Pakenham Secondary College, doing School Based Apprenticeship Training (SBATs). Both students are doing extremely well and are well on their way in their chosen career pathways.

Jack’s employer has informed us that he is doing better than expected for someone his age. He is mature and professional. 

Jack’s performance exceeds that of many older and more mature employees that have preceded him and they are extremely impressed with how he is progressing and his ability in acquiring new skills and knowledge.

Tom is fitting in well and working very well. 

Tom has been covering OHS, packing and processing procedures in his training and learning about all the different products at work. Both aspects are going well and he is enjoying his role immensely. 

Tom spent his Year 10 work experience week with his employer and used the extra time in his workplace to expand his skills and knowledge.

So, you'd like to become a Police Officer

Many students visit the careers office, asking for information on entering the police force. The vast majority hope to enter Victoria Police, as opposed to the Australian Federal Police.  Victoria Police has four diverse careers areas including Police Officer, Protective Services Officer, Policy Custody Officer or positions through the Victorian Public Service. 

To become a police officer, there are eligibility and suitability requirements.  Some of these include applicants being over 18 years of age, an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a special category visa. Past history is also taken into account, checking for character and reputation.  These are just a few of the requirements in this category.

There are no educational requirements however, as part of the recruitment process applicants will need to sit an entrance exam (unless you have an exemption), pass a fitness test, a psychological test and health check, before being interviewed.  This process can take up to six months.  There are courses available to prepare applicants for the entrance exam and these run throughout the year. 

There is a lot of information on their website including videos which explain different components of the entrance exam such as literacy and numeracy requirements. Here is an example of one of these videos (Victoria Police Entrance Exam - Literacy Skills).

For further information, check the Victoria Police website: 

https://www.police.vic.gov.au/police-recruitment-process

Services Australia Indigenous Apprenticeships Program

A pathway to start a career in the Australian Public Service (APS) offering a range of roles across a number of departments and agencies. You could work in:

• Administration
• Policy and Program Development
• Service Delivery
• Finance
• Human Resources
• Information Technology

See here for more information

ANZ Traineeship Program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders 

We provide school based traineeships for Year 10-12 students and adult part or full time traineeships. 

Our traineeships provide the opportunity to complete a certificate level qualification, develop a network of professional relationships, and receive on-the-job work experience while earning.

See here for more information

University and TAFE Open Days

This is the time of year when Melbourne's Universities and TAFEs open their doors to the public and show potential students what they have to offer on Campus.

Open Days are an excellent way to find out which institution is right for you if you are considering further studies in the next few years.

On the day you can:

• Learn more about the course offerings
• Discuss your study options with experts
• Go on a tour and watch demonstrations
• Find out what campus life is like with current students
• Join Q&As and discussions with alumni

and a whole lot more.

Most universities and TAFEs ask you to register before you attend, so please click on the link(s) below to book your place at the Open Day(s) of choice. 

Chisholm Art & Design Exhibition and Tour of Facilities

This will take place at the Chisholm TAFE Frankston Campus on Wednesday, 16th August from 5pm until 7pm. 

This special viewing will showcase Chisholm students Art & Design works and a walking tour of the Chishiolm Art & Design facilities at the Frankston campus.

The Chisholm Art and Design Leadership team will be discussing VETDSS Art & Design 2024 programs as part of this showcase to promote our Visual Art, Graphic Art, Print and Design courses to your students who have an eye and an ear for Art and Design. 

Students to speak to attendees:

• Cert IV in Visual Arts
• Diploma in Visual Arts
• Cert II in Printing and Graphic Arts
• Cert IV in Design (content creation) 
• Diploma of Graphic Design

There will also be a Designer and Visual Arts Guest Speaker at the event.

Parents, guardians, families and students are all welcome. RSVP is required by Friday 11th August. To register please contact owen.burgess@chisholm.edu.au

Victoria University are inviting parents to take part in their Supporting Success – Information for Parents of High School Students webinar.

Date: Tuesday August 8, 2023

Time: 7.30pm

Format: Online webinar

In this webinar, parents will be able to learn about navigating the application process, how Victoria University can help to support the transition to further study and how the Victoria University Block Model leads to proven student success.

They will also provide an opportunity for parents to ask their Future Students team anything else they’d like to know.

Please click here to register