Pathways and Transition

JTC Career Tools

Thank you for taking the time to read through the Pathways and Transition component of the John XXIII College weekly newsletter. To get in touch regarding matters concerning Pathways and Transition, please contact Jane Hedley, Head of Pathways and Transition: 9383 0416 or jane.hedley@cewa.edu.au . Students and parents can also book a time to see Jane using this.

In this week’s Pathways and Transition newsletter read about:

• Pathways and Transition at John XXIII College
• Career conversations (support for families)
• University open days 
• Defence Force events
• University news
• Year 10 Opportunities
• VETDSS courses 
• Medicine News
• Gap year resources
• Training and VET news
• Senior school opportunities
• People with a disability news
• Spotlight – Bond University

Pathways and Transition at John XXIII College

At the Parent Information Evening held in Term 1, Jane Hedley delivered a presentation titled, 'All about Pathways and Transition'. Jane outlined the Pathways and Transition services and education program offered to students at John XXIII College. She also outlined the three main pathways offered at John XXIII College (in Years 11 and 12). To review the slides from the presentation, click the button below. These are also accessible via SEQTA documents, under 'Pathways and Transition'.

Career Conversations (support for families)

May – June Department of Education Career Conversations

Career Conversations are a series of free events run by The Department of Education (and supported by CEWA and AISWA.) Advice is given regarding how families and young people can talk together about careers and pathways.

You can register for one or more of the events HERE. 

Hear about:

• exploring university and training pathways
• career pathway information for young people with disabilities
• where to find accurate, up-to-date career pathway information
• where the jobs are
• what employers and industry are looking for

Understandably, some families may not have been able to make it to the Career Conversations workshops. Please find attached a useful resource which might be helpful for parents. 

University open days 2023

ANU at JTC 17 May

The Australian National University (ANU) will be visiting John XXIII College at lunchtime in the Gonzaga Barry Lecture Theatre on Wednesday 17 May. All students with any interest or curiosity in studying at Australia’s Number 1 ranked university are welcome to attend. Please kindly fill out this EOI form.

18 – 21 May 2023 Perth Careers Expo

Not exactly a university open day but the Perth Careers Expo is the biggest collation of career information available in Western Australia each year. Universities, colleges, employers and employment service providers all turn up to provide you with information and connections to a future career. 

All Year 10 students at John XXIII College will attend the Perth Career Expo as a school excursion.

Families

Families can support their students to make considered career choices by going to the Careers Expo with them. 

Peer Support 

It is also helpful to go with a friend from school as they may be able to find things that will interest you. 

Check out details here.

Click the hyperlinks to register for upcoming university open days.

Open Day Cheat Sheets

Open days can feel a little overwhelming. These posts from WA Career Development Practitioner Bev Johnson may help you to have fun and increase your chance to find a path that speaks to you. 

Year 12 – Choosing your university: Tips and Advice for Open Days

It is getting to crunch time. Early applications for university in 2024 open on 1 May. You need to get into some serious research to make sure you are making the right decision. 

To read quick tips and advice on how to make the most of your day go HERE.

Year 11 – A Step by Step Guide to Open Days I 2023

Year 11 results are taken into account if you apply for an early offer. By knowing what university you want to go to and what course you want to take, you can focus on achieving the required ATAR and prerequisites. 

Big Tip: Plan to go with a friend. If they know the sorts of things you are looking for, they will ask questions that you may not think of, and give you good feedback. 

To read the Step by Step Guide go HERE.

Year 10 – Ready, Steady, Go to University Open Days

Before you make your Year 10 subject selection, go to university open days to find out what courses you are interested, what ATAR score you need and what prerequisite and recommended courses you should take. 

To get information and advice on how to make the most of Open Days go HERE. 

Defence Force events 

7 May applications close: Air force Careers Day

This is a day of experiences. Students need to register so that all get a chance to experience the activities. 

An Aerial View: Air Force Careers Day (20 June 2023) Job Ref - WEP/01097/23

• 20 June 2023
• RAAF Base Pearce Great Northern Highway, Bullsbrook WA 6084
• Air Force

Information Pack Word Document Information Pack PDF Document

• Start New Application
• Access Existing Application
• Preview Application Form

9 May Perth Defence Careers Information 

Are you interested to learn about the wide range of roles available in the Navy, Army and Air Force?

Join us at an upcoming info session and speak with current serving members about their own experiences. You'll have the chance to ask any questions you have about Australian Defence Force careers and opportunities.

It is highly recommended you book as soon as possible to avoid missing out as places are strictly limited!

Defence Force Recruiting Perth, Level 7, 66 St Georges Terrace, Perth, WA 6000

Find information HERE. 

16 May Defence Trade Careers Information 

Apply your existing trade skills or receive world-class training in order to work with formidable military assets and enjoy the many benefits of a career in the Australian Defence Force.

To find out more about available trade roles, come along to an info session and speak with current serving personnel.

Defence Force Recruiting Perth, Level 7, 66 St Georges Terrace, Perth, WA 6000

For more information go HERE.

Check here to learn about and register for any additional events held over the coming weeks in Perth and online. 

UNIVERSITY NEWS

1 May Early Offers for 2024

Year 12 students will be able to apply for a place at a university in WA for 2024 from Monday 1 May. As yet, we do not know when offers will be released to students. Students who decide to submit an early application will not have an advantage over other applicants who do not apply early. 

Curtin Undergraduate Course Guide 2024

The 2024 Undergraduate Course Guide is out. 

Curtin is the biggest university in Western Australia and has strong industry links, international study opportunities and excellent student accommodation. 

Check out the courses, then check COMPARED to see what Curtin students think of their student experience. 

Check out the Curtin Undergraduate course guide 2024 HERE. 

10, 17, 31 May Curtin Pathway Support

Thinking about applying to uni but have a few questions about the various pathways on offer?

Come down to Curtin Connect to chat with one of our Future Student Advisors about your pathway options, including ATAR entry, Portfolio entry, enabling pathways, and more!

We’re here to run you through your options, give you tailored advice and discuss what your journey to Curtin could look like. Bring your questions along and we look forward to seeing you there. 

Get details HERE. 

Curtin Early Offer Application Advice

Every Thursday in May 8:30am – 4:30pm

Are you in Year 12 and keen to lock in an early offer to Curtin? Let us take the pressure off and help you with your application.

We’ll be opening up Curtin Connect, our central hub of information on campus, for you to come down and talk to a Future Student Advisor on how to submit a successful early offers application.

Applications for early offers open through TISC from Monday 1 May 2023, so join us every Thursday in May from 8:30am to 4:30pm to sort out your application and secure an offer for Semester 1, 2024.

Read about it HERE. 

Notre Dame Undergraduate Course Guide 2024 

The 2024 Undergraduate Course Guide is out. 

Demand for courses at Notre Dame is increasing. They get good reviews from current students in COMPARED. 

Check out the new Notre Dame Undergraduate Course Guide for 2024.

Notre Dame Assured Pathway to Podiatric Medicine

This undergraduate pathway is for academic high achievers who have not already started any post school studies. 

SHORTER PATHWAY

Assured Pathway students who undertake the Podiatric Health & Medical Sciences will commence the Doctor of Podiatric Medicine in the second year, reducing the overall study period by one year. 

Find more information HERE.

Bachelor of Biomedical Science 

Students may also be interested in the Bachelor of Biomedical Science pathway at Curtin.

Changes to Notre Dame English Language Entry Requirements

From 2023, the minimum English language requirement for entry into Notre Dame Undergraduate programs will be:

• Successful completion of secondary studies in Australia (WACE in WA).
• Successful completion of an AFQ Certificate IV or higher from an Australian RTO[1] 

Programs also have academic requirements which may be at a higher level. 

Notre Dame Core Curriculum

Notre Dame has always had a Core Curriculum for undergraduates. They have updated it this year. 

Notre Dame is launching a new core curriculum. At the undergraduate level, students will now undertake the following two courses.

1. ‘Foundations of Wisdom’ is a course which integrates faith and reason, theology and philosophy.
2. One of five new elective types embedded in the study of philosophy and theology.

The core curriculum primarily serves to build essential critical thinking skills. It allows students to collaborate between disciplines, tackle ethical problems and consider how they can achieve their career ambitions while building a better world.

Find details HERE. 

Notre Dame Undergraduate Diploma of Exercise & Sport Science

Eligible school leavers can undertake our new Undergraduate Diploma of Exercise & Sport Science as a pathway into some programs at Notre Dame University. 

This specialist program will introduce students to methods used in exercise science to assess health status, provide basic exercise delivery, and understand the beneficial effect on human physiology. It also develops student’s study skills for further study or work.

10 May UWA Health and Medicine Courses

Are you a current Year 11 or Year 12 planning to apply for one of UWA’s Health and Medicine courses? Join us at our upcoming information session on Wednesday 10 May to find out everything you need to know about UWA’s Health and Medicine courses, entry requirements, how to apply and career opportunities.

This event will be live-streamed for those unable to join us on campus.

Find details and register HERE. 

10 May UWA 2024 Early Offers and Entry Pathways Info Session

Are you a current Year 12 looking to kick-start your career journey at UWA? Join us at our upcoming information session on Wednesday 10 May to find out everything you need to know about UWA’s entry pathways for 2024 including, Early Offers, Experience-based entry and the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT).

This event will be live-streamed for those unable to join us on campus.

Find details and register HERE. 

UWA Future Students Athlete Program – On-Campus Tour and Webinar

The UWA Future Student Athlete Program is here to support emerging and developmental players in Years 10, 11 and 12 who are considering university study. Future student athletes can sign up online here. 

Through signing up members will gain exclusive access to our On-campus Tour and Webinar which will be held in April (parents and students welcome).

Providing a unique insight into life as a student athlete and support mechanisms available to assist student athlete’s pursuit of achieving their dual career aspirations.

If you have any further questions regarding this program, please contact:

performance@sport.uwa.edu.au

Accelerate! UWA Music Program for Years 10 - 12

Accelerate! is UWA’s elite training program designed for players in Years 10 to12 who are looking to take their performance and creative music skills to the next level.

In 2023, Accelerate! is offered across all instrumental areas, and voice. Participants will enjoy workshops, masterclasses and receive expert individualised input on performance skills, exam tips, musicianship and more!

Places are strictly limited, and entry is through application and audition. Full scholarship program (no cost to participants). Register now!

UWA music teaching resources for new ATAR music syllabus

The UWA Conservatorium of Music has developed a range of online resources to support music teachers and students across WA. 

This suite of resources has been designed around the new ATAR Music Syllabus.

Copies of UWA’s ATAR set-works analysis booklets are also available from concerts@uwa.edu.au     

 View online resources here.

New Admission Pathway to UWA

The University of Western Australia has launched Experience-based entry, a new pilot program to enable a broader range of students to apply for entry to study at UWA. The program recognises there are many ways to measure a student’s potential to succeed at university and will consider students’ backgrounds, experiences and circumstances when assessing applications.  Entry is a points-based system; applicants require 100 points for successful admission to one of UWA’s Comprehensive bachelor degree courses. 

Some examples of points* include:

*points weightings are subject to change- use Eligibility Checker for best indication of likelihood of entry.

Read more from UWA here and use the UWA eligibility checker here.

UWA Fogarty Scholarship Program

If you are aiming for an ATAR of 98+ consider going for a Fogarty scholarship. 

This is a prestigious scholarship that is awarded to 10 outstanding year 12 graduates each year. 

To be eligible you must demonstrate outstanding achievement across Years 11 and 12. 

Find out about the program HERE.

UWA Parents Space

Help your teenager figure out what to study or navigate their transition from secondary school to uni! Find advice, tips and all the info you wish you knew when you were a teenager, shared by other parents and guardians like you.

New Courses at UWA

We have an exciting range of new courses on offer for 2023. To meet the growing demand for skills that address today’s shifting economic, social and technological landscapes, we're expanding our internationally recognised degrees. 

Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice

A degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice draws broadly on knowledge and perspectives from a range of disciplines including Law, Psychology, History, Anthropology, and Geography. Be exposed to the breadth of contemporary Criminology and Criminal Justice issues with UWA's new Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice.

Bachelor of Modern Language

The Bachelor of Modern Languages enables students with a particular interest in world languages and cultures to study two languages in depth. Students achieve a high competency in the four macro skills of reading, listening, speaking, and writing, while acquiring a range of transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving and interpersonal skills. 

Choose from Chinese, French, German, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish. All languages are available to absolute beginners. Chinese, French, German, Indonesian, Italian and Japanese also have higher entry points depending on prior study or background knowledge.

It is also possible to combine the Bachelor of Modern Languages with another degree, such as the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), Philosophy (Honours), Science, Arts or Business. More info: tinyurl.com/4teajkn2

Scholarships

At UWA, we award more than 600 scholarships to our coursework students, totalling $6 million – the most of any WA university.

Applications for scholarships in Semester 1, 2023 close Monday 6 March.

For scholarships enquiries, contact the UWA Scholarships team on 08 6488 3834 or courseworkschols@uwa.edu.au.

ECU Student Ambassador Recruits

These ECU students are available to speak to high school students about their courses and experiences at ECU. 

Because they are close in age to school students, and because they have had recent transition from school experience, they know the concerns and needs of school students. 

Find more about how to engage with a student ambassador HERE. 

ECU West Coast Eagles Partnership

ECU and the West Coast Eagles has formed a partnership designed to provide expertise to a new generation of people wanting to belong to Australia’s significant sports industry. 

The partnership is designed to support students studying:

• Exercise and Sports Science
• Media and Communications
• Commerce (sport business)
• Sport, Recreation and Event Management 
• Marketing, Advertising and Public Relations

To find out more go HERE. 

ECU promotes non-ATAR Pathways

Students rate ECU as the top university in Western Australia for student experience. It is therefore well placed to support students to enrol and succeed through non ATAR entry pathways. 

You can check out ECU Non-ATAR Pathways HERE. 

ECU Uni Prep

ECU has three UniPrep Courses designed to support students to gain skills required to succeed at university:

1. UniPrep (Accelerate) 4 weeks.
   1. Available for students with near miss ATAR between 55 – 69
   2. Intensive 3 unit version of UniPrep
   3. 4 weeks on Joondalup campus
       
2. UniPrep (Summer) 8 weeks.
   1. Available for students with an ATAR below 55 or no ATAR
   2. 8 weeks from the end of November through till end January
       
3. UniPrep General
   1. Available for students who achieve English competency.
   2. Run for one full semester.

ECU ATAR High Achievement Scholarship

ATAR High Achievement Scholarship

• ATAR of 90 or higher (unadjusted)
• $3,000 scholarship in two payments in your first year

ATAR Outstanding Achievement Scholarship

• ATAR of 97 or higher (unadjusted)
• $5,000 for each full year of study for your chosen course

ECU Engineering Excellence Scholarship

• Valued at up to $20,000, $5,000 per year.
• Available to high performing Year 12 students who have achieved an ATAR of 94

ECU Science Excellence Scholarship

• Valued at up to $15,000, $5,000 per year.
• Available to high performing Year 12 ATAR students

ECU Equity Scholarship

• Up to $1,500 per semester for the duration of the course

ECU Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Scholarship

• Valued at $3,000 per year for each full-time year of study.

24 May Murdoch Years 11 and 12 Parent and supporters information Evening

Help your child take the leap from secondary school to university!

There are hundreds of study choices for school leavers. We’re here to help you through this exciting new chapter in your teen’s life by providing all the information you need to guide them through Years 11 and 12 and beyond.

Join us for a Parent Information Evening where we'll cover:

• Course options
• Understanding ATAR
• Application processes
• Key dates
• Fees & Scholarships

Find more information HERE. 

Studying Law at Bond University - Let Bond Law drive your career! 

Recently Bond University introduced a new specialisation that focuses upon the law, the science, and the human, social and commercial implications of climate change.  Students in the Bachelor of Laws have the option of specialising in climate law and practice by completing a Climate Law specialisation.  Interested students are encouraged to browse the website to familiarise themselves with the structure of the Bachelor of Laws course and browse the Climate Law specialisation and read the list of climate law subjects. 

News from ANU 

Applications for 2024 Entry

Current domestic Year 12 students who intend applying directly to ANU for undergraduate study in 2024 are advised that direct applications open on Wednesday 1 March 2023, and close on Monday 15 May 2023. 

Students can start their applications at any time and log back in, as needed, to complete the process.

Students will need to include their co-curricular activities with appropriate supporting documentation, as well as complete a Year 11 Results Form.   

Students are advised to read through the Application Information before applying at Applying to ANU. 

ANU Course Information 2024

Ms. Hedley recently travelled to ANU to attend their Career Adviser Day and Open Day. There are some updated resources for students to consult in the Pathways and Transition office- please visit. Those interested in attending ANU should also browse this resource to see all the latest information and tips for applying to courses in 2024. 

YEAR 10 OPPORTUNITIES

24 May ECU Year 10 Parent Information Evening 

Joondalup Campus 6-7.30pm

If you don't know what subjects to pick next year or you just want to find out about uni and the courses we offer, this is a great opportunity to have a chat with our friendly Future Student Engagement Team! Find details and register HERE. 

24 May Murdoch Year 9 and 10 Parent and supporters information Evening

Assist your child as they navigate senior secondary school and the journey to tertiary studies!

Join us for a Parent Information Evening where we'll cover:

• Course offerings
• How to help your child choose preferences
• Understanding university lingo
• Fees & Scholarships

For any queries about this event, please contact us on engage@murdoch.edu.au .  

Rind more information HERE. 

Year 10 Subject Selections for University 2026

If you're in Year 10, the TISC University Admission 2026 (available end Term 2/early Term 3) will help you choose your senior secondary courses, so that you can meet university entry requirements. Check the undergraduate admissions information that applies to the year in which you'll be commencing your university study.

Curtin Year 10 Course Guide

Year 10s will soon be required to make subject selections for years 11 & 12. Check out the Curtin Year 10 Course Guide then go to the Curtin Open Day to find out more information. 

VETDSS Courses

John XXIII College offers our non-ATAR senior students the opportunity to travel offsite one day per week to undertake VETDSS (Vocational Education and Training Delivered to Secondary Students.) The table below lists some of our partner RTOs (Registered Training Organisations). Click the links to browse the courses on offer. Please get in touch with Jane Hedley or Kelli Beaton, should you wish to discuss how you, or your child, may combine offsite VET with their senior school studies at John XXIII College.

For families who already have a student studying an off-site VET course, please take the time to review the College and RTO expectations for students studying offsite VET- click the button below for an overview of expectations and tips for students (and parents of students) studying offsite VET. When parents and students understand what is involved in undertaking an off-site VET course, they have the best chance of succeeding in their endeavours. 

MEDICINE NEWS  

Curtin Medicine admission update

There are some important updates to entry applications for our 5-year Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery course.

Changes to the entry requirements for the 2024 intake

Applicants will be required to undertake the Casper test and can register for one of four set dates. Further information will be available in our Admissions Guide, which will be updated in late May.

Predicted ATAR forms are no longer required for those undertaking their WACE. The Curtin Medical School will use the TISC system for predicted ATAR calculations, which should alleviate the workload for schools.

We would also like to stress to school leaver applicants that bridging units are not sufficient to meet the chemistry prerequisite. Though not a change, it is a question that is often raised by school leavers.

Changes to the entry requirements for the 2025 intake

As well as the above, the chemistry prerequisite needs to be met within the 5 years prior to admission to the course. This will not affect school leavers but will affect non-school leavers and graduates who are applying to study medicine after completing other studies.

New Pathway to medicine at UniSQ

If you’re looking to become a Doctor, you know you’ll need to study one of the few (and competitive) degrees out there that lead to your chosen career. The University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) are now making it easier for regional students to realise their dreams, launching the Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences (Medicine Pathway). Upon successful completion of this degree (with a GPA of 5.0) you’ll automatically gain entry into the Doctor of Medicine at the UQ Rural Clinical School in Toowoomba.

Read more here.

Getting into Medicine in WA

There is good reason to believe medical students are outstanding. This year there were one hundred successful applicants for medicine at Curtin from 2700 applicants. 

If you want to apply for medicine:

• Take chemistry: Chemistry is a pre-requisite subject for medicine at most universities across Australia. 
• Rural and remote applicants: The Medicine Faculty at Curtin is keen to address the shortage of doctors in the bush in WA. Contact Associate Professor Keith McNaught Rural Academic Lead, Curtin Medical School at Keith.Mcnaught@curtin.edu.au 

Check Do you want to study medicine in WA post.  

Entry to Medicine for 2024 (UCAT)

University Clinical Aptitude Test 

The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) is an admissions test used by the UCAT ANZ Consortium of universities in Australia and New Zealand for their medical, dental, and clinical science degree programs.  Universities requiring the UCAT are listed at this link - Universities requiring the UCAT.  Students intending to apply for courses requiring the UCAT at any of these universities are reminded that they will need to book a test. 

Bookings will open on 1 March 2023 and close 17 May 2023.  The testing dates will be from 3 July 2023 to 12 August 2023.

Students who are preparing for entry into any of these courses are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the format of the test at UCAT Test Format  and the practice tests and preparation material provided at UCAT Preparation.

Institutions that will require the UCAT are:

Find out more at UCAT.

Medicine Matrix February 2024

Open the below PDF to see the 2024 Medicine Matrix – a list of where students can study Medicine around Australia, a snapshot of the entry requirements for each place and whether it is offered as an undergraduate or graduate course.

Undergraduate Medicine at Monash: Entry Infographic

Free Online Student Guide

Students considering studying medicine or dentistry are invited to access the iCanMed website for information about where to study medicine and dentistry, what the entry requirements might be, and all things related to the UCAT test required for most medicine courses.  This is an excellent ‘go to guide’ to use as a resource.

Medicine Updates from Notre Dame University

New Graduate Diploma in Paramedicine

New Biomedicine Pathway into Medicine

From 2024 Notre Dame will offer a guaranteed pathway into the Doctor of 

Medicine for their own top Biomedical Science Graduates.  

In 2024 there will be 15 places granted based on:

1. Their Grade Point Average in Biomedical Science degree (how good their results are). You can check how the Grade Point Average is calculated for medicine at Notre Dame HERE. In 2022 students commencing Doctor of Medicine had a Grade Point Average of 6.53 (out of a possible 7)
2. Their GAMSAT (Graduate Medical School Admission Test) results
3. An Interview – These are a series of mini interviews which are rapid fire and stressful. 

Pre Medicine Certificate

Notre Dame delivers a Pre Medicine Certificate that students undertake in addition to their full undergraduate degree. Successful completion of the course guarantees AN INTERVIEW if you meet the required Grade Point Average and GAMSAT requirements. It does not guarantee a place in the Doctor of Medicine course. Students must assess how much doing the Pre Medicine Certificate will impact on their Grade Point Average and GAMSAT scores. 

GAP YEAR RESOURCES

Defence Force Gap Year

If you are not sure what you want to do next year, check out the Defence Force Gap Year program.

• You get paid. 
• You have somewhere to live. 
• You learn new skills. 
• You travel and you meet new people. 

These are just three or the many careers that you can choose from. 

Find out more HERE. 

Letz Live Gap Year Opportunities

Have the time of your life by taking a Gap Year after school or live and breathe a new city with a working holiday. Either way, get out there and live in the real world!

Applications for 2024 Gap Year programs are now open with applications closing on 9 April 2023.

Letz Live offers Gap Year and Working Holiday  opportunities in Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Thailand or the United States of America. 

Year 12 students are encouraged to browse the links provided to determine if any of the programs on offer appeal.

Gap Year Opportunity – AgCareer Start

During COVID lockdowns, backpackers from all over the world couldn’t come to Australia. The government set up AgCAREERSTART program designed to address the worker crisis and introduce Australian school leavers to a variety of careers in agriculture. 

You can identify where you would like to go and what sort of farm you’d prefer. There is funding for travel and support from the AgCAREERSTART team. 

If you are not sure what to do when you leave school, or if you would like to earn some money before you start uni, check out the opportunities at AgCAREERSTART. 

Medical Work Experience Overseas for High School Students

Projects Abroad has spent over 30 years helping our participants fulfill their potential and make the world a better place. 

Projects Abroad offers a range of Medical Work Experience programs for high school students, and a number of the destinations are overseas.  These overseas medical programs might be of interest to students keen to pursue studies and careers in medicine and healthcare.

These programs are designed for students in Years 10, 11, and 12 and run in the mid-year break and over the summer holiday.  They are ideal for individuals or groups of friends.

Projects Abroad has been running these programs for over 15 years. They are very popular with students from across Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and North America.

TRAINING AND VET NEWS

Apprenticeship versus University (skills)

Some students may feel torn when choosing between university and an apprenticeship. However, they may not realise that both approaches require similar skills for success.

Whether pursuing a degree or an apprenticeship, students must possess technical, communication, time management, adaptability, customer service, and safety skills. 

This infographic from Migas Apprentices and Trainees is a useful visual prompt to consider the similarities between skills required for apprenticeship and university pathways.

Discounted Driving Lessons for Pre-Apprentices

This is part of a new Drivers Licence Support Program which is removing barriers for young people training in the building and construction industry as part of the Government's efforts to get more workers into construction. 

The Construction Training Fund's $1.26 million Driver's Licence Training Support Program gives students the opportunity to obtain a driver's licence while ensuring apprentices entering the construction workforce are job ready. 

For more details, please click here

Strong employment outcomes for apprentices 

The proportion of apprentices and trainees employed after training remained high in 2022, according to the latest report from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER).

• Apprentice and trainee outcomes 2022 shows that 94.9% of apprentices and trainees who completed their training in a trade occupation were employed after training, Of these, 67.7% were with the same employer as their apprenticeship or traineeship.
• For those who completed training in non-trade occupations, 89.3% were employed after training, up 1.7 percentage points from 2021, of which 70.9% were with the same employer as their apprenticeship or traineeship.
• 84% of non-completers, from both trade and non-trade occupations, were employed after leaving their training.

You can read the report HERE.

West Australia Defence Space Capability Training in Exmouth

WA is about to start building its capacity to engage in strategic naval and space capabilities at the Harold E. Holt defence base in Exmouth.

South Metro is joining forces with defence space capability partner Raytheon Australia to train its Exmouth workforce. 

If you think working in the space industry is where you belong, contact South Metro TAFE to find out more. 

MPA Skills: Apply now for a 2024 Plumbing or Painting Cert II qualification

Students at John XXIII College who are currently or intend to study a Training Direct Pathway in Year 11 or 12 may apply now for a one year Cert II Plumbing or Cert II Building and Construction (Painting) pre-apprenticeship through MPA Skills. These courses are part of a VET Delivered to Secondary Students program. Interested students and/or families MUST talk to Ms. Hedley before applying. 

WA Training AWARD Winners 2023

Take a look at the inspiring stories of the 2023 WA training Award winners. Click the hyperlinks in the attached document, to watch the videos. 

How much do apprentices get paid in 2023?

If you're thinking about an apprenticeship but want to know how much you'll get paid, this article from Group Training Organisation, MIGAS, will help. 

For some young people, apprenticeships may be the perfect way to start building a career and getting paid while doing so. But how much can you expect to hit your bank account every week?

Here is an infographic from MIGAS, illustrating the difference in pay between university students and graduates and apprentices.

Take the Leap

North Metro TAFE has a new game that helps you to discover why you do what you do. It leads to an end game jobs map. You can check it out HERE. 

Australian Apprenticeships Pathways 

Australian Apprenticeships Pathways is an Australia-wide information hub. Students and parents can find an abundance of resources and tools here, to learn about Australian Apprenticeships and research career options. Check out their Students section to learn more about what an apprenticeship is, read through the information for parents and friends or take some of their career quizzes to see what kind of apprenticeship might suit you. The Insiders and Advisers section contains some useful downloadable resources such as career flowcharts for different industries and career areas- see the automotive career flowchart example below. 

South Metropolitan TAFE gains key role in WA defence industry plan

South Metropolitan TAFE in Western Australia will receive new state-of-the-art training equipment under the state’s latest defence industry blueprint that will give it a key role in naval manufacturing. 

The Western Australian Defence Industry Workforce Development Plan 2022-27 was launched last week. It sets out the approach to skilling WA's defence industry workforce through collaboration across schools, TAFEs, specialist training providers, universities, and unions.

Construction Futures Pre-Apprenticeship Scholarship Program

Take the first step towards a career in construction while still at school with our Scholarship Pre-Apprenticeship Program. The course is designed to combine work experience, training and education while helping students explore and plan career options.

The Construction Training Fund Scholarship Program is an innovative way to get a head start and work towards a building and construction apprenticeship. Suitable for Year 11 and Year 12 students, our Pre-Apprenticeship Scholarship Program is highly regarded by employers and may provide credits or reduced time as an apprentice.

Each year scholarships are awarded to students in Western Australia with a passion for the building industry. Gain experience and unlock job-ready training while completing school.

Register HERE.

See how a VET qualification can be the door to a wonderful life

This is a fantastic OECD article that talks about how a vocational qualification can be a ticket across academic and professional higher education levels. 

You can find it HERE. 

SENIOR SCHOOL OPPORTUNITIES

20 May Innovators’ Tea Party – Rewarding careers for women in STEM

The women from industry who provide information to students at the Innovators’ Tea Party are volunteers who are keen to encourage more females to join STEM careers.

Students are encouraged to come along with a friend, as peer support is a great pathway to making good career decisions. 

Session 1 - 10:00am - 12:00pm - limited tickets available 

OR

Session 2 - 12:30pm - 2:30pm - limited tickets available

Each session will give students the opportunity to meet with 8 inspiring women working in a range of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths fields. 

Royal Park Hall 180 Charles Street West Perth, WA 6005 Register HERE.

Girls Focus on Mining Camp

The Girls Focus on Mining Camp is a five-day residential camp for high school girls to experience what it’s like to study and work in the mining industry in WA. You’ll get to tour mine sites, participate in hands-on workshops and tour Curtin’s Kalgoorlie School of Mines campus.  

The program targets girls in Year 10, 11 or 12 who have an interest in science or engineering and would like an introduction to the mining and resources sector.

Do dates identified yet. Find details HERE.

Curtin Girls in Engineering Tomorrow

This out of school program is for Year 11 girls who are doing Maths Methods and interested in engineering. There are 10 sessions which deliver maths tutoring and exposure to engineering applications.

• Get assistance from an experienced maths tutor
• Meet engineer mentors and hear about their experiences
• Participate in a range of engineering themed workshops and activities
• Learn more about courses and careers from our Future Student Advisors

Find details HERE. 

Entrepreneurship for 12 to 17 year old students @Bloom

Each year enterprising school students start their own businesses doing everything from dog walking to cyber security services. 

Bloom Youth Outreach Programs are student focused innovation programs that provide students with entrepreneurship and innovative camps throughout the year.

The programs allow students to get access to enthusiastic support and knowhow. 

They connect with industry professionals to provide one day, to one weeklong programs for students aged 12 to 17 years to upskill in entrepreneurship concepts.

Check out what is available HERE. 

2023 WACE Manual

This is your opportunity to find everything you need to know about senior secondary school WACE qualifications in one spot. 

For example, it has:

• A summary of WACE requirements
• Different study options.
• Course outlines

Teachers use information in the WACE Manual to make sure you are enrolled in appropriate courses and to explore what different study options you can take. 

The publication is free and you can check out what is needed and what is possible HERE.

University Admissions 2025 – Pre-requisites

If you want to go to university when you leave school, but don’t know what you want to do, check out the University Admissions 2025 course pre-requisites. 

Make an appointment with your school career advisor and go through courses that you might choose. Make sure you are doing the subjects you need to get into those courses. 

Alternative Pathways This booklet also identifies alternative pathways into university. 

Senior School Language

Here is a quick guide to some of the acronyms and initials that you will her in senior school. 

You can download a free copy HERE. 

PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY NEWS

Scholarships for Students with a Disability

If you have a disability, this doesn’t have to stop you from attending university. Alongside dedicated support services, heaps of institutions also offer special scholarships for students with a disability. In this blog, we’ve found some you might like to take a look at.

Who are these scholarships for?

Disability scholarships are often open to students with many different disabilities. This can include physical disabilities, learning and cognitive disabilities, sensory issues, and even mental health issues.

Some particular scholarships may target students with a specific disability (e.g. deaf and hard-of-hearing students, students with autism) so make sure you read the eligibility criteria carefully before you apply.

Why should I apply for a scholarship?

There are lots of reasons a scholarship can help with your studies. They can provide financial assistance towards things like mobility aids, adaptive technology, and other study costs. Some scholarships come with additional access to support services, or priority access to accommodation.

Each year there are hundreds of scholarships that go unawarded because nobody applies – so it’s always worth having a go.

Top scholarships for students with a disability

Here are some scholarships for students with a disability you might like to check out:

• Walter and Eliza Hall Trust Opportunity Scholarship – a scholarship worth up to $10,000 each year for a student with a physical disability to help cover educational expenses.
• Vision Australia Further Education Bursary – provides adaptive technology to help students who are blind or have low vision to succeed in their studies.
• Australian Disability and Indigenous Peoples’ Education Fund – provides small six monthly grants of up to $2,500 to assist people with disabilities to continue their learning.
• Redkite Dare to Dream Scholarship – open to any teenager in Australia who has cancer or has had cancer at any point in their life. Teens can receive up to $5,000 to help them achieve a goal.
• Northcott Scholarship Opportunities – support for people with a disability currently studying at TAFE, University or other Registered Training Organisation (RTO).
• You can find tons more scholarship opportunities on our database here.

Support for Australian Apprentices with Disability

The Australian Government provides support to Australian Apprentices with disability to help them to reach their full potential as skilled workers. A range of assistance is available including tutorial, mentoring and interpreting services as well as the Disabled Australian Apprentice Wage Support (DAAWS) incentive, which is paid to employers.

Find out more and how to claim HERE.

Employment Pathways for People with Intellectual Disability

Everyone Can Work is a website designed to help people with intellectual disability and their families to understand the supports available to get into open employment. 

School Leavers kit for students with Disability

A School Leavers Information Kit specifically designed for school leavers with disability has been developed. You can find a copy HERE. 

Entry Roles Supporting Deaf and Hard of Hearing 

Find information about entry roles supporting the Deaf and Hard of Hearing HERE.

SPOTLIGHT

Bond University

Campuses & Access

Bond University’s main campus is located in Robina on the Gold Coast, around 15 minutes south of the CBD. The campus is easily accessible by both bus and ferry, and has plenty of parking spaces for students commuting by car.

There are also separate dedicated health and sports learning and research facilities located nearby at Robina Hospital. Bond also has a teaching space in the Brisbane CBD. Most of the paths and buildings across the campus are accessible by wheelchair, with major buildings containing lifts for access to upper floors.

Online Learning

Bond currently only offer postgraduate courses in law and arts online. Students looking to study at an undergraduate level will need to attend classes on-campus.

Study Options

Bond offer undergraduate courses in most study areas, with the exception of education. They are well known for their small class sizes and unique three semester structure.

Bond offer some combined degree options, meaning you can graduate in less time than it would take to study two qualifications separately.

The academic year is split across three 13-week long semesters, running from mid-January to early-December, with a 2-week break between each semester. There are no other optional semesters or teaching periods. Classes are not scheduled during Easter, ANZAC Day, or over the Christmas and New Year period. You can view the full academic calendar for the year here.

The structure of most courses at Bond is quite rigid, with subjects only offered in certain semesters and must be taken in a set order. You can find out more about specific courses and subjects here.

Accommodation & Living

Bond University offer a variety of on-campus accommodation options, including both individual to shared options.

2023 prices vary between $2,775 per semester (roughly $215 per week) to $4,350 per semester (roughly $340 per week) per person, depending on size and location. All on-campus students must also purchase a dining plan, a minimum separate cost of $2,000 per semester (around $150 per week). Fees must be paid for the entire semester in advance.

The fees for all accommodation options include all utility bills – electricity, water, and internet (Wi-Fi). All options also include weekly cleaning and access to laundry facilities. On-campus students can also access extra study support services and all of Bond’s sporting and medical facilities.

Contracts are offered for a single semester. Students must reapply for accommodation at the end of their contract.

You can see all accommodation options and application processes here.

Living off campus in the Gold Coast can get quite expensive (the current median rental price for an apartment in Robina is $690 per week), and rental options are generally highly competitive. More affordable options further away can mean a very long travel time to and from campus.

Campus & Teaching Facilities

There are several facilities located at Bond, including cafés and eateries, sporting and exercise facilities, shops, and more. There are also lots of natural areas, including landscaped gardens and lakes. Students can join a variety of clubs and participate in on-campus activities.

There are three libraries on campus, as well as several dedicated teaching facilities, including laboratories, studios, clinics, and more.

You can find out more about Bond’s on-campus facilities here.

Student Support

Bond offer a wide variety of dedicated student support services, including academic and study support, disability and inclusion support, support for LGBTQIA+ students, specialised support for Indigenous students, and health and wellbeing services.

Information about support services is easy to find and access on their website here.

Career Development & Industry Partnerships

Every student at Bond will participate in the Beyond Bond program as part of their studies, a personalised professional development program to prepare students for the transition from study to career. The program engages all undergraduate students in academic, professional, and extra-curricular activities, and culminates in a professional portfolio.

Students from any discipline can also join the Transformer program, giving you the opportunity to work in multidisciplinary teams and develop practical solutions to real-world problems.

Bond also has strong industry ties that provide students with unique and valuable work experience and internship opportunities.

Information Accessibility

Bond has recently updated their website, which is modern and easy to navigate, with functionality that works across all major browsers. It has a handy search function, and essential information about courses, scholarships, and support options are easy to find.

Tours & Information Sessions

You can book a personalised tour of Bond, either in-person or virtually, here. Bond run both online and on campus information events for future students regularly throughout the year. You can view the upcoming calendar of events here.

Next Steps

If you’re interested in study at Bond University and want to find out more information, the best way to do this is to contact them, either by phone on 1800 074 074, or by submitting an enquiry online.

Bond also run two open days a year: a virtual open day, run on 29 April, and their upcoming on-campus open day, scheduled for 29 July.

Jane Hedley

Head of Pathways and Transition

Direct: (08) 9383 0416

Email: Jane.Hedley@cewa.edu.au