In focus: Community and Careers
You have probably heard the saying “It takes a village to raise a child”. This is definitely relevant when it comes to young people, careers and pathways. The policy makers, schools, employers and key caregivers have a very influential role to play in shaping the futures of our wonderful young people.
The data and research referenced in the previous section, along with our recent workforce disruptions means careers and pathways has a really important role to play in providing opportunity and support to young people with regards to careers and pathways planning and decision-making.
Government
At the National level we have the National Careers Institute https://nci.dese.gov.au/ and the Victorian State Government has also taken steps toward improving career education through the creation of a Career Education Framework https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/curriculum/CareerEducation/Pages/default.aspx and initiatives connected with Transforming Careers which are gradually filtering into all schools. https://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/programs/Pages/transforming-career.aspx
Careers and Pathways at Marist-Sion
Mrs Elly Martin, Ms Siobhan Thomas and Mr Ben Cunningham are the team responsible for careers and pathways support at Marist-Sion College. Together, we provide a wide range of assistance and programs to support students and with increased time given to Careers and Pathways, we are grateful for the increased time and are hoping to support a greater number of students in 2022.
| Careers and Pathways Assistance | Careers and Pathways Programs |
| Placement and job opportunities | Year 12 VTAC Information Session |
| Job seeker advice | Tertiary Information Service |
| MSCW programs information and advice | Fed Uni Experience Days |
| VET in Schools | Year 10 Work Experience |
| One-on-one appointments | Year 9 Pathways Excursion and Job Skills Expo |
| University options and courses | Inspiring Young People Activities |
| Regular Simon/PAM Careers notices | Morrisby Careers |
| TAFE options and courses | Trade Pathways Program |
| Subject selection counselling | STEM Sisters Program |
| Monthly Career newsletter | SWL for Applied Learning students |
| Qualification and pathways information | Access to VET in the VCE |
| GAP options | Range of careers focussed excursions |
| Helpful career resources | Access to Responsible Service of Alcohol training |
| Key dates and open days | Institution and guest speakers |
| Tertiary application process, scholarships and accommodation options | Reflection and goal-setting with careers-focussed questions included |
Parents/Caregivers
“Research indicates that parents are the single greatest influence on their child’s education and career decisions. High parental engagement can have a major impact on the young person’s learning, so every opportunity should be explored to nurture family-school/organisation partnerships.” https://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/teachers/teachingresources/careers/parentsframe/Pages/default.aspx
We encourage parents to engage with the weekly career notices, this monthly career newsletter, and, where possible via attendance at student career appointments and interviews (in person or via virtual means).
We welcome your feedback and involvement so please do not hesitate to get in touch with the Careers and Pathways team.
As a parent you can also assist your child in many different ways to help develop their knowledge around careers. From a young age your child will start to explore the world around them, including their understanding about work.
Consider the following tips for supporting your child with their future career plans:
- Talk with your child about what they like, their strengths, interests and why they like them.
- Encourage your child to talk to the career and pathways team at their school.
- Encourage your child to participate in out of school activities and different experiences such as sport, music and volunteering.
- Support your child to explore and research a range of careers, attend open days and career expo events.
- Support your child in adapting and changing career ideas as they become aware of other options.
- Talk to your child about your work and workplace. Encourage them to talk with other adults and relatives about the kind of work they do.
- Try and support your child’s interests and strengths, rather than a particular career that you think is right for them.
- Perhaps the most valuable thing as a parent you can do to help your child with career planning, is keep informed, listen, don’t judge, be open to ideas and encourage them to explore all their options.
Or parents are also a great network and resource for alumni contacts, so if you or someone you know has an inspiring career story, please reach out so we can showcase these to our community and inspire the next generation.
Employers
We are lucky to have a very supportive community of employers who readily support our students via part-time or casual work, placements and sponsorship for a range of school activities.
The Careers and Pathways Team welcomes contact from employers who wish to provide feedback, information about updates to industry requirements or advertise a position available.
We are also especially keen to showcase any successful, unconventional and varied career stories of past MSCW students via our Careers Newsletter and school events. For the benefit of expanding our College community’s knowledge of jobs and the workplace, please get in touch with Elly Martin if you, or someone you know, might have a worthwhile story to share.