Pathways 

VSC Careers Expo 23

We are excited to host our very first Careers Expo onsite at VSC in the Senior Study Centre on Wednesday 19th July from 11:15am – 3:15pm in the Senior Study Centre.  A list of representatives attending are on the attached flyer. The event will be available for students in Years 9 - 12 to discuss courses with tertiary representatives and stakeholders, assisting the student’s career planning journey, including subject selection or tertiary applications for our transitioning Year 12’s.  The VSC Career Expo 23 will run concurrently with our annual Subject Expo which will operate in the C wing building. Senior students can access the Careers Expo from 11:15am and throughout the day.  The Year 10 cohort will access the expo during Period 3 into lunch time.The Year 9 students will access the expo period 4.  

Gateway LLEN Work Experience

Last week 50 Year 10 students participated in a rewarding one day work experience program arranged by Gateway LLEN our learn local and employment network agency in partnership with specific industry bodies enabling students to experience the world of work in a variety of industries. This fantastic opportunity showcased the future Vocational pathways and associated VET courses that can be studied in-conjunction with either the VCE or VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM) program. Students attended the following programs and by all accounts had really positive and engaging experiences:

VET Community Services – Victoria Police experienceVET Animal Studies – RSPCAVET Hospitality – Café EdVET Health + Nursing – Box Hill Institute simulated hospital wardVET Hair + Beauty – Endota Wellness College DocklandVET Building + Construction – Box Hill Institute Building and Construction department

Year 10 Pathways > Careers Fast Track (CFT)

We still have a large volume of Year 10 students that have not completed the CFT quizzes!  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 pathwaysWe have refined this process further so students only need to complete the Career area interest & Personality quiz to enable a CFT interview with Rob. 

 http://asp2.careersfasttrack.com.au/Assessments/Enrol.aspx?id=EslTrVyQaqY%3d&quizid=1,2,3,4,5,6,7,9

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 12Head 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

Work Experience & Employment Opportunities  

Work Experience > Air conditioning placement opportunity in Bayswater with potential for apprenticeship 

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. 

Stay Safe.  Stay Well. Stay Connected.

VSC Pathways Team