Kurri Kurri High School Newsletter

Careers

Careers Newsletter Term 4 

Well we certainly hit the floor running this term with numerous opportunities for students to engage and upskill. 

 

PCYC Driver Safety Program 

The Learn Drive Survive Safe Drivers Course teaches NSW learner drivers program is designed to support students to develop safe driving skills and to help prepare for driving solo. This course can help learners understand speed management, hazard awareness, safe gap selection, safe 3 second following distances, and how to drive safely when exposed to distractions.  

 

White Card 

Kurri Kurri High has had 2 White Card programs to support students during Term 4. Just to note that a White Card is essential for the following for any student who is considering Work Experience in Trades and/or completing Construction or Entertainment as a subject at school. The following is also a guide as to who needs a Whitecard: 

site managers, supervisors, surveyors, labourers and tradespeople 

people who access operational construction zones (unaccompanied or not directly supervised by an inducted person) 

workers whose employment causes them to routinely enter operational construction zones. 

 

First Aid 

Years 9, to 12 were given the opportunity to gain their 1st Aid and CPR qualification which is very valuable. Many employers see this as a valuable qualification and can be that point of difference when it comes to employing staff. This program was well received and students enjoyed the day learning new skills. 

This again is an essential for students as It enables you to assist persons who become injured in the event of an accident or emergency situation until help arrives. First Aid skills can be applied in the home, the workplace or in public locations, therefore the more First Aid certified people there are in a community the safer that community becomes.  

 

YES and YES+ Programs 

The YES Program which stands for Youth Engagement Strategy Program was open to Yr10 in Term 4. Students responded with motivation to participate in programs that included TAFE tasters such as; Aged Care Nursing, Carpentry, Beauty, Hairdressing, Technology, Defence, Childcare and Animal Care. These programs gave students insight into courses of interest allowing them to gain experience first-hand. These programs were run out of numerous TAFE campuses in the Hunter, so students gained experience in independent learning as well. To say these programs are beneficial is an understatement as it is just important to find out what you ‘don’t’ like as much as it is to find out what you ‘do’. This program was fully subsidised by the government with the only cost to the student being travel. 

  

Luke Kennedy Presentation 

On December 10th Kurri Kurri High is proud to have renowned keynote speaker Luke Kennedy to present our students. Luke has overcome enormous personal challenges throughout his life and is now delivering his message on resilience, motivation and overcoming challenges. It is hoped students will be moved by Luke’s words and inspired to by his presentation. 

 

Dressed for Success 

We provide a one-on-one styling and presentation skills service for young women looking to enter the workforce. They also provide free, corporate attire to ensure our clients look their best at their job interview, the first week at work or other general clothing needs. 

Career Support Program 

  • Resume writing skills 
  • Interview skills 
  • Workshops to improve employability 
  • Workshops to improve confidence 

Dressed for Success have onsite local HR Specialists who provide one on one support for young women needing assistance with resume writing and interview skills. They facilitate mock interviews to ensure our participants gain the confidence and skills they need to perform at their best at their upcoming interviews.      

 

UoN Visit 

Students in Year 10 and Year11 were given the opportunity to be ‘inspired to aspire’ with a visit to UoN. Starting off at the Precinct Building in the inner-city students were overwhelmed with the sheer beauty of the learning space. It certainly showed Newcastle at its best with 360 degree views, one would question how anyone work gets done there as I would just want to look at that view!  Then we were off to Callaghan to be inspired with the students visiting various faculties and talking to numerous UoN ambassadors  

 

 Work Experience 

Lots happening in this space at this time of year. We have students out on Construction, Aged care, Plumbing and Hospitality just to name a few. Hands on experience can’t be encouraged enough for students as it is this way for them to find out what is the best fit as their future profession. Below is an email I received from a student who was part of the Defence Force Aviation Work Experience Program which gave these students a wonderful experience at William Town Air Base

 

Dear Mrs Sellers-Fogarty 
 
Please find attached some photos of both Maddison Whitton and myself at the Officer Aviation Defence Force Work Experience Program RAAF Base Williamtown, which was held on the first Tuesday of the School Holidays.  
We both thoroughly enjoyed both Work Experience opportunities immensely and were given access to places on base, that we don't even get to see/access, when we are there with our Air Force Cadet Squadron. i.e. Sitting in the cockpit along side the Pilot in an E-7A  Wedgetail (which is the actual aircraft I wish to fly) and a visit to the new Air Traffic Control Tower.  
Below is information about our experiences: 
 First Course 
Officer Aviation Defence Force Work Experience RAAF Base Williamtown (27 September 2022) (1 x Day) 
Second Course 
Women in Aviation Work Experience Program RAAF Base Williamtown (13-17 November 2022) (5 x Days) 
Both of these courses were great and we enjoyed them immensely. (I might be a bit biased because the Air Force has always been my chosen career). The courses were well run and gave an extensive insight into the various roles on offer with the Royal Australian Air Force – (RAAF). What made the courses even more special was that we were given access to places on base that we don't even get to see or access, when we are staying on base with Air Force Cadets.  
The key differences between the two courses were; in the first course it was a single day and was a quick over view of most roles and activities carried out on base, where as the second course was a women's only, residential course, conducted over 5 days and offered a more in depth look at the various roles and activities at RAAF Base Williamtown. 
Please find below a list of Roles and Activities that we took part in during our time on Base. 
  • Sat in the Captains (Pilot) seat on the E-7A Wedgetail Aircraft 
  • Guided tour of the E-7A Wedgetail and the various in flight roles, such as; Air Battle Manager (ABM), Airborne Electronics Analysis (AEA), and Aviation Technician. 
  • Visit to the Air Traffic Control Tower.  
  • Tour of both 76 and 77 Squadrons. (76 Squadron is home to the Hawk 127 Lead in Fighter and 77 Squadron is home to the new F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter). 
  • At 76 Squadron we sat in and flew the Hawk 127 Lead in Fighter - Flight Simulator.  
  • Robot/Bomb Suit/Demonstration. 
  • Fire Fighting Demonstration 
  • Stores and Logistics. 
  • Air Movement Section. 
  • Mechanical Workshop Visit (MEOMS). 
  • Medical Facility and Equipment Training. 
  • Leadership/Mentor Session. 
  • Defence Force Recruiting (DFR) Session. 
  • Fighter World Visit. 
  • Physical Training (PT) 
We would highly recommend these courses to any one that was interested in joining the RAAF or Defence Force. 
Thank you both for all of your time and effort which you put into helping us achieve our goals, both at school and towards our chosen careers.’ 
Kind Regards, 
Amy Boughton 

 

Exit Interviews for students 

It is one of the best parts of my job when I get to interview students about what they would like to do when they complete their studies. I see it as a ‘launching pad’ experience where students talk to me about their aspirations, whether it be university degree, TAFE course, apprenticeship or job interview. Through this interview I support them with strategies and advice on where they are going and how to get there. From resume and cover letter support to UAC preferences, university applications and addressing criteria’s in job applications, it all is a path that can be aided with navigation from a Careers Adviser. 

   

Lastly I would like to put a shout out to our leaving Year 12 students. Best wishes all Year 12 students their best be it for that degree, certification, apprenticeship, job or gap year that awaits. For all other leavers of Kurri Kurri High School we wish you all the best for your future. Always be proud of who you are and what you do! Kurri High is proud to have been part of your life and you are now part of our alumni family. 

To all students, teachers, parents and the wider community we extend our wishes for the festive season and keep safe. 

Jennifer Sellers-Fogarty