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Have you failed an international prac teacher with a strong accent?

Free conversational English classes are available to international students. 

International students doing teaching prac at the final stage of their Master of Education degrees are failing their prac placement due to their poor conversational English skills. If they stumble at this final step, they will probably lose their student visa and have to leave Australia. 

This process is unnecessarily cruel to the prac students, the supervising teachers and the school students who struggle to learn. 

Lisa Liang, who was on a recent cover of In Focus Careers News, works for the Multicultural Services Centre in Cannington. She sent through this list of free groups that international students can join so that they don’t risk failing their courses. 

Thanks, Lisa.
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Vocational teachers said their work was getting harder. They were right.

VET Sector Teaching 

New research from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research highlights the growing complexity of VET teaching.

Key findings 

  • The VET teaching role is becoming more complex. Teachers have always been required to respond to diverse learner needs, but now they need to comply with greater compliance and administrative responsibilities, which take away from their capacity to teach effectively! Systems must provide supportive leadership, adequate resources and clear organisational processes.

Psychosocial Changes

  • Teachers are increasingly supporting learners whose barriers to success extend beyond course content, including mental health, behavioural and wellbeing challenges. 

The 2026 Longitudinal Survey of Australian Youth report identified that young people are experiencing significant increases in illness and wellbeing. 

The percentage of young people who are ill or unable to work has exploded from 7% to 25% in just 12 years. 

The Report provides lots of in-depth information, ideas for improvement and tips.  You can find the report with recommendations  HERE.

 

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How I do career counselling – using the Double Diamond Strategy

How I do career counselling

I use a double-diamond strategy when I do career counselling.

Define the Problem

The “problem” can be a general one, like “what to do next”.

 

Part 1 Research

The research part is information gathering. 

  • I ask about their favourite subjects and results. I write it down on paper. I don’t use a computer during the session.

  • The student identifies a few significant people in their network, parents, aunts and uncles, family friends, and what they do.  Students are likely to choose a career that they know something about. 

  • We then get down to identifying values. Use your favourite tools. You must unearth what is important to the students. I use coloured pens and fluro coloured paper and do the activities that I outline in the In Focus Careers Year 10 Magic Happens Handbook. There are lots of tools around. Find what works for you

Problem Definition

Based on all the information we have talked about, we then narrow it down so that we can define the problem more specifically.

For example:

I want a job where I can do sport and help people and use the skills I learned in my media class.

 Break

We go for a walk. We will be tired after that concentrated talk. 

There is no contrived agenda during the walk. We just relax, but often the student will reveal information that helps me to identify solutions. 

Part 2 Solution Design

This part is easier. I bring up the Careers Bullseyes or Career Ladders on my computer.

Careers Bullseyes from My Future
Careers Bullseyes from My Future
Career Ladders from The Good Careers Guide

The student identifies careers that match the priorities we identified during the research.

I have recently discovered the A-Z Guide of Apprenticeships and Traineeships. I will also use that in future to broaden the options that we explore.  

A-Z of Apprenticeships and Traineeships

The discussion that follows is about opportunities generated from my knowledge of courses, employment and networks that could support the student’s goal.

We then narrow down the opportunities to a specific goal: 

To find a media course that would help me work in the disabled sport industry. 

At the end of the session, I undertake to get their personal career plan to them that day. They commit to doing at least two of the actions within a few days. 

Follow-up Plan

  • As soon as the student leaves, I write up a project plan with 3 separate goals and 3 or 4 associated actions that work towards each goal.  The plan is about 4  pages long. 

  • I send that to the student. They can contact me any time. Many do as they are motivated and happy to be getting somewhere.

  • I continue to encourage and support and nag and deliver suggestions until the student achieves a direction that they are happy with. 

Hope that helps.

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Bev.J@infocus-careers.com.au

M:0434056412

Bev.J@infocus-careers.com.au
Bev.J@infocus-careers.com.au 
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Meet world leaders in Agriculture at the Royal Show

As food security and climate change become increasingly urgent global challenges, Western Australia’s agricultural industry is recognised as world-class, with particular strengths in biosecurity, grain production and agricultural research.

You can speak with our leading agricultural experts at the Perth Royal Show. Find experts in different fields by checking the Animals and Agriculture events and exhibitions. 

I have collated headings with links to Agriculture Career Pathways HERE

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What’s Next? Design your Mud Map to a Life After School Safety Net

Support services for WA school students

Design your own safety net. Don’t leave school without this Mud Map of services to guide you.

When you leave school, it can feel like jumping off a cliff.  These services will provide a safety net and give you wings as you fly to your next stage. Check them out and find the services that are perfect for you. 

Email me for information: Bev.J@infocus-careers.com.au

Bev Johnson – Democratising career information for West Australian school students

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Are Uni Prep programs any good?

Yes. They are good.

Enabling courses, like Uni Prep, are delivered in schools in partnerships between the school and a university.

Students who go to uni from an enabling course do almost as well as those who do ATAR.

 If alternative pathways are so good, why do ATAR?

The traditional way from school to uni is via ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) which is based on results achieved across ATAR subjects in years 11 and 12.

ATAR is the best pathway to uni if you want to go into competitive degrees like medicine, law, engineering or specialist science programs.

Case Study of One

If you study any ATAR subject, you will have an advantage if you study that subject at university. I studied economics at school, loved it, so chose to study it at university. From day one, I was off to a great start.

Essential V Desirable ATAR Subjects

Some courses have essential ATAR prerequisites, like Math Methods, Physics, and/or Chemistry. You can check out the prerequisites required for 2028 in the University Admissions Guide.

Scholarships for ATAR Students

Most unis provide academic scholarships for students who do well in their ATAR scores. Academic superstars can be successful in their applications for several scholarships.

Alternative Pathways

ECU’s UniPrep, Curtin’s UniReady, Murdoch’s On Track and Notre Dame’s UniPath are non-ATAR entry pathway to uni that many schools offer.  

They all build academic skills, such as time management, research, academic reading and writing and maths. They can also focus on discipline-specific knowledge and on skills such as confidence and critical thinking.

ECU Uni Prep

Do Alternative Pathways Work?

The Australian Centre for Student Equity and Success analysed enabling programs delivered by 94 high schools around Australia. This included surveys of 2,000 students enrolled between 2021 and 2023:

We found 79% of the group completed the program, and 660 students progressed to uni in 2022–2024.

Of those who went onto university study, 75% continued into second year. This compares to 79% for ATAR entrants.

Read more about non-ATAR pathways at The Conversation, 29 June 2026

Find the full report HERE.

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Mind Maps to Creative Careers in Western Australia

These maps collate information about creative careers into categories. Explore Creative Careers at:

WAAPA Music Theatre Students
WAAPA Music Theatre students

Click on the maps and they will open up in the Coggle app where the links will take you to relevant sites. 

Download Creative Arts Degree courses HERE. 

Download Specialist Creative Programs in High Schools

 

Download Creative Arts Pathways for Aboriginal students HERE.

Creative Arts Analogue Courses

Digital Creative Arts VET Courses

Film and Acting – out of school

Scholarships for Creatives

Backstage Ideas

If you would like more creative industry mind maps let me know: Bev.J@infocus-careers.com.au

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So, you want to be an electrician. Here are some suggested pathways into electrical trades

This post contains detailed information about pathways into electrical trades in Western Australia.

Being offered an electrical apprenticeship is getting as hard as getting into medicine. At the end of 2025 hundreds of West Australian high school students missed out on electrical pre apprenticeships.

It’s not what you know, it’s who you know

It seems that the best way to get an apprenticeship as an electrician is to have a family member who is willing to employ you. 

Shortage of Trainers

The resource industry is scooping up qualified electricians and paying them a bucket load to go onto the mines. It is difficult to attract qualified electricians from industry to deliver training to the 6000 apprentice electricians in WA.

Matt Shaw from Clean Energy Skills Recommendations 

Matt Shaw spoke at the Career Development Conference at Curtin late last year. He told us that there is doing to be a 4% increase in demand for electricians every year to 2050. 

He suggested that teachers go to the Clean Energy site for case studies and information about future careers.

 

 

 

From Robert Palmer at South Metro TAFE 

Rob Palmer is a senior career advisor at South Metro TAFE. I contacted him for advice on how to get into a trade as an electrician from school.

He sent this information:

A post school Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start) (Electrotechnology Pre-apprenticeship) is being offered at Armadale in Semester 1 2026 and is expected to be offered again for Semester 2.
  • Semester 2 applications via TAFE Admissions typically open in late April/early May. 
The pre-apprenticeship course is also offered at Armadale as a VETDSS course for school students completing Year 11 and 12.   
(These new opportunities were snapped up as soon as they became available. It may be easier to get a place in Semester 2. Bev) 
Rob is an advocate for people enrolling in a skills set in a related trade first. He said that working as a trades assistant or builders’ labourer for a while would make applicants more attractive to potential employers. 
Careers in defence | South Metropolitan TAFE
See the video HERE.
The Defence Industries Pathways Program is a 12-month paid traineeship which gives trainees exposure to various sectors of the defence industry (e.g. manufacturing and engineering, computing and logistics)  and includes 3 X 12-week work placements with defence industry employers. 
It does not provide a direct entry into the electrical trade. However, the opportunity for DIPP participants to complete work-placements and demonstrate their work-ethic and aptitude can put them in a good position when Defence Industry employers advertise electrical apprenticeships. 

South Metro TAFE Defence Industry Electricians

You DO NOT have to enlist in the defence forces to work in the defence industry.

The defence industry is made up of businesses that supply goods and services to the army, navy and air force. 

Check out the South Metro TAFE Defence Industry Centre of Excellence for potential electrical pre apprenticeship and apprenticeships in the defence industry. You can find different, similar apprenticeships HERE.

To explore options go to your local Jobs and Skills Centre

Defence Force

If you really want the best possible training in anything to do with electrical trades, consider defence force trades. There is a range, like Electronic Systems Technician and Electronics Technician Submariner

The Defence Force has a recruiting office is down near the Convention Centre. Contact them for an careers appointment.

Checking out what is possible does not mean you are signing up!!

Linda Terrell at North Metro TAFE has these suggestions

Linda offered some creative ideas on how to get an electrical apprenticeship.

Linda suggested:

Private training provider

 

The College of Electrical Training is now the biggest trainer of apprentice electricians in WA. They have a maths quiz as part of the application, and the CET course and will also be highly competitive.

 

Apprenticeship Support Recommends 

Apprenticeship Support has joined the challenge to find pathways into electrical trades by recommending that students start with one of these courses:

  • Cert II in Sustainable Energy
  • Cert II in Electronics
  • Cert II in Computer Assembly and Repair

Comtech Training Recommends

Practice Maths Tests

University

I have requested information from ECU about courses that lead to electrical careers. These might be easier to get into than apprenticeships.

I will publish that information in the In Focus Careers Newsletter. 

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If you need to know about emerging career opportunities in WA, you need In Focus Careers News. At $35 per issue, your organisation will have all the West Australian career information it needs to share with your school community. 

 

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Screen Industry Boom – It’s never been a better time to go into the creative industries in WA

Sometimes everything seems to line up.

In 2026 – Streaming Services like Netflix will be required to make Australian programs so there will be demand for more Australian film and television creators. Details HERE.

In 2026 – Perth Film Studios will open in Malaga and there will be demand for creative people to use the facilities.

In 2026 – The WA Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) will move to its new and expanded facilities at the ECU Perth Campus where the Mindaroo Foundation has donated $30m to support creative arts over 25 years.

You can find information about screen industry roles and courses from the Western Australia Future Now Industry Training Council. 

The Government is Kick Starting Screen Industry Renewal

The WA Government has a Western Australian Screen Industry Strategy 2024-2034

The 10 year plan aims to create:

..a world-renowned screen industry showcasing exceptional creative content and stories to the world.

The Strategy includes a workforce development plan that allocates $11.2 million over four years. There will be an additional $2 million over two years for a pilot Digital Games and Interactive Fund, which will be delivered through Screenwest.

Current University Courses

Western Australia already offers opportunities to those who want to study for careers in creative industries.

Check out this range of university courses  in Western Australia that teach skills for creative careers. 

VET Courses Provide Skills and Industry Connections

If you are willing to truly engage with the courses, do a VET course. You will quickly develop skills and get contacts who will be your passport into the industry.

VET Analogue Creative Careers

Actors, dancers, musicians and set designers are among those who join camera operators, set creators and makeup artists in this industry. 

VET Digital Creative Careers

Students who know how to create animation and digital games or how to maximise social media will have skills that can be used across the creative industries.

How to Start

If you want to work in the screen industry start now.

  • Sketch out a story or game idea

  • Get help from friends

  • Use the camera on your phone to create a production.

  • Look for competitions or take your show reel to lecturers at one of the teaching organisations and ask for help. 

Good luck with your screen industry career.

Subscribe to In Focus Careers News

If you need to know about emerging career opportunities in WA, you need In Focus Careers News. At $35 per issue, your organisation will have all the West Australian career information it needs to provide expert guidance to students. 

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Data Standards between VET and Uni aren’t enough for seamless transition

Tertiary educators are facing barriers when they try to meet the Australian Universities Accord reforms to create better credit recognition and  seamless pathways from VET to uni. Establishing a collaboration framework that facilitates easy transition from VET into degrees needs to be built on an agreed regime in order to succeed. 

Data standards are just the beginning 

TAFE Directors Australia (TDA) is going to delver a TAFETalk on Harmonisation and the importance of shared data standards.

A critical challenge to harmonisation is that tertiary providers’ data systems are not aligned, limiting collaboration, creating duplication, and making student mobility difficult.


Australia has had agreed technical standards, that include agreement on semantics. Technical stuff is the easiest standard to negotiate. Security standards will be a critical issue.

Governance

Tertiary education providers need to agree on who is responsible for what and to what standard. These decisions can be value laden and difficult to negotiate.

Legal Framework

Establishing an agreed legal framework will be tricky as VET is a State government responsibility while universities are Commonwealth. Issues about international students, copyright and privacy will need to be agreed. It is easiest to all adopt Commonwealth legal frameworks.

Business Rules

We also need agreed Business Rules. How things are managed to preserve the reputation of collaborating organisations need to be agreed. This involves egos and personal preferences and they are the most difficult issues to negotiate. 

Financial Rules

If there is a standard framework then recognizing VET skills by unis will be low cost. VET providers will need to establish systems to ensure that unis don’t bare the costs involved in recognizing VET qualifications. 

Summary

The Australian Government developed its first Strategy for Joined Up Government in 2003. It is a great template that could be used by those trying to develop seamless pathways. Without an agreement, transition from VET to uni will continue to be ad hoc and wasteful.