In Focus Careers

Inspiring, supporting and advocating for insanely great career education.

Author Archives: Bev Johnson


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Go to TAFE NOW! 15 – 17 year olds

15 – 17 year old students can go to TAFE full time. The State government guarantee 12 years of education for West Australian students. You can go to TAFE or school until the end of the year in which you turn 17.

School aged students get significantly cheaper course fees:

TAFE Fees 2020

The capped fees are available across Western Australia.

Contact your local TAFE college or Jobs and Skills Centre to find what courses are available.

See How to Leave School Early Guide

Join the In Focus Careers Network

In Focus Careers Network  supports members as we create a rich  resource of careers information and advice for West Australian school students.

Subscribe to the In Focus Careers Network to:

  • Get the latest news careers news for students, families and teachers.
  • Get resources designed for West Australians.
  • Become careers experts with links to the latest research, new teaching resources and PD opportunities, and
  • Plan the school career calendar using the Monthly Calendar of Events.


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Your Insanely Great Careers News in February

The First In Focus Careers Newsletter for WA High Schools in 2020 will be out on 29th January.

See:

  • Emerging Australian industries and where the jobs are coming from.
  • Scholarship information
  • Pre apprenticeship opportunities for February
  • A comparison of West Australian university rankings
  • Unusual ATAR cut off scores for 2020
  • A special careers feature for geography teachers.

There are 45 pages of information to help high school teachers to provide insanely great careers information to their students.

Magic Happens Careers Handbook

If your school subscribes and you haven’t received your copy of the Magic Happens Careers Handbook and Teachers’ Guide yet, email me at bev.j@infocus-careers.com.au and I will send it out.

Magic Happens

Join the In Focus Careers Network

In Focus Careers Network  supports members as we create a rich  resource of careers information and advice for West Australian school students. 

Subscribe to the In Focus Careers Network to:

  • Get the latest news careers news for students, families and teachers.
  • Get teaching resources designed for West Australians.
  • Become careers experts with links to the latest research, new teaching resources and PD opportunities, and
  • Plan the school career calendar using the Monthly Calendar of Events.

 

 


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Alternative Pathways to Uni

By now students who didn’t get into their chosen uni courses may feel like they have jumped off a cliff without a parachute.  Losing your school support network, not having something meaningful to do and not getting into the course you want is a recipe for depression.

Pathways to Uni

If you didn’t get your first choice that isn’t unusual. In 2016 Only 26% of uni students went straight from school, and things probably haven’t changed much since then.

Mitchell REport

Alternative Pathways

Most students get into uni via other pathways including entry courses run by the universities:

  • They are generally a semester long
  • You learn about university life without having the pressure of a full degree program
  • You find out about different courses that are available.
  • They are generally free.

Although each course is different there are usually 4 subject like….

  • Academic Writing
  • Communication Skills
  • Essential Maths
  • Research Skills and Information Literacy

Consider this…. 

You must do some study when you leave school. That doesn’t mean uni. Tradespeople earn about the same amount as many university graduates.

Statistics 4

  • If you didn’t like studying at school… that is probably not going to change if you go to university.
  • If you don’t have good English and communication skills you are going to have trouble writing assignments and exams.
  • University courses are expensive and they don’t necessarily lead to better pay and conditions. Check these facts HERE.

There are lots of options available so go to a Jobs and Skills Centre , check out university careers services or email me to explore your options.

University Alternative Entry

Notre Dame

logo-notre-dameThe Tertiary Pathway Program at Notre Dame is for people who did  NOT do ATAR, or who didn’t get the required cut off score.

It is a 13-week program which you apply for directly to Notre Dame.

Applicants need to be able to demonstrate good English language skills to be offered a place.

ECU

ECUUniPrep & UniPrep (Education Assistant Program is a 6 month full time course or 12 months part time.

School leavers must be able to demonstrate that they have achieved their WACE and meet ECU’s English Competency Requirements.

School leavers who wait until semester 2 to apply will be classified as Non School Leavers and will need to demonstrate how they meet ECU’s English Competency Requirements.

Edith Cowan College offers courses that can result in entry to second year of ECU’s Bachelor Degree program

Curtin UniversityCurtin1

The Curtin UniReady program is now the most open offering in WA. Year 12s apply through TISC and they don’t need ATAR, or English or WACE to apply.

Curtin has capped numbers so applicants are ranked according to equity conditions that contributed to educational disadvantage. Applicants are then ranked according to when they applied.

You can check out Curtin pathways HERE. 

Enabling Course in Science, Engineering and Health  Completion of this program will meet relatively higher entry requirements and subject prerequisites too.

Curtin College offers courses that can result in entry to second year of Curtin’s Bachelor Degree program.

Portfolio Entry  is not only for the creative courses; it is applicable to courses like Education, Science, Commerce and Health.

Murdoch University

Murdoch-University-logo

On Track is a 14 week course that prepares students for entry to a course with a minimum ATAR requirement of 70.

On Track Sprint  is a 4 week course run over the Christmas holidays that may prepare you for entry to a course with a minimum ATAR requirement of 70.

TLC10 – prepares students to apply for Murdoch through a 1 day per week course that runs all year in Mandurah and Rockingham.

Portfolio Entry – you can gain entry to courses that rely on creative talent in media, games art and design and creative writing, photography and web communication via a portfolio demonstrating your work + a number of hoops like WACE and English competence. For Portfolio entry try the Domestic Admissions Team on 9360 7458 or send an email by following this link

Email info@murdochinstitute.wa.edu.au for information.

University of Western Australia

UWA

UWAY – This is an alternative entry pathway and comprehensive support program for students completing Year 12 under challenging circumstances.

The program provides academic, financial and personal support, and it is responsive to individual student needs, throughout their final year of secondary school and during their university studies. You can apply for alternative entry to an undergraduate degree course through UWay if your academic achievements have been adversely affected by certain disadvantages.

Thanks Philip Sharpe, Future Students Centre, University of Western Australia

Central Queensland University

Logo

STEPS (Skills for Tertiary Education Preparatory Studies)

This program is tailored to help you meet entry requirements or boost your confidence.

It usually takes between 1 and 2 terms to complete (4 to 8 months). It can be completed online or on-campus.

Keep up to date with Western Australian career opportunities

The In Focus Careers newsletter brings together information from a network of West Australian career experts. You can tap into this expertise or just check out one issue of the insanely great In Focus Careers newsletter:

 

 

 

 

 


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Year 9? Break Free! Create Your Magic

If you say “Yes” to just one of these opportunities you may find a pot of gold at the end of that rainbow. You can create your own magic by saying “Yes”.

These opportunities are designed for middle school students.

People WANT you to join them. If you say “Yes” to any of these opportunities people will welcome you.

Duke of Edinburgh

Duke of Edinburgh

Discover Your Potential

Age: 14 – 24 There are 4 sections:

1.      Adventurous Journey

2.      Physical Recreation

3.       Skills, Voluntary Service

4.       Gold Residential Project

CoderDojo

CoderDojo

Coding for Fun

Ages 7 – 17

Run by volunteers in libraries, unis and community centres. Young people and volunteers get together to learn to play with coding.

WAAPA

WAAPA Short Courses

Age 6 – 18

Acting, music and dance short courses are run on weekends and holidays.  There are classes for young kids through to those who already have some experience.

Youth Mentoring

Australian Youth Mentoring Network

Get a mentor. Their support can change your life. There are often more mentors offering services than students wanting to engage.

Government Youth Programs

Local Government Youth Programs

Every local government council has youth programs. Check out your local government to see what it has on offer.

University Open Days

 

University Open Days

Year 10 is when you start checking out university open days and TAFE events. The University Open Days are like a big party. The TAFE events are more like “getting into computing” or “try a trade”. As these events are announced they will be announced in this newsletter.

RoboCup

RoboCup

Age: 12 – 19

Fun with Robots

Teams make and program robots and compete in different challenges. This is big in WA and the kids seem to have a great time.

HackEd

HackED

Age 12-18

Students hack together geodata information to create some brilliant problem-solving ideas.

ConocoPhillips

ConocoPhillips Science Experience

Age: 13 – 15

The ConocoPhillips Science Experience is a fun 3 or 4 days of science activities for Year 9 and 10 students.

Campus Quest

Campus Quest

In Campus Quest you’ll play as a university student and experience all the pitfalls and successes of campus life. This is just for students, not for teachers.

Real Lives Game

Real Lives Game

Something for gamers. Create your world and solve problems.

Book coverJoin the In Focus Careers Network

Know what opportunities are available to West Australian school leavers.

In Focus Careers Network members support each other to create a rich West Australian careers world.

Subscribe to the In Focus Careers Network to:

  • Get the latest news careers news for students, families and teachers.
  • Get teaching resources designed for West Australians.
  • Become careers experts with links to the latest research, new teaching resources and PD opportunities, and
  • Plan the school career calendar using the Monthly Calendar of Events.

Join now: 


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Free Year 10 Magic Happens Career Handbook

Magic Happens 22inch (smaller)

The Year 10 Magic Happens, Career Handbook is available to schools that subscribe to the In Focus Careers Newsletter and Network.

If your school subscribes and you would like a copy of the Handbook please contact me:

 

 

 

 

 

 


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Work Experience Notes for Educators

These are work experience resources from around Australia which may be helpful for educators who organise work experience.

Victorian Work Experience Manual

This is a 65 page manual. It is based on Victorian laws and policies which are similar to ours, but you will need to map differences if you adapt templates.

The Victorians are so thorough. The manual and website cover issues like:

  • Age of students doing work experience, time spent, hours and conditions.
  • Roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders
  •  There are sample forms that you can adapt.
  • Legal issues like Working With Children checks, OSH, privacy, equal opportunity.
  • Special conditions like working with animals and construction induction training.
  • There are sample evaluation forms.
  • To top it off there is a checklist for teachers.Checklist

Victorian Education Dept Manuals and forms

ACTU Work Experience Resources

The ACTU  resources are a bit less formal than the Victorian government ones. There are tips on what to wear for example.  The Work Experience Diary may be useful to teachers and it will increase awareness of union services.

Work experience.JPG

Year 10 Magic Happens Careers Handbook and Teachers’ Guide

I provided information and templates in the Handbook and Teachers’ Guide that I sent out to subscribing schools about 3 weeks ago. Magic Happens

If you would like to subscribe to the In Focus Careers Newsletter for 2020 and get access to the other teaching resources that I send out you can subscribe HERE:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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Students – Avoid Wage Theft

I am shattered. I have been telling students to get their part time job with a big company for the right pay and entitlements.

Yea, you might get superannuation but Nah, check your wage slip!

Woolworths, Bunnings, 7Eleven. All of these huge companies have been caught underpaying staff.

Apparently this sort of “mistake” wasn’t made when unions could check records.  Now it’s your job to know what your Award is and check your pay slip against the Award and challenge your employer if they are doing the wrong thing.

Good luck with that.

The Fair Work Ombudsman will tell you what you SHOULD be paid.

I found this video on the Fair Work Ombudsman site which gives you tips of what to look for.

Fair work

You need to take action yourself, but at least you know what they SHOULD be doing.

The Award that you are working under will be on the site. You can ring them for help.

Discover insanely great careers information

My passion is giving young West Australians the power to take control of their best path forward by delivering careers information.

I write a newsletter, create learning resources and connect professionals to a network of insanely great careers experts.

Get a complimentary copy of the In Focus Careers newsletter to see the sort of information your school is missing out on.

I am an evangelist for insanely great career education. Tap into the In Focus Careers community to unearth your career hero powers. 

Contact me at Bev.J@infocus-careers.com.au or on 0434056412

 

 

 

 


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An apple tree produces apples

Time to chill about career decisions with this quick hack to your future.

Skip Black Swans and Purple Elephants

If you have never had anything to do with black swans or purple elephants you are unlikely to give them much consideration in your future.

blue and green elephant with light

Photo by Chris F on Pexels.com

If you have never had anything to do with farming or the army you are unlikely to give them much consideration as a career choice.

Skip careers that you haven’t had anything to do with.

An apple tree produces apples

applesPeople you like most, or who are closest to you, will have the most influence on your future. 

  • If your mum is a doctor you are likely to end up somewhere in the health industry. Particularly if you are a girl.
  • If your dad is a builder you are likely to end up in building trades, or maybe architecture or engineering. Particularly if you are a boy.

Check out 20 people you know who have jobs.  What are those jobs?

Break down gender stereotypes. Check out the jobs of everyone in your circle.

Go broad. “Health” could include be selling pharmaceuticals or doing medical research.

Which ones COULD you consider?

photography of person peeking

Photo by Noelle Otto on Pexels.com

Don’t expect the answer to shout at you. Your future will arrive in a whisper.

Take the Power

By knowing that apples produce apples you will have the power to take into your heart those careers that you know from your home and close environment. This new awareness will help you to make decisions about where to start your career.

This simple hack will rule out 90% of careers and will make your choices much more manageable.

(Your decision will be easier if you know if you like science or humanities. You can start by building on those natural abilities to narrow down your choices even more and kick start your career in your chosen industry. )

Discover insanely great careers information

Get this and other insanely great careers information by subscribing to the In Focus Careers newsletter.

Relax…

  1. Your first copy will be with you soon.
  2. I will ask you to send through the list of staff you would like me to add to your school email group. Most schools have 6 – 10 staff on their list. A few just have one. You can add more people at any time.
  3. I will send them all their copy and tell them that they are welcome to re-issue the information however they wish within your school community.
  4. Each month you will get your new monthly issue with:
    • Information to share with students and families;
    • A section of events, resources and research for education professionals; and
    • A calendar of events months into the future.
  5. I will send you any new career teaching resources that I develop
  6. You can relax,  knowing you have a conduit to all the information you need to help your students to unearth their best path to their future.

I am an evangelist for insanely great career education. Tap into the In Focus Careers community to unearth the power to be a career hero to your students. 

Contact me at Bev.J@infocus-careers.com.au or on 0434056412

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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So You Want to be a Doctor – 2 Events in Perth

1. Discover the Perkins 

2. Future Health Professionals Scitech Workshop

Two events are coming up that will be of interest to those who are considering high end health careers.

Discover the Perkins

Saturday 16 November 10am – 3.30pm Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Nedlands

You are invited to Discover the Perkins, Western Australia’s medical research facility!

The Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research is Western Australia’s landmark research institute dedicated to finding answers to the deadly diseases affecting our loved ones. This is your chance to see the Perkins first-hand, explore the labs, become a scientist for a day and hear from the experts.

You can discover details and enrol in different workshops HERE.

SciTEch Future Health Professionals

5 Day summer holiday career exploration for senior school students.

Applications close on November 18 for this fantastic Scitech program. It is done in partnership with medical experts and there are great opportunities for hands-on experiences.

I spoke at the workshop last year and was blown away by the intelligence, enthusiasm and joy being expressed by the lucky 30 students who had been selected for the program.

If you are thinking about a career in medicine this workshop is highly recommended.

Applications for the 2020 Future Health Professionals program are open to Western Australian students entering Year 11 or Year 12 in 2020. Applications for the program opened on October 28th and will close on November 18th. To register, please submit an application

The Future Health Professionals program for 2020 will take place from January 20-24.

If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Erin Kelly, Scitech STEM Careers Coordinator at erin.kelly@scitech.org.au.

My Commitment to West Australian Careers Education

You can contact me at Bev.J@infocus-careers.com.au or M: 0434056412

To help West Australians to become insanely great careers educators I….

  • Write 10 insanely great issues of In Focus Careers newsletter each year.
  • Create resources that make teachers into Super Heroes as they inspire students.
  • Deliver the best possible information via presentations.
  • Create an insanely great network of teachers, industry experts and parents who are supporting insanely great careers education for all West Australian students.

To become a member of the In Focus Careers Community of Careers Educators subscribe here: