Category: For Students

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VET and Uni Pathways to Careers in the Resources Industry

Boys in Western Australian know that they can earn big money without a degree by taking on an apprenticeship that will lead to work in the resources industry.

Female school leavers who want to work in the resources industry tend to go to university. There ARE opportunities for girls in trades but it is hard. Sexual harassment has been an ongoing problem that has caused young females to stay away.

Girls who want to go into the resources industry can find great role models who have done VET and uni pathways HERE.

Training Pathways to the Resources Industry

By getting a job in the resources industry, West Australian school leavers can earn great money without a degree.

Here are VET jobs in:

  • Exploration
  • Commissioning and Construction
  • Operations and Mainenance
Exploration Occupations include:
DrillerField Technician
SurveyorDrone Operator
Finance ProfessionalsHydrologist
Community Engagement ProfessionalsLaboratory Scientist
Land Access Professionals 

 

Commissioning and Construction Occupations include
Excavator OperatorCrane Operator
RiggerScaffolder
ElectricianWelder
Builder and CarpenterContract Administrators
Construction Materials TestersProject Manager  

 

Operations and Maintenance Occupations include
DrillerShot Firer
Haul Truck OperatorMechanical Fitter
Motor MechanicAutomotive Electrician
Procurement ProfessionalsLogistics Operators (warehousing, rail, and marine)
Telecommunications and Networking OperatorsMaintenance Planner

For more information about jobs in the resources industry go HERE.

Go to your local Jobs and Skills Centre for information about apprenticeships, traineeships and pathways to these jobs.

Resources Industry Jobs that require a degree

Exploration, commissioning, and constructionOperations and Maintenance
GeologistCommunity Engagement Professionals
Environmental ScientistEngineering Professionals (IT, mining, petroleum, rail and civil)
Engineering Professionals (mining, petroleum, rail and civil)  Data Scientist
Project Manager  
Site Restoration
Earth ScientistsEnvironmental Scientists
Environmental EngineersLaboratory Scientists
Water Management SpecialistsField Officers
Planning OfficersCommunity Engagement Professionals
Contract and Compliance Professionals 

For more information about jobs in the resources industry go HERE.

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Subscribe to In Focus Careers for all the information you need about careers for West Australian school students. 

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The Olympics are coming. Want a career in sport?

The Olympics are coming. The Australian team is being selected. The Matilda’s are in the top 10.

So many students play sport. So many would love a career in sports.

Being as part of a team gives you a shared purpose, a feeling of belonging and goal to strive for.

If you want to work in the sport you love, there are hundreds of opportunities.

Sport Super Stars

You know who you are. You have natural talent. You have enormous capacity to endure hardship and you have trained your skills to perfection. You are going for GOLD.

Through your weekly engagements you will be noticed. You need a trusted, wise mentor and coach, who is dedicated to your success and who knows how to guide you through the politics of elite sport.

What to do now

You can find a heap of information about careers as a sports person at the Future Now Industry Training Council.

Supporters of Major Sports

This is where the jobs are. There is an army of supporters who create the world of sports in Australia.

Download a copy of Careers in Sport and Recreation for information.

What to do now

  • Check out the range of jobs associated with sport HERE.
  • Check out some of the funding that is available to support your sport.
  • Apply for a part time job associated with you chosen sport.
  • Volunteer to coach junior teams.
  • Start a blog or newsletter covering your games, training sessions and stories about different players.

MyFuture Careers in Sport and Recreation

The Australian Careers site MyFuture has this roundup of jobs and careers in sport and recreation.

Subscribe to In Focus Careers News

Subscribe to In Focus Careers for all the information you need about careers for West Australian school students. 

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Selecting Your University: A Guide to Open Days for Year 12 Students

University open days are great fun. They give you a window into what your life could be like when you leave school

Take your time. Spend 3-4 hours to get the feel of the campus.

Get a Feel of the University

University open days give you an opportunity to experience the campus and the university environment. You can get a sense of the university’s atmosphere, the types of students who attend, and what it might be like to study and live there.

Gather Information

Attending an open day offers an opportunity to ask questions to academic and support staff members, and also to current students. Students can ask about the courses they’re interested in, entry requirements, career prospects, financial support, and other relevant topics.

Building Confidence

 Attending open days can help you to build confidence in your decision-making process. By gathering information and asking questions, you can feel more confident in making informed decisions about your future.

Compare Universities 

 By attending multiple university open days, students can compare different universities and courses, and weigh up the pros and cons of each. This can help them make a more informed decision when it comes to applying for university.

Pick the Best Bits Before You Get There

  • As the day draws closer, each university will finalise its schedule of events, campus tour, displays and classes. 
  • Check the Open Day Program and plan your day.

On the Day

 Don’t rush. Plan to spend 3 – 4 hours at the Open Day.

  • Book a campus tour.
  • If there are overarching welcome events, make sure you go to those. 
  • Go to course information sessions.
  • Go to subject taster sessions

 Pick Me! Faculty Stands

Every faculty wants you to enrol in one of their courses.

Some questions you could ask:

University lecturers are the experts at the faculty stands who you need to approach with questions like:

  • Why do you love working in this field?
  • What are the career opportunities in this field?
  • What are the entry requirements and pathways available?
  • How long will it take to get the degree as a full time student?
  • What subjects can you choose from?
  • What support is available to students.
  • If you qualify within any support group ask about financial and other support that the university provides.

If you do not have course prerequisites or think you may not achieve the required ATAR, ask about alternative pathways.

Find Current Students at the Stands

There will be current students at most stands. Ask them what course they are doing and what they love and hate about it.

Optometry pathway for WA students - Optometry Australia
Curtin University Optometry Pathway

Ask a student ambassador if they are willing to have a coffee with you.

  • Ask why they are doing the course and if they are going to achieve the outcome they hoped for.
  • Find what extracurricular activities there are. Are there any clubs or teams that you can join now?
  • What can the union offer to students?
  • Find out what they have done about fees, financial support and scholarships.

Early Offers

You may be invited to enrol on the spot. Don’t do this.

Don’t make your career decision based on a brochure and 30-second discussion. If there is a crowd at the stand when you visit, ask for an appointment.

Don’t sign up at an Open Day. 

Accommodation

If you plan to stay in university accommodation:

  • Tour at least one of the accommodation colleges
  • Ask where you can find accommodation scholarships and financial support.
  • Watch In Focus Careers News for information about scholarships.

Book an appointment with a career counsellor

Even if you are one of the few who knows exactly what course you want to take, book a free appointment with a career counsellor at the university. They may know of:

  • different subjects that you might love
  • support services that you can tap into
  • sports and clubs you can join now
  • financial systems that are available. 

Subscribe to In Focus Careers News

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This is how to apply for TAFE 2024

TAFE Colleges open  for 2024 applications on 1 September. Applications close on Friday 3 November.

If you think a VET pathway could lead you to an interesting future, go HERE to find an application form.

Free Course Advice

If you would like to go to TAFE, but you are not certain exactly what to do, get along and see one to the brilliant counsellors at your nearest Jobs and Skills Centre. You can do aptitude tests, check your abilities, chat about what is possible and find the best path for you.

If you want to try to win an apprenticeship, they will tell you how to apply and give you interview tips. 

What level will you go into?

Certificate I delivers entry level skills that prepare you for further study. All Certificate I courses deliver literacy, numeracy, computing and life skills. Some provide additional skills, like basic trade skills and occupational health and safety. Certificate I is great for those without OLNA or WACE.

Certificate II is like year 10 in academic difficulty. Some Cert II courses are general, like the Certificate of General Education for Adults and some are more specific like Security Operations and in Health Support Services.

Certificate III is like year 11 academic difficulty. You do a Certificate III to become:

  • Photo courtesy of Directions Training
    A carpenter (Certificate III Carpentry)
  • An electrician (Certificate III Electrotechnology Electrician)
  • A farmhand (Certificate III Agriculture)
  • A techie (Certificate III Information Technology)

Certificate IV is designed to be a more mature qualification for those with experience or previous qualifications:

  • A carpenter would go on to do a Cert IV in Building and Construction
  • An electrician would maybe specialise in a Cert IV in Electrical Instrumentation
  • A farm manager could do a Cert IV in Agriculture to become a more effective farmer
  • A techie may specialise in Cert IV in Cyber Security

Pathways to VET for those without their WACE or OLNA

The Online Literacy and Numeracy Assessment  (OLNA) is designed to enable students to successfully meet the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) literacy and numeracy requirements.

There are several alternative other pathways to TAFE for school students who do not achieve an OLNA.

  • Certificate I entry level with no qualifications required.
  • Vocational pathway (VET in schools): school students who complete a vocational course while at school can rely on their school qualification to demonstrate their literacy and numeracy skills i.e. students can achieve an OLNA or a Certificate I, II or III to gain entry to a TAFE course.
  • TAFE Admissions testing: School students may be eligible to register for TAFE Admissions testing if they have not sat the OLNA at school within the six months preceding TAFE Admissions testing and if they have not exhausted their maximum six attempts at the OLNA while of compulsory school age.
  • Alternative assessment: students can be referred to the learning area at their preferred TAFE college for a Learning Area Assessment.
    • Students can enrol at any Certificate I level, as there are no entry requirements, and
    • Students can enrol into one of the foundation skills and equity courses.

For more information, download the TAFE admissions guide for entry to full time courses for entry to full time courses.

  • Subscribe to In Focus Careers News to find career opportunities in Western Australia

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August 2023 Issue

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        Do this to achieve ATAR success in December

        Your big hairy audacious goal might be as vague as “To have an amazing life”.

        No matter how big your dream goal, you will need a plan to succeed. If you are an ATAR student you will need a plan that leads to a great ATAR score.

        SMART Goals

        SMART goals are different to big hairy audacious goals. SMART goals are not about dreams, they are about nailing down your dreams into specific, measurable goals.

        Create a SMART goal FOR EACH SUBJECT!

        Example: I will improve my English result by 10% next term by asking my teacher, each week, for feedback and advice about what to work on next.

        SWOT Analysis

        Once you have your SMART goals, do a SWOT analysis. The SWOT will help you to understand your capacity to improve your ATAR score.

        Brainstorm your ideas. Have a friend help or just do it alone.

        • Do STRENGTHS first.
          • Do WEAKNESSES second.
        • Then OPPORTUNITIES.
        • Do THREATS last.

        Don’t think about your ideas. Just write them down as dot points.

        Do a USED Analysis to get your action keys to success

        You create a list of actions by doing a USED Analysis on the list of ideas from your SWOT.

        Take 10 minutes to go through the ideas in your SWOT.

        See how you can Use your strengths. Stop your weaknesses. Exploit your opportunities and Deny any threats.

        At the end of your USED analysis, your ideas are a list of actions. These actions are your key to success. By undertaking these actions, you will achieve your goal.

        Success Planning

        Your USED analysis has given you a list of tasks that will lead you to your goal. Work with your list:

        1. Choose the task that you want to do first. (Break it down into smaller tasks if necessary.)
        2. Figure out WHEN you are going to do the first task.
        3. When will it be finished?
        4. How will you know you have done it successfully?
        5. Create your plan for four actions that you want to do first.

          Congratulations

          You are now well on the way to achieving your best possible ATAR score. You have your plan. You know what to do.

          Subscribe to In Focus Careers News to find opportunities that help you to find where you belong.

          Cover of July In Focus Careers Magazine
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          Give yourself every chance to succeed – ATAR Revision Programs for Senior Students

           Most senior students undertake some form of extra revision during the holidays to give themselves every chance to succeed.

          ATAR is still important

          Final ATAR results are still important as:

          • final offers are made on actual rather than estimated ATAR results. 

          • courses with lots of applicants for limited places will offer those places to the students with the highest ATAR scores. 

          • academic scholarships are usually based on ATAR results. 

          Many schools offer revision programs

          • Your school newsletter will identify revision programs or additional support that your school will be offering. 

          • You can often find semi retired teachers, who have been expert advisors on exam content and style, who are available as tutors. Ask at your front office if they have a list of available tutors. 

          • Some of the best programs are offered by subject specialists who advise on the style and subjects of the exams. Ask your specialist ATAR teachers if there will be an ATAR Exam Information session on their subject.

          Private Providers

          Several organisations specialise in tutoring students in preparation for ATAR, OLNA or NAPLAN exams.

          ECU

          ECU has run ATAR revision programs in the past. You can find the 2023 program here. 

          Academic Task Force    Academic Group     Academic Associates

          Academic Task Force Holiday Revision Courses are designed specifically for students looking to revise ATAR course content and practice exam-style questions in preparation for exams.

          Students will increase their understanding, receive fresh insights and gain intensive revision of their subject during this short course. Each subject is taught by a  highly qualified and vaccinated ATAR teacher with a strong background in marking and writing exams to increase their performance.

          • Rossmoyne Senior High School 

          • Churchlands Senior High School 

          • Duncraig Senior High School 

          • Perth Modern School

          • Online 

          Enrol HERE.

          MasterMind

          Master Classes are one hour sessions conducted once a week in term time. Each week they reteach, revise and reinforce the topics and areas of study that the students are dealing with in their classes at school.

          Masterclasses offer students

          •  Ongoing academic support

          • More confidence at school

          • A better chance of success in assessments

          • Individualised help solving specific problems

          • Small group classes

          Find programs for students from Years 7 – 12  HERE.

          ReviseOnline

          ReviseOnline offers specifically designed multiple choice, short answer and extended response questions in a range of Year 11 and 12 courses which match the format of ATAR exams.

          Once you submit a completed test or exam you’re provided with ATAR-standard sample responses and can evaluate your answers against a fully-worked marking key. All our courses are up to date and WACE specific, so each question you complete is improving your exam skills and ultimately boosting your ATAR!

          Check out the courses HERE.

          The Exam Experts

          Nailing the ATAR and getting the results you are hoping for isn’t necessarily about being the smartest kid in the class. It’s about being well-prepared, knowing what to focus on and understanding what questions are most likely to come up in the exams and how to answer them.

          With the help of T.E.E. Consultants’ July holiday intensive exam revision program, Year 12 students can access ten hours of additional teaching per subject, to truly understand the course curriculum and perform better in exam conditions.

          Students are invited to enrol in up to five subjects in Week One of the July holiday period. Country students can access heavily discounted, full board accommodation packages which offer safe, secure, supervised accommodation on-site for regional students who enrol in at least three subjects.

          Courses are run at UWA and at Murdoch.

          Check their programs HERE.

          InTuition

          At inTuition, each student undertakes an assessment and programs are customised to meet their needs. Tutors are qualified teachers or experts in their fields.

          The office is based in Osborne Park

          You can find their programs HERE.

          To keep up to date with news for West Australian school students, subscribe to In Focus Careers Monthly News

          Email Bev.J@infocus-careers.com.au for details.

          Save Time Get Better Results with Study Coach

          Evangelist for insanely great careers education in Western Australia

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          Career Quizzes to help you to find where you belong

          Career Quizzes

          Career quizzes are a great ideas starter. 

          They do not tell you that you should take up tap dancing immediately but the ideas you get will lead you into conversations with your family and friends that could spark curiosity in some careers.

          These career quizzes are a sample of career quizzes that you can use as a starting point for your career conversations.

          Check some out HERE

          Subscribe to In Focus Careers News

          Keep up to date with emerging career opportunities in Western Australia.

          Subscribe to In Focus Careers News and share the information across your school community. 

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          It’s Career Expo Time – Don’t sign anything! 3 tips for the Career Expo

          Tip 1: Don’t sign ANYTHING

          Many visitors sign up for thousands of dollars worth of training based on a noisy 5 minute discussion in the crowded Convention Centre.

          The Careers Expo is great fun. There are lots of giveaways. There are glossy brochures and high-tech displays.

          People on the stands are friendly and helpful.

          Of course they are!

          You aren’t going to buy something from someone grumpy. 

          The biggest, most professional-looking displays, closest to the entry, with the loud music and happy staff, are investing a lot to get you to sign up for their products.

          Tip 2:

          Don’t wait until you get to the Expo.  Find the exhibitors on the Expo Page before you go.

          If you are interested in having a Gap Year check out which exhibitors will have information that will interest you.

          If you are interested in Trades, check out the ones that will be of most interest.

          Make the decision about which ones to visit and what you want to know. 

          You could also ask….

          • How much will it cost?

          • How long the course will take.

          • What are the entry requirements.

          • How long it takes their graduates to get a job in the industry?

          • What sort of work do graduates get?

          Tip 3 See your career advisor after the expo

          If you don’t know a career advisor, go to a Jobs and Skills Centre and talk with them or make an appointment with a uni-based career practitioner. It’s FREE. The Jobs and Skills Centres are usually based in TAFE colleges, they also have information about unis.

          Each month In Focus Careers News helps West Australian teachers to guide their students towards career opportunities. You can subscribe HERE.

          Bev Johnson Director, In Focus Careers
          Email: Bev.J@infocus-careers.com.au

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          ATAR revision programs help you to get to where you belong

          If you want to do well in your ATAR to get to where you belong, these ATAR revision programs will support you to achieve your goal.

          Check them out. Some run during the term, and others only run during holidays. 

          Revise Online 

          Revise Online

          ReviseOnline specialises in providing online education. ReviseOnline offers specifically designed multiple-choice, short answer and extended response questions in a range of Year 11 and 12 courses which match the format of ATAR exams. 

          This was one of the first to offer online revision programs.

          Find information HERE. 

          Mastermind

          ATAR Master Classes Revision Courses

          Master Mind Australia intensive revision of the syllabus and assessment preparation, including effectively modelling answers to ATAR-style exam questions.

          Master mind

          They run small-group tutorials for year 11 and 12 students throughout the term and holiday tutorials.

          Find details HERE.

          Academic Task Force /Academic Associates /Academic Group

          This group runs Holiday Revision Courses in April, July and October at:

          Find details HERE. 

          The Exam Experts

          Enrolments for the July Holiday Intensive Exam Revision Program are open. Classes run from July 4-8.

          Find details HERE.

          InTuition

          Intuition delivers small group classes in most WACE classes, exam preparation and study skills.

          INDIVIDUAL TUTORS

          Teachers

          Many semi-retired teachers continue to tutor in their specialized subjects.

          These teachers have a lifetime of knowledge of their subject, what examiners are looking for and tips for success.

          Some schools have started to run holiday ATAR revision programs that employ these experts. 

          Ask your school front office to see if they are running a program or know anyone you can contact.

          ECU ATAR Free Program

          ECU ATAR science-focused revision programs are run during the September holidays at the Joondalup and Bunbury campuses. 

          These are free services to Year 12 students. They are scheduled later in the year. 

          Subscribe by emailing:

          Bev.J@infocus-careers.com.au

           

          Testimonial

          I have found your material invaluable.  The information you have put together is thorough – a one-stop-shop in a sea of information that is out there.  I have utilised this information on a regular basis with others throughout the school.

          (South Metropolitan Government High School.)

          M: 0434 056 412

          Email: Bev.J@infocus-careers.com.au

           

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          “My 2023 Footprint”career education resource for the start of 2023

          Give students a copy of this poster and get them to fill it out at the start of the year. 

          It is a great way to get to know your students and it is a terrific way to get the kids to reflect on their own lives at the start of the year. 

          At the end of the term, semester or year get the students to check out their poster to see how they have changed. 

          Subscribe to In Focus Careers News for West Australian schools

          Bev Johnson Director, In Focus Careers