Category: Senior school

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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. 
The Defence Industry Pathways Program (DIPP) has been offered to senior school VETDSS students over the past year and expressions of interest are now being taken again for post-school/adult courses for 2026. We (SM TAFE) haven’t been given specific course start dates as yet. Careers in defence | South Metropolitan TAFE
See the video HERE.
The DIPP 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:

Linda also sent through these maths tests that she has had for some time from electrical trade lecturers :

They are old but the tradespeople seem to still like them. 

If you can’t get it to download email me at Bev.J@infocus-careers.com.au 

Applying for something in the engineering and mining may be an easier alternative, but it’s not a guaranteed pathway.

 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.

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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Don’t get on the uni bus unless you know where it’s going

At a recent university seminar for career practitioners, one speaker complained about West Australian school leavers not going to uni. 

No wonder they aren’t going

  • There is such a critical skills shortage happening that employers are ringing schools asking if there are any suitable students for great jobs with career prospects. Students can walk out of school and straight into a job with an okay salary.
  • The State Government has been pouring money into vocational education and training. There is a bigger variety of courses, they are cheap or free and many give credits to uni degrees.
  • Uni courses are expensive.

Why would you go to uni?

Those who are not sure what uni to go to, or what they want to study, still get onto the uni bus because:

  • Their friends are going to uni and they don’t want to be left behind.
  • The uni bus came for them while they were at school so they bought a ticket.
  • Their parents told them to get on the bus.
  • Teachers knew about the uni bus and talked about their experiences in a positive way.

Just because the university bus is ready to pick you up from school, doesn’t mean that you have to get on.  

 

Very few students are 100% sure of the university course that they want to take. About 30% realize that the course they are studying is not the right one for them, and they change direction. Others drop out altogether and end up feeling like they have failed. 

 

Check out Leaving  Year 12? These gap year ideas may interest you

If you are not sure what to do at uni, DON’T GET ON THE BUS.

 

The uni bus fare is expensive

Buying a uni course is not like buying a car. You can’t sell your used course to the next buyer who comes along.

  • If you get off the bus before you get to the destination YOU STILL HAVE TO PAY. 
  • If you fail, YOU STILL HAVE TO PAY.
  • If you change courses, YOU STILL HAVE TO PAY for the part of the course you used before you changed direction.

You can estimate how much your degree is going to cost you by using the UWA fees calculator 

 

Defer uni for a year

If you are not sure what course you want to do, you can still apply for a place at uni and, once you get offered a place, defer taking it up for a year.  

After working for a year you will have a clearer idea about which units to enrol in.

 

Vocational Courses

Vocational Education and Training has been the winner in the post-school revolution in Western Australia. 

The West Australian government has introduced Fee Free TAFE, it has been introducing short courses, skills sets, and employer subsidies. Industry has been partnering with training providers to deliver skills on the worksite.  There are hundreds of courses available.

If you are unsure what course you might like to do or how to enrol find a Jobs and Skills Centre  near you for careers guidance. It’s free. They can tell you what courses will give you credits at uni. 

 

You HAVE to do post-school learning

You can’t just leave school and never study again.  Okay, you can, but poverty could be your lifelong friend.

  • People who have post-school qualifications earn more money and have more life choices.
  • The world isn’t going to stop changing just because you aren’t learning new skills.

You need to keep up with changes in the world of work either by learning on the job, or online or in a classroom. Getting tickets, qualifications, and recognition for your learning will help you to have choices and steer your career in different directions. The skills you gain may even get you credits in some units at uni. 

 

Take Your Time

More haste less speed is an old saying.

It means, don’t rush into things. 

If you are not sure what direction to take, slow down and look around. There are many directions to take as you leave school. Uni is just one of them. 

Find more choices and guidance on how to make a decision. Subscribe to In Focus Careers Western Australia

Bev.J@infocus-careers.com.au

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Achieve Your Best – ATAR Revision Programs for Senior Students

If you are doing your ATAR, these revision programs can help you to get your best result. 

ATAR is important

Despite being able to apply for an early offer from 3 June, final ATAR results are still important as:

  • early offers are conditional on ATAR results.
  • final offers are made on actual rather than estimated ATAR results. 
  • academic scholarships are usually based on ATAR results. 

Local 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 revision 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 official ATAR Exam Information session on their subject.

ECU Free ATAR Revision – September

ECU’s free ATAR revision sessions are on during end of third term holidays.They are available online and on campus.

Each ATAR revision session comprises a four-hour seminar covering:

  • The year 12 syllabus
  • Exam techniques and revision tips
  • Question and answer session
  • A copy of revision notes

 The Year 12 Subjects for 2025 include:

Physics

Mathematics Specialist

Mathematics Methods

Maths Applications

2024 Papers

Online Session Link

Human Biology

Computer Science

Chemistry

Biology

Revision Seminar Slides

English

 

  

 

For more information go HERE.

Private Providers

Several organizations specialize in tutoring students in preparation for ATAR exams. This is a comprehensive list of those available in WA. 

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.

  • All Saints’ College School
  • Churchlands Senior High School
  • Perth Modern School
  • Online

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

Classes are available at:

  • Ashdale
  • Mt Lawley
  • Christ Church Grammar
  • Hale

Find details and enrol 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 customized 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.

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

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  • Organisation subscription $35/issue

 

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Your ATAR Game Plan: Simple Steps to Achieve Your Best

Your big dream might be something as broad as “I want to have an amazing life.” And that’s a great place to start.

No matter how ambitious your vision is, turning it into reality takes a clear, step-by-step plan. If you’re working towards a strong ATAR score, that plan becomes even more important—it’s the bridge between where you are now and where you want to go.

SMART Goals

While big-picture dreams give you direction, SMART goals help you focus. SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. They break your vision into practical, manageable steps—so instead of just dreaming big, you’re taking real action to get there.

Example of a SMART goal: 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.

You can do SMART goals for each subject. 

SWOT Analysis

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

Brainstorm your ideas. Have a friend help you for more ideas, or you can just do it alone.

 

Turn Ideas into Action: A USED Analysis is your plan for ATAR success

Once you’ve completed your SWOT analysis you’re ready to take the next step: turning insight into action.

How to Do a USED Analysis

Set aside 10 focused minutes. Look at each point in your SWOT and ask yourself:

  • How can I Use my strengths to support my ATAR goals?
    Maybe you’re naturally organised or confident in a particular subject—how can you build on that?

  • What do I need to Stop doing that’s holding me back?
    Are procrastination or poor time management dragging your results down?

  • What opportunities can I Exploit?
    Are there extra tutorials, mentoring, study groups, or resources available that you haven’t tapped into yet?

  • How can I Deny or reduce the impact of threats?
    Is stress, burnout, or a lack of support threatening your progress? What strategies or supports can help?

Example USED Analysis for an ATAR Student

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. 

  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 have your plan

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 to find where to focus your efforts. 

Bev doing research for 2025

 

 

 

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Out Now – In Focus Careers News April 2025. Discover your path to careers for tomorrow.

Discover your path to careers for tomorrow in the April issue of In Focus Careers News. 

Unearth future possibilities in the evolving landscape of work. Identify innovative pathways to a career you love. 

The April issue leads you through new courses, support programs, scholarships and career events available to you in Western Australia now.

In Focus Careers inspires dreams and empowers you take action to shape your tomorrow. 

Subscribe Now

In Focus Careers provides a clear guide to career professionals and families trying to wade through a tsunami of career information.

Bev doing research for 2025

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Want to become a teacher? ECU Teacher Education School to Split Between Joondalup and New Perth Campus

Mount Lawley ECU Campus is to close at the end of this year.

Some faculties, like Business, IT and Creative Industries, which includes WAAPA, are moving to the new ECU campus being built next to Perth train station. 

The Teacher Education School is to be split across both Joondalup and the city campus. 

Bachelor of Education Early Childhood Studies

This degree will be available at Joondalup, South West and online in 2025. 

Bachelor of Education Primary

This course is available at Mt Lawley, Joondalup, South West and online in 2025.

Bachelor of Education Secondary

In 2025 this course is available at Mt Lawley and Joondalup. It will be split in 2026 depending on what you major in. 

Majors you can study in this course

Students may be required to attend both Joondalup and Mount Lawley campuses depending on their selected major and minor combination.

I’m Sad to See Mt Lawley Close

ECU evolved out of Claremont Teachers’ College which opened in 1902. Half of my family did their teacher education at Claremont Teachers’ College or at ECU in Mt Lawley.  

Claremont Teachers’ College. Picture from SIDE

In 1982 Claremont Teachers’ College merged with other providers of teacher education across WA and then evolved into ECU which has been a centre of excellence for teacher education in WA. It is still be biggest provider of teacher education in WA.

I hope it manages to maintain its reputation as a great provider of teacher education through the transition. 

To find out more about the move go to the ECU Handbook 

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Keep up to date with  West Australian careers information. Subscribe to In  Focus Careers News.

 

 

 

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Bev doing research for 2025

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TAFE Applications for 2025 are opening soon. This is how to apply.

Key Dates for TAFE applications for 2025

  • Applications open — Friday 6 September 2024. …

  • Applications and preference change close – Friday 1 November 2024. …

  • Offers (competitive courses) – Wednesday 4 December 2024. …

  • Offers (non-competitive courses) – 6 September 2024 to 24 January 2025.

Vocational Education and Training has become a preferred pathway for West Australians because of the big money that can be made in the Resources Industry. 

Our housing shortage is also making building trades a well paid career pathway and the Construction Training Fund has designed a range of courses for females so that they can also enter well paid jobs in the industry, without trying to break into the male dominated traditional building trades. See the courses HERE. 

Go to TAFE Admissions to find an application form.

Free Course Advice

If you would like to do a VET course, but you are not certain exactly what to do, get along and see one to the brilliant counselors 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 apply for an apprenticeship, they will tell you how to apply and give you interview tips. 

What Level Certificate is right for you

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 could go on to do a Cert IV in Building and Construction

  • An electrician could specialise in a Cert IV in Electrical Instrumentation

  • A farm manager could do a Cert IV in Agriculture to become a more effective at managing the business

  • A techie may specialize in Cert IV in Cyber Security

No OLNA or English – No Worries

Pathways 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

Cover of August In Focus Careers

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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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        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

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        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.