Going to a uni open day is like going to a show. There are food vans, exhibitions and demonstrations and interesting people to meet, who WANT to convince you that their course is fantastic.
Start learning about life at university in Year 9. Check out the food vans. Listen to the music. Go into buildings and see the latest tech tools, computer games and research. Find the library, the shops and the toilets.
Year 10Tips
Explore and Experience Try stuff. There will be people inviting you to engage with practical experiences in their subject. It could be VR. It could be checking out the latest medical research, making a short movie using their studio. All faculties will have practical experiences for you to engage with. Do it now.
Year 11Tips
Get an authentic experience. Engage with current students. Build on what you have learned in years 9 and 10 visits by asking questions of both students, academics and staff. Check out presentations and exhibitions to see what you will gain most from and register for them, or just make a schedule of where to be and at what time.
Year 12 Tips
This is it. You need to be able to build from your other Open Day experiences. You will know what faculties to visit, and you will have a range of questions to ask. By now you should have narrowed down your options and you will be able to ask specific questions about subjects, industry engagement opportunities, mentors, support programs etc. You will know which presentations and demonstrations you need to revisit.
Go for a smooth transition
Here is a guide for you to prepare for life after school. Start early and gradually build your ability to glide gradually from school into your chosen new life, rather than leap into the unknown.
The Year 10 Magic Happens Handbook is out for 2021.
It contains information that directly applies to year 10 students in the Western Australian education system.
If you subscribe to the In Focus Careers Newsletter you will automatically receive your copy so that you can start to plan for 2021. Or you can subscribe now by going HERE.
There are three sections:
Step 1: Finding Your Purpose
Discover what you want to do
This is short but it is the most vital part of the Handbook. If you are trying to cut down on time, don’t skip this bit.
This is the boring, nuts and bolts skills that are essential to getting a job. It includes doing research, finding your aptitudes, time management,resumes, choosing career paths and the paperwork for work experience.
This is where you get to use your values and knowledge of how to get a job to design your success strategy. It includes setting SMART goals, doing a SWOT and a USED analysis and creating a project plan.
The 2021 Magic Happens Teachers’ Guide is also available to subscribers.
The Magic Happens TO DO List infographic is also available to subscribers.
To keep up to date with West Australian career news and ideas subscribe to my insanely great monthly In Focus Careers Newsletter. Email me at Bev.J@infocus-careers.com.au
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.
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.
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.
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:
You don’t want to impose. You don’t want to be any trouble. They will think you are stupid.
There are 1000 reasons NOT to get in touch with a mentor.
There are a 1000 mentors out there aching to help young people to succeed.
The kids who put themselves forward are the ones who get the help. It takes guts to ask for help. It takes guts to want to succeed.
For Mentors
There is nothing more frustrating than having knowledge and networks developed over a lifetime of work and study that is no longer being used or valued.
For Students
You can tap into this pot of wisdom and network to support your giant leap into a fantastic future.
Be prepared to share your knowledge of apps and technology.
Be prepared to listen.
Mentoring Programs
The Australian Business and Community Network
The Australian Business and Community Network (ABCN) is a not-for-profit organisation that connects business with students through mentoring and partnership programs. It aims to provide students with the skills and work experience they require to make sound personal, educational and vocational choices.
ABCN is supported by over 40 member companies and led by an experienced body of CEOs who participate in the programs and support their employees to do the same.
Together we work with a network of public schools across Australia to deliver a range of critical skills, employability and leadership programs that involve business professionals mentoring students. All programs are provided at no cost to the schools or the students.
The Beacon Foundation is another not-for- profit organisation that provides mentoring services. It works with schools, businesses and communities to inspire students to think about their future long before they leave school.
YMentoring is a community-based not-for-profit mentoring program operated by YMCA WA for youth living in the Perth Metropolitan area. It matches youth with a caring adult who can offer support, guidance and friendship for a minimum of 12 months. The service is offered to young people aged between 7 and 20 years. To find out more go HERE.
Pinnacle Foundation
The Pinnacle Foundation provides scholarships & mentorships to young LGBTIQ+ students to give them the chance to achieve their full potential, and Light The Spark within.
Search Mentor Programs Western Australia for more services that you can tap into.
Find your ideal career path and tap into all the support you need.
Get your professional career plan from Bev Johnson at In Focus Careers.
If you look up pre apprenticeships you will find a truckload being advertised for Semester 2.
All of the TAFE colleges and lots of other colleges seem to be advertising them so the level of competition for each place may be down.
Most of the pre-apprenticeship programs offered are Certificate II’s.
Students can meet entry with OLNA, NAPLAN, or by completing a Certificate I or II program at school. They can also complete a Certificate I or II in General Education or a similar bridging program at a number of TAFE campuses.
TAFE colleges generally require that students are at least 15 years old. It is an adult learning environment and they will be mixing with adults.
If you get a place you need to work like crazy to impress through any contact with either lecturers or potential employers. There aren’t many apprenticeships going so you need to make a good impression while you have the chance.
In Focus Careers Newsletter
You can find a monthly feast of insanely great careers ideas and support through my In Focus Careers newsletter.
Send for a complimentary copy:
My Commitment to West Australian Careers Education
I want In Focus Careers to be the conduit to Insanely Great Careers Information for West Australian students. I undertake to:
Write 10 insanely great issues of In Focus Careers newsletter each year that focus on the needs of West Australian students and careers teachers.
Search for local, national and international information that could impact on the careers of West Australian students.
Connect you with insanely great careers teachers and industry experts across the In Focus Careers network.
Listen to and support West Australian careers teachers.
Leaving school early IS AN OPTION. It does NOT mean you will never get a job, or that you will live on the streets for the rest of your life.
School isn’t for everyone. It makes some people’s lives a total misery.
In Western Australia the government requires students to get special permission to leave school early by applying for a Notice of Arrangement. You can find details of that HERE.
Don’t Jump Too Soon
Once you have made up your mind to leave it is difficult to change your mind. As soon as you start thinking of leaving talk to a career advisor. There may be alternatives that they can offer through the school or they may be able to organise a smooth transition from school for you.
Once you leave school people who can help you get limited funding so their capacity to help is limited. Stick with your school and get as much FREE help as possible before you leave.
Getting help with your resume is a good start.
Decide What You Are Going to Do When You Leave
If you haven’t got a job lined up or a course to go into you may need help to get that sorted.
Many schools have the Career Voyage program that will help you to nail down a career direction for the near future. If you don’t have access to Career Voyage at school you can do the quiz at one of the Careers Centres in Perth or regional centres or contact them online.
I have done this Coggle brainstorm of a bunch of places you can check out to narrow down what you like.
Email me Bev.J@infocus-careers.com.au if you would like access to the Coggle map so that you can just click on the links.
Study Year 12 at an Alternative College
Look at the available options for completing Year 12 in another setting like Cyril Jackson, Canning,North Lake and Seven Oaks Colleges. There are adult students at these colleges and you may find that suits your style.
There are three levels, certificates I – III. Choose the one that suits your needs.
This certificate often has literacy and numeracy support which can kick start your study in another area. Different colleges will allow you to explore different subject opportunities as part of your study.
TAFE colleges give you access to ongoing support from careers advisors.
Study something else at TAFE
You can build your employability skills and explore career options through Foundation Skills Course. Check out the list of Foundation Skills courses HERE.
Equity Course
There are equity courses that support people with disability and people seeking courses that are aligned with their culture; for example, a qualification specialising in Indigenous Australian tourism. Check the list of courses HERE and ask about opportunities at one of the Jobs and Skills Centres – scroll down this page to find the one nearest to you.
Apprenticeships and Traineeships
If you can find someone who is willing to take you on as an apprentice or trainee, you are on a great path.
You can find apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities through Seek and Indeed. Getting an apprenticeship or traineeship is just like looking for any other job. You need to find the opportunity first, then convince the employer that you would be a great employee. You will need a good resume as a starting point.
When you do an apprenticeship or traineeship qualification you need to sign up so that your training is recognized. You sign up at an Australian Apprentice Support provider. You can find one HERE.
The help that they give will not be as good as the help you can get at school so it is best to try to find an apprenticeship and to contact a provider through your careers advisor.
Government Support
You may be eligible for Youth Allowance. This is hard to get but it is worth checking to see if you qualify HERE.
Leaving school early IS AN OPTION. Leaving school is however risky, and there is a chance you could fall into a hole without a safety net.
The suggestions to help you to leave school early are easier to do with the help of a careers advisor.
If you can’t get help at school, go to one of the alternative schools or TAFE colleges or even a uni, to get free advice or pay a professional career advisor to help to set you onto the right path. That help could put you onto the perfect path to your school free future.
In Focus Careers Newsletter
You can find a monthly feast of insanely great careers ideas and support through my In Focus Careers newsletter.
Testimonial:
I loved this month’s newsletter! There were so many useful links that I’m going to use, like the Logistics Training Council publications and the Future skills Framework infographic on our demographic. So much handy information – I even signed up for the Public Sector Commissions job search so that I can pass opportunities for traineeships onto students. (Northern regional Catholic Education School)
My Commitment to West Australian Careers Education
I want In Focus Careers to be the conduit to Insanely Great Careers Information for West Australian students. I undertake to:
Write 10 insanely great issues of In Focus Careers newsletter each year that focus on the needs of West Australian students and careers teachers.
Search for local, national and international information that could impact on the careers of West Australian students.
Connect you with insanely great careers teachers and industry experts across the In Focus Careers network.
Listen to and support West Australian careers teachers.
The School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCASA) is THE mob that makes up the rules about WACE. The first place to find information about Year 11 and 12 is in the official Year 10 Information Handbook which SCASA puts out.
If you can’t find the information you need or if you are unclear on anything contact them at info@scsa.wa.edu.au.
STEP 2 Hear Your Dream
You need to have some idea about what career direction you would like to take.
Many schools have the Career Voyage program that will help you to nail down a career direction for the near future. If you don’t have access to Career Voyage at school you can do the quiz at a Jobs and Skills Centre.
I have done this Coggle brain storm of a bunch of places you can check out to narrow down what you like.
Email me Bev.J@infocus-careers.com.au if you would like access to the Coggle map so that you can just click on the links.
STEP 3 Do You Want to do ATAR??
For years ATAR results were the short cut that universities used to choose their students. Things are changing. Competition between universities has heated up and they are looking at many alternative pathways that:
enable more students to go to university
ensure students don’t fail when they get there.
Universities are looking for alternative pathways more than schools and parents.
TAFE has always been flexible with its pathways to learning than universities and there is a huge range of possible pathways offered.
Job Prospects for Young Job Seekers
Last year the Career Development Association put on a webinar delivered by Ivan Neville, from the Commonwealth Department of Employment. He said….you really need to get a year 12 qualification, or equivalent, to get a job…..
But there isn’t much difference in employment outcomes between a degree (3.6%) and a Cert III (4.1%).
The opening of university entry to a wider audience had resulted in a shift towards degrees and away from vocational education since 2008.
There are now stronger job outcomes for apprentices and trainees than people with degrees.
Step 4 Check Course PRE-REQUISITES
There are lots of courses that have RECOMMENDED subjects, but not so many have definite PRE-REQUISITES that MUST be done as a WACE subject in order to get into a course.
There are lots of pathways into further study and your WACE pathway is just one of them.
The most direct pathway is however, to take subjects that the universities are looking for. So, once you have narrowed down a career direction to take, check out the TISC University Admissions Handbook. It identifies what WACE subjects you should take to keep your options open.
OLNA
The Online Literacy and Numeracy Assessment (OLNA) is the minimum WACE requirement reading, writing and numeracy. It is usually done in 10 but there are more opportunities to sit the Assessment in Year 11 and 12 and even AFTER Year 12.
Prospective TAFE students who do not meet these standards can:
sit a TAFE Admissions literacy and/or numeracy test administered by Training Sector Services;
be referred to a TAFE college for a Learning Area Assessment; or
enrol in a course that does not have literacy or numeracy requirements, including foundation skills, equity courses and Certificate I
Step 5 Contact Your Career Advisor
Tap into the knowledge and experience of your career advisor.
If you don’t have access to a specialist career advisor at your school, go to a TAFE college Jobs and Skills Centre or private careers consultant to be sure your next step is the right one.
For your monthly does of inspiration and insanely great career information subscribe to my newsletter:
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.)
My Commitment to West Australian Careers Education
For In Focus Careers to be the conduit to Insanely Great Careers Information for West Australian students I undertake to:
Write 10 insanely great issues of In Focus Careers newsletter each year that focus on the needs of West Australian students and careers teachers.
Search for local, national and international information that could impact on the careers of West Australian students.
Connect you with insanely great careers teachers across the In Focus Careers network.
Listen to and support West Australian careers teachers.
There is so much to discover and experience at university open days that students need to start going to them in Year 10. Those students who are most familiar with their university have the best chance of success.
The smart trend is to do your research on social media then go to the coolest exhibitions for the experience and for your selfie.
The Year 10 Open Day Worksheet is short and simple. It will help you to get the most out of your day and help you to find careers to investigate over the next year.
If you went to some open days last year you will know what to expect and can plan your visit to get more out of it.
It is best to go with a family member as they care for you and may find out stuff that you miss.
The Year 11 Open Day Worksheet gives some shortcuts to planning your day so that you have the best time possible as you narrow down your choices for post school university courses.
The journey from school is a long one. Finding the right path to take is a good start.
Discovering your right career won’t come to you in a blinding flash of light. It will come in a whisper. You need to take time to listen.
The Year 12 Open Day Worksheet will guide those who are thinking of going to uni and who have an idea of what they want to do.
If you still have no idea what to do when you leave school PLEASE seek advice from a school or Jobs and Skills Centre career advisor or BOTH!! They will help you to clarify what you want to do.
For your monthly does of inspiration and insanely great career information subscribe to my newsletter:
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.)
My Commitment to West Australian Careers Education
For In Focus Careers to be the conduit to Insanely Great Careers Information for West Australian students I undertake to:
Write 10 insanely great issues of In Focus Careers newsletter each year that focus on the needs of West Australian students and careers teachers.
Search for local, national and international information that could impact on the careers of West Australian students.
Connect you with insanely great careers teachers across the In Focus Careers network.
Listen to and support West Australian careers teachers.
Many schools have the Career Voyage program that will help you to nail down a career direction for the near future. If you don’t have access to Career Voyage at school you can do the quiz at a 
As our Year 12s head into ATAR exam rooms or out into the school free zone I am aware that they are heading into the most risky time of their lives.