Category: University

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

Sometimes everything seems to line up.

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

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

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

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

The Government is Kick Starting Screen Industry Renewal

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

The 10 year plan aims to create:

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

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

Current University Courses

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

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

VET Courses Provide Skills and Industry Connections

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

VET Analogue Creative Careers

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

VET Digital Creative Careers

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

How to Start

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

  • Sketch out a story or game idea

  • Get help from friends

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

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

Good luck with your screen industry career.

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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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Scholarships for Year 12 Academic Superstars

Universities love academic superstars.

They all offer scholarships to attract the most academically gifted students to their university. 

These sites identify key academic scholarships at West Australian universities. There are many scholarships for you to apply for. 

This is your place to shine

Apply for lots of scholarships. This is your place to shine. This is where you find the resources to support yourself while you are studying at university. 

Check Mistakes Students Make When Applying for Scholarships and How to Avoid Them. (US site)

8 Tips to Ace Your Scholarship Application (Charles Darwin University)

 

Curtin

Curtin Excellence Scholarship

If you have an ATAR of 96+ you will automatically receive a Curtin Excellence Scholarship 

Go to Find a Scholarship

See Tips for Applying for a Scholarship

UWA

 

Academic Excellence Scholarship

Academic Excellence Scholarships provides financial support to students who have been recognized for their outstanding academic results.

This is the link for domestic, year 12, undergraduate scholarships. There are pages of them.

 

ECU

Edith Cowan University logo

ECU Excellence Scholarships

ECU Excellence Scholarships are open to Western Australian year 12 school leavers displaying outstanding academic excellence. You will be considered for this scholarship when you select Edith Cowan University as your first preference on your TISC Application. The scholarship offers a payment of $2,500 per semester (or pro rata for part time study) for a total of $5,000 per year for the duration of your course.

I checked for scholarships, domestic, open or opening soon.

MurdochMurdoch University > CareerHub | Australia's largest and most active student recruitment network, for more than 10 years.

Academic Excellence Scholarship

With over $2.5 million in scholarships awarded every year, students from all walks of life are enjoying the benefits a scholarship can bring. Murdoch provides support for applicants.

See Murdoch Excellence Scholarships

 

Notre Dame

 

Notre Dame Merit Scholarships

There are 17 different scholarships currently open on the Notre Dame site for Fremantle.

See Notre Dame Merit Scholarships

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Email: 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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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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A Guide to Open Days for Year 12 Students

Choose to go to two open days

Register to go to the one:

  • Closest to where you live. 
  • That has the best course and support.

If you are not sure which ones to go to, check out these web pages:

Your registration will lead to updates of new displays, talks and events at the Open Days.

You will be able to schedule different things to go to. 

  • 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

Open days are big – Think Royal Show

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

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.

    • 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.

 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.

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 counselor

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. 

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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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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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Is the uni bus right for you?

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Are your friends going to uni? Do you have FOMO? 

Did the drivers of the uni bus visit you at school and sell you a ride?

Are your parents frightened that if you don’t get off the bus you will get lost?

 

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

Maybe you need to wait for the next bus. Maybe you want to get on the backpacker bus. Or the travel bus. Or the Harvest Trail bus. Or the job bus.

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

 

Defer University 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.

Check out Year 12 What Next? Gap Year Ideas for 2022.

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 you used of the one you left behind.

TAFE

There are hundreds of courses available through TAFE. If you are unsure what course you might like to do or how to enrol find a Jobs and Skills Centre near you for career guidance.

Many TAFE courses are now on a free list. 

You can do a trade course or a course that reflects 21st Century jobs in cyber security, dental technology, and agriculture.

Lots of TAFE courses earn credits at uni. 

 

Still not sure which ride is best for you?

If you are tired of trying to decide what to do and feeling overwhelmed by your choices it may be time to think about hiring a Certified Career Advisor to guide you towards your ideal next chapter.

Contact me for a confidential discussion at M:0434056412 or Bev.J@infocus-careers.com.au

Infocus Careers is an independent organisation which is solely supported by insanely great subscribers who share information with me, support each other and help me to pay my bills.

I can talk about careers under water so if you would like to chat about how I can help you to improve your career or the services you deliver, give me a ring on 0434056412 or email me at Bev.J@infocus-careers.com.au