Careers News

Hello everyone,

It has been very busy in the world of careers this term. There have been a range of opportunities and events occurring. 

Year 10

In Year 10 we will start making resumes and preparing for work experience in the final weeks of Term 2 and beginning of Term 3. Students need to complete short courses to be allowed to participate in work experience, which is an excellent practical experience for students to taste the world of work. Students should be researching various workplaces now so they are ready to participate in work experience in week 8 of Term 4. It is quite a lot of work to organise this, so they should be finding a place to complete their work experience now.

If your child needs to complete their experience earlier in the year, this can be arranged.

There are some students on work placement at present. These students are successfully working in a variety of locations. If your child would like this opportunity, there are specific procedures to follow, and they need to see me for information.

Year 10  Careers North Coast Exhibition visit

In week 6, all of Year 10 visited The North Coast Careers Exhibition in Coffs Harbour. There was a range of exhibitors informing students about different courses or job opportunities. Among the presenters were the Australian Defence Force, TAFE (which represented various faculties and subject choices), and the Universities of Newcastle, Armidale, and Southern Cross. There were also trade apprenticeship organisations, banks and employment agencies, to name just a short list of those on offer. The students had the opportunity to engage with the various stalls and research a variety of options.

Year 11

Students are researching career opportunities and workplace requirements as a part of our program in Careers. There will be an opportunity for all of Year 11 to attend a careers exhibition in Coffs Harbour in Term 3.

Scholarships

As mentioned in the last College newsletter, Annabelle Hourigan (Year 11) completed the High School Pathway Program with Southern Cross University. The Program prepares students for university studies by providing instruction in essay writing, research, and citation skills. Annabelle’s progress and performance were impressive, and she received a $10,000 scholarship from the University. Well done, Annabelle.

University Visits

In week 2, a group of Year 12 and Year 11 students visited the University of New England. They were given a tour of the facilities and access to different faculties where the professors and staff were happy to directly answer questions.  The students enjoyed the day and were impressed by the small but friendly university. They also caught up with ex-students who are very successful at Armidale. These were Mayha Mead-Davies, studying Law; Jorja White, studying Education with Music; and Lily Nash, studying nursing. All of the students were enjoying their university life.

Year 12

University Applications

Applying for university is a big step for students, and parents can feel anxious too. Below are some facts on the process. Please contact me for more information.

By now, students should have had their PIN from the University Admission Centre for NSW (UAC) emailed to them. As explained in the last newsletter, the instructions are repeated again here.

The process for applying to university

In early April, UAC will issue students with a PIN to apply for courses, and we will have UAC booklets to help them research courses, as well as our Career Tools website, which contains a UAC booklet and information on all courses in Australia. They can then apply online for their desired courses. They make 5 preference choices for courses, and their ideal choice is their first preference. Their last choice is encouraged to be the course with the lower entry score in case you do not secure your ideal spot. Preferences can be changed during the process, so students are not locked in until the course offers are issued. People who may not be able to secure a university spot may also research a bridging course to lead them towards their desired degree. However, they should still apply for their degree course.

Here is a list of the key dates from the University Admissions Centre:

Code explanations and other information:

• The School Recommendations Scheme (SRS) is a scheme where students ask their school to recommend them for courses. It is suggested that all students tick this option.
• Early Bird applications close on 30th September - if the students do not submit their form by this date, they need to pay $215, as opposed to $82 if they pay by the Early Bird date.
• Students are not encouraged to apply for the same course at university as they do on the UAC form.
• COP means change of preferences close. This is because students can change their course choices up until a certain time. The time when they are finally locked in is 6th November. They are opened again for a window of time  and then closed again on the 18th of December.
• Rounds being released means once the HSC results arrive on 18th December, universities will send offers of positions in their courses.  If a student does not get straight into their chosen course, they may get into that course in the second round of offers. This is a sorting process and means that all places hope to be filled in the universities.  More information on this will be released later.

Please see the UAC link to help you navigate the process.

How to apply to university through the UAC system.

1.How to start yor UAC application 

2.How to manage your UAC application

3.How to review your UAC application following your ATAR result

Please contact Mrs Rouse if you need more information.

Mock job interviews

Students who are not applying for university are working towards researching jobs, applying for a real job for now or upon completion of school, and will produce resumes, cover letters and complete a mock interview for their chosen job. This will be presented to a panel of two teachers. The interviews are scheduled to start in Week 9 this term and will conclude early in Term 3.

Australian Defence Force

The ADF visited the school in week 7 and presented an information session on careers and opportunities in the Australian Defence Force. They interacted with the students and answered numerous questions. There are lots of opportunities in the defence forces, and this was an informative session. The representatives explained different roles within the defence forces and the application process.

They also have a pop-up information stall open seven days a week in Coffs Harbour Jetty. This will be stationed there until early August. 

Jobs

Any vacant job positions continue to be advertised in the student notices or in the students' Careers lessons.

At present, there is a vacant position advertised at a local accountancy firm (WBS Accountants) - please refer to the Advertisements section of this Newsletter. The application closing date is July 31st.

University Scholarships

Scholarships for universities will not be available for a while, but we will research these next term.

The Regional Industry Education Partnerships (RIEP)

This government body connects local industries with schools. RIEP is offering an introduction to careers in the health industry with indigenous students who will visit various health and medical centres. Wil Bancroft and Angus Field are offering students the opportunity to participate in this program starting next term.

If you have any concerns or questions, or if you know of any job opportunities or vacancies in a local business, please contact Mrs Rouse.  

Mrs Maria Rouse, Careers