CAREERS NEWS

Deanne Reynolds - Careers Advisor

Posted CGGS Newsletter 34 - 14 November 2008

Farewell

Best wishes to Year 12 as they prepare for their final exams. I wish all students leaving us to pursue further education or employment in 2009 the very best for a happy, successful future. 

After the stress of assessment and exams is over, senior students are welcome to return to school to discuss their post-school options with me. You are invited to make an appointment by phone or email. Parents are most welcome to attend. Ph 6202 6426 or email deanne.reynolds@cggs.act.edu.au

What is Vocational Education and Training (VET)?

Vocational Education (V) courses are offered as part of the curriculum in Years 11 and 12. The courses have an emphasis on practical tasks and develop skills to make the students ‘work-ready’. Assessment is based on the completion of competencies as well as other standard forms of assessment. Time spent in the workplace is an essential part of a vocational course, usually for one week per year. The successful completion of a vocational course leads to the awarding of a nationally recognised qualification: Certificate I and/or Certificate II and gives the student a guaranteed pathway into CIT to continue their course, if they wish. Some courses are offered as a Tertiary (T/V) subject and count towards the student’s university entrance score. Others are aimed at Accredited students who are not seeking to go to university (A/V).

T/V courses that are registered in the ACT include Business Studies, Accounting, Information Technology, Outdoor Education, Media, Sports Administration and Fashion Design.

A/V courses that are registered in the ACT include Sport and Recreation, Production for Live Theatre, Information Technology, Retail, Media, Sports Administration, Fashion Design and Tourism Studies.

To properly plan for the 2010 school year, I am seeking expressions of interest in studying Vocational Courses from parents and students from Years 7 to 10. I would be most grateful if you would take the time to give me your opinion in this short survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=uLLruTU_2b3lYbV4y_2fg9y7nw_3d_3d

Opportunity for Year 11 Students

The University of Wollongong is again inviting interested students to attend Discovery Day. It is held in Week 1, 2009 on Thursday 5 February. A free excursion to attend this day is being organised by the ACT Career Education Association. Details and permission notes are available from the Careers Room. Students must also register by 30 November at www.discoverydays.uow.edu.au using a login password provided by Mrs Reynolds in an email sent out last week. A personalised timetable will be generated for you depending on your seminar choices. Get in quick to avoid disappointment. The University of Wollongong is a young, innovative university with a beautiful campus and is an easy travelling distance from Canberra. It is worth considering as a place to study.

Change of Preferences for University Study

A reminder that students can go online and change their course preferences until 7 January 2009. Students can still apply for university in 2009 but will now have to pay a late fee as well as the normal fee. See your UAC Guide for details. Unlike UAC, Victorian universities have only three weeks when you may change your preferences (1 to 22  December). If you have applied to a Victorian university please refer to their website for details.

ANU College Associate Degree is a two-year (full-time) sub-bachelor pathway qualification delivered by ANU College and accredited by The Australian National University. The Associate Degree is offered in three streams – Science and Technology, Business Studies and Social Studies. The associate degree:

• gives you guaranteed entry into the second year of an appropriate ANU Bachelor
  degree after successful completion of the program
• allows you flexibility to study full-time or half-time
• has no UAI cut off to gain entry

To be eligible for entry students must:

• have completed Year 12 (or equivalent) or
• be aged 21 years or more and
• be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, or hold permanent residency status in Australia.

It is also strongly recommended that applicants for all three streams have passed tertiary English, as well as tertiary Mathematics for either the Science and Technology or Business streams.

For further information, please contact Peter Copeman or Megan Barker on associate.degree@anucollege.com.au or T: 6125 5000.

Employment News

Although the major retail stores have completed their Christmas recruiting, many smaller businesses are still seeking junior casual staff. Help with writing resumes and job applications is available from Mrs Reynolds in the Careers Room.

Students are encouraged to check their emails regularly for job opportunities that are passed on from the Careers Advisor.

Deanne Reynolds
Careers Advisor

Posted CGGS Newsletter 33 - 7 November 2008

University News

UC Accelerate is the University of Canberra’s University Extension Program, which offers University units to talented Year 11 and 12 students. Enrolments have commenced for 2009. Students may enrol in up to two units of study (HECS-free) at the University of Canberra while attending school. Interested students should have the potential, maturity and motivation to undertake tertiary level study and will need the endorsement of the Principal.

Students who successfully complete UC Accelerate units may receive academic credit for up to two units towards a related degree if they subsequently enrol at UC for tertiary studies. The units of study completed under UC Accelerate will be reported on the student’s ACT Year 12 Certificate as an R Unit (Recognition of Outside Learning) together with the University of Canberra grade achieved.

The University of Canberra is holding a UC Accelerate 2009 Information Session for students, parents or guardians and any interested college or high school staff at 6pm on Wednesday 19 November 2008 in Building 5, Room B85, University of Canberra. To locate the building please enter the campus via Cooinda Street and park in the Building 5 car park (Map link: http://www.canberra.edu.au/university/maps). 

 What should interested students do?   

1. Attend the UC Accelerate 2009 information session at 6pm Wednesday 19 November
   
2. Select a unit of study. Details of the units offered are on the Subject Options 2009 document attached. Students may also contact the designated Unit Convenor if they have any queries.
   
3. Complete an application form. The application form is attached and is also  available on the web at http://www.canberra.edu.au/accelerate
   
4. Get the form counter-signed by the Principal and a parent or guardian. Students must have the support of their Principal to enrol in UC Accelerate. They must be capable of tertiary level study and meeting the demands of a University environment.
   
5. Return the application form to the Admissions Office by 30 November 2008. Admissions Office University of Canberra ACT 2601 Australia www.canberra.edu.au/student-services, fax: +61 (02) 6201 5040

Please direct any enquiries to either Ellen O’Keeffe or Marg O’Malley part-time Coordinators for UC Accelerate.  Their contact details are - email: ucaccelerate@canberra.edu.au, web: www.canberra.edu.au, ph: 02 6201 5198.

Posted CGGS Newsletter 32 - 31 October 2008

Recent Careers Events

Last week’s Careers Backstage Information Evening was well attended by students from across Canberra. Representatives from Julius Events College, the Australian Film, Television and Radio School and CIT spoke about the range of careers available in the Entertainment Industry and the courses that will give students the skills to succeed in this area.

The Southern Cross Ten Television and Media Careers Night was a unique opportunity to tour the studios in Watson and speak to staff from Production, Programming, News and Current Affairs, Finance, Operations, Marketing and Engineering. There are many positions currently being advertised with the main requirements being a positive, hard-working attitude with the ability to work as part of a team.

The full day Careers with Animals excursion gave students the chance to explore careers with domestic, exotic and native animals. Visits were made to the RSPCA Shelter, Forrest Park Riding School, the National Zoo and Aquarium and Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve where students were given presentations by staff about their work and the training needed to get a job. This was complemented by a hands-on session at the Bruce campus of CIT where the different courses were explained to students and some of the in-house animals were introduced.

University News

If you have applied to a Victorian university, please be aware that, unlike UAC, they don’t have continuous change of preference for university admission. VTAC has a specific period during which changes must be made. This year it is from 1 to 22 December. Many universities have open days and information sessions around this time to assist students wishing to change their preferences. Please check individual websites for details.

VET (Vocational Education and Training) News

School leavers considering entering the workforce should have a look at the list of available full-time apprenticeships and traineeships available now from Employment ACT. Please click here for the complete listing.

Please speak to Mrs Reynolds if you are interested in taking on one of these positions. Year 10 students may commence their training towards one of these qualifications by choosing to start an Australian School Based Apprenticeship in Year 11. Full details are available from Mrs Reynolds.

GAP Year News

Projects Abroad offer volunteers programs in third world countries for students aged 17 – 26 years. Find out more at http://newsletter.projects-abroad.net/au/2008/october2/

Deanne Reynolds
Careers Advisor
E: deanne.reynolds@cggs.act.edu.au
T: 02 6202 6426

Posted CGGS Newsletter 30 - 17 October 2008

Next week will be a big week for those students interested in careers in the entertainment industry. On Tuesday night CGGS will be hosting a Careers Backstage Information Evening featuring guests from two Sydney institutions - Julius Events College and the Australian Film, Television and Radio School, as well as staff from the Canberra Institute of Technology speaking about the courses available locally. All Year levels and parents are welcome including students from other schools. The evening commences at 7pm in the Multimedia Theatre.

On Thursday 23 October from 6pm to 8.30pm, Southern Cross Ten will be hosting a Television and Media Careers Night. Come along to hear about careers in television and media including production, programming, news and current affairs, finance, administration, operations, marketing and much more including fully guided tours through the station at Watson. AS PLACES ARE LIMITED YOU MUST REGISTER THROUGH THE SIP WEBSITE: www.sip.net.au as places are limited. Registrations close 17 October 2008.

University News

The University of Canberra wishes to announce the new University of Canberra Outstanding Scholars' Program. The program offers students who receive a UAI of 95+ a $2,500pa Chancellor's Scholarship, mentoring by a research active academic, and a specialised orientation session. In addition to this, the top 20 Outstanding Scholars will receive The University of Canberra Commonwealth Supported Scholarship for Undergraduate Students (CUGS).  This scholarship will exempt students from their HECS liabilities. For more information contact Tracy Hardy, the scholarships program manager via email: scholarships@canberra.edu.au  or t: 6201 2612.

ANU announces a new Science degree for 2009. The Bachelor of Genetics is a specialist degree for those students interested in the science of genes, including population genetics, molecular genetics, biotechnology, neurobiology and bioinformatics. See http://genetics.anu.edu.au for details.

The College of Asia and the Pacific is awarding up to five bonus points to prospective students who are enrolling for a single undergraduate degree and have studied a foreign language to Year 12 level. Students do not need to apply for this bonus. It will be automatically calculated by UAC.

New Flexible entry arrangements for University of Sydney courses have been announced. Details at www.usyd.edu.au/flexibleentry

Senior Agriculture Camp is an opportunity for Year 11 students to experience the agricultural study facilities at the University of Sydney, both at the city campus and their farm at Camden. The camp runs from Friday night 21 November to Sunday afternoon 23 November and costs $200 which includes all meals, accommodation and transport around Sydney but not transport to Sydney. CGGS can nominate up to four talented students with an interest in agriculture who are currently studying Science and Mathematics. The program for the camp incorporates a range of activities which are agricultural, horticultural and environmentally based such as dairying, plant disease, plant and animal genetics, land and water science, resource economics, agribusiness and applied marketing. Please see Mrs Reynolds for an application form.

Academic Advantage is the bonus points scheme introduced at Macquarie University. Points are awarded for studying subjects in Years 11 and 12 that directly relate to your university course.

VET (Vocational Education and Training) NEWS

Australian School Based Apprenticeships (ASBA) combine school studies with the completion of a training package leading to a nationally recognised industry qualification: Certificate II or III in your chosen field. They usually involve one day a week at the workplace and a further half day of training. Year 11 students are invited to consider the following opportunities for an ASBA available now: hairdressing, hospitality, retail, business administration, information technology, landscaping/horticulture, automotive, retail/warehousing, building and construction. Please speak to Mrs Reynolds if you are interested in starting an ASBA.

Considering a career in the Beauty Industry? News from the Canberra Beauty Academy

Are you looking for a career that combines flexibility and immense satisfaction with financial security? Would you like to be trained and working in your field in less than one year? Would you enjoy working in a cutting-edge salon, a relaxing day spa, on a cruise ship or at a resort destination?

Beauty Therapy is a growing and exciting industry with high demand for skilled and well educated therapists in the 1000s of salons that exist around Australia. CBA’s commitment and dedication to a holistic approach to beauty as an industry will start you on the road to an exciting and immensely satisfying career in Beauty Therapy.

• Certificate II in Retail Cosmetic Services
• Diploma of Beauty Therapy
• Certificate IV in Beauty Therapy
• Certificate II in Retail Cosmetic Services

Canberra Beauty Academy, Canberra Technology Park, 49 Phillip Ave, Watson, t: 6163 9590 and cma@netspeed.com.au

GAP Year News

The University of Canberra is now recognising the importance of a Gap Year with their new Gap Year Plus program. Modelled on US universities, credit points are awarded towards your university degree on your return and are assessed by submission of an essay on your experiences, a journal, reflection or report. Students must register for the program at the time of their deferral and will not be accepted into the program retrospectively. Details at http://www.canberra.edu.au/gap-year-plus

Camp America is recruiting staff for their summer camps from June to September 2009. Visit www.campamerica.com.au for more details.

Cultural Care Au Pair provide live in child carers for American families. If you have an interest in children and want to find out more, visit www.culturalcare.com.au

Letz Live is a Gold Coast based company that facilitates GAP year placements in UK boarding schools. Applications for placement in 2010 close on 21 November and are available at www.letzlive.org

Deanne Reynolds
Careers Advisor
deanne.reynolds@cggs.act.edu.au
02 6202 6426

The purpose of this Newsletter is to provide information. CGGS staff members do not endorse any programs or services advertised here. Students and parents are advised to use their own judgement when considering career opportunities.

Posted CGGS Newsletter 28 - 19 September 2008

With only a few days left before on-time university applications are due, Year 12 students have been busy firming up their course preferences. It is possible to change your preferences up until January so students should not be too worried if they are still undecided. The important point is to make the initial application before the 30 September deadline to avoid late fees.

Year 10 students were offered the opportunity this week to attend the Health Day Out excursion to CIT and the University of Canberra. Students worked on activities in small groups to explore a variety of health related careers including occupational therapy, nutrition and dietetics, sports medicine, psychology and massage therapy. The students enjoyed the day and appreciated the chance to visit the campuses and meet the staff.

Congratulations to the following Year 10 students who won prizes by entering competitions at the

Canberra Careers Market last month:

• Alice Storey - $50 Magnet Mart voucher
• Georgia Lourandos - $50 Tulips Cafe voucher
• Rebekah Beattie - $50 Cafe@CIT voucher
• Ellie Bambach – Family entry to the National Zoo and Aquarium

The following students were awarded certificates from World Skills Australia for completing a sequence of ‘Try A Trade’ activities: Ashleigh Dolan, Michaela Leerdam, Carmen Longbottom and Irene Nicholson. Well done students – these will look great in your portfolios.

Deanne Reynolds
Careers Advisor 

Above - Could you operate on a human knee? Above right - Finding out about the human hand. Below - Learning about physical disabilities. Right - Show me your splints!

Please click here to return to CGGS Newsletter 28 - 19 Septemebr 2008

Posted CGGS Newsletter 26 - 5 September 2008

Work Experience

Year 10 Work Experience forms have been steadily coming in but it seems some students and parents are confused between Community Service and Work Experience.

Community Service is overseen by the Coordinator of Mission, Tim Briggs. Year 10 students are required to complete 20 hours of Community Service during the year as a means of supporting the School’s Mission statement: “The School we are creating encourages community service”. We value Community Service at CGGS because we believe it enables students to become involved with their own communities in a tangible way by integrating service projects with classroom learning (from the Year 10 Community Service handbook, available to download from the CGGS Portal under All Users/Co-curricular/Community Service).

Work Experience is undertaken by Year 10 students during the week 1 to 5 December. It is overseen by the Careers Advisor and supports the career development lessons conducted during Year 10 CCC classes. It is held during the last week of the year so most students will be of sufficient age and maturity to enable them to participate in a meaningful placement as a worthwhile career exploration exercise. At this time, teaching staff are also more available to visit students at their placements to support them in their experience and liaise with employers.

As a work experience program is undertaken by most ACT schools, work placements at many employers are booked out months in advance. For this reason we require the Year 10 students to organise and confirm their booking in writing by filling out and returning the forms ASAP. Failure to organise a work placement will mean the student will miss the opportunity to participate in this program and will be required to attend school as usual during the week 1 to 5 December.

The benefits of a well-thought out Work Experience placement cannot be underestimated. They include:

• exploration of a career interest area – what is it really like to work in this job
• development of skills – practical application of ‘school skills’, new skills learnt
• practice in job search skills – contacting employers, interviews, building resilience
• valuable addition to your resume – gain experience for future job applications
• may lead to an offer of employment – casual or part-time
• opportunities for networking - making contact with employers, mentors
• clarification of career goals – focus on the future

I encourage every Year 10 student to participate in this opportunity. If you are having trouble finding a place, a listing of past placements is available on the CGGS Portal under All Users/Senior School/Academic Departments/Careers, Year 10. Please return the overdue permission and business agreement forms by 12 September.

Across my desk this week...

ANU Secondary College

For talented students wishing to enhance their studies during Years 11 and 12, the ANU Secondary College (SC) offers courses in Chemistry, Conservation Biology, Japanese, Mathematics and Physics. The results from the program will be able to be counted for the calculation of University Admission Index (UAI) scores. Students who complete the program at an appropriate level will be given early entry to the ANU, even possibly to the Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours), PhB. Students who successfully complete the program will gain credit towards their studies at the ANU in each of the subject areas completed.

Students need to be enrolled in Year 11 for 2009 at an ACT college or school. Students must be studying an appropriate course at their home college, as ANU SC courses are designed to enhance or enrich the work students are undertaking in their school. Classes of two hours duration are held after normal school hours, at the ANU, on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. For further information see the website http://www.anu.edu.au/secondarycollege  or email Secondary.College@anu.edu.au

A Career in the Public Service

Following on from last week, ICT Apprenticeships in the Australian Public Service – apply now for Infrastructure and Systems and Project Management. Apprenticeships – four days at work, one day at CIT for school leavers. Information sessions at CIT on 10 September (Bruce campus) and 11 September (Woden campus). Details and Expression of Interest form at http://www.finance.gov.au/e-government/strategy-and-governance/ict-apprenticeships.html

Other Australian Public Service job vacancies are advertised through www.apsjobs.gov.au or see Saturday’s Canberra Times Employment section for local vacancies. Now is the time for school leavers to apply for jobs as the application process can be lengthy.

University News

Early entry schemes are offered by a number of institutions.  In Canberra, the Australian Catholic University invites interested students to visit www.acu.edu.au/earlyentry for more details. 

LaTrobe (http://www.latrobe.edu.au) and Wollongong (http://www.uow.edu.au) Universities also offer early places to capable students. Please see their websites for details.

Flinders University in Adelaide recognises that for some students the opportunity to come on to campus or attend an Open Day is not always possible. Virtual Open Day gives you the chance to explore the courses, teaching methods and campus at Flinders from your own computer. You can listen, view and read a wide selection of resources and even chat to staff online.  Check out their Course Navigator - an online tool that allows students to understand the link between the types of activities they enjoy doing and some of the courses that match - www.flinders.edu.au/virtualopenday.

Scholarships

All students are encouraged to apply for scholarships. Investigate opportunities online at each institution’s website. Make sure you visit your faculty website for extra opportunities. One of Australia’s most generous schemes is the Charles Hawker Scholarship. Details at www.hawkerscholarship.org. Other general listings of scholarships can be found at: http://www.myfuture.edu.au/The%20Facts.aspx or try the subscription service www.grantsearch.com.au which gives you direct access to application forms for a fee.

Deanne Reynolds
Careers Advisor

Please click here to return to CGGS Newsletter 26 - 5 September 2008.

Posted in CGGS Newsletter 25 - 29 August 2008

Year 10 students should have returned their Work Experience forms by now. I am very impressed with the variety of workplaces that the students have arranged to visit, both locally and interstate.

Year 12 students were given the opportunity last week to find out about careers in the Australian Public Service. The Department of Finance and Deregulation and the Australian Electoral Commission sent along representatives to explain their Careers Starters Program. This program allows students to gain an insight into a variety of government operations while being trained in–house for 12 months. At the conclusion of the program applicants can commence part time study at university while continuing their employment with the department. Other government departments offer similar programs. See www.finance.gov.au  or www.apsjobs.gov.au for details.

TERTIARY OPEN DAY TOMORROW

Canberra’s five major tertiary institutions (ANU, ADFA, ACU, UC and CIT) will be open from 9am to showcase their courses, campuses and facilities on Saturday 30 August.

Also open is the Australian International Hotel School (AIHS). Located at 8 National Circuit, Barton, the AIHS offers Bachelor degrees in Business and Hotel Management. It has strong international links and encourages a placement at an overseas hotel as an integral part of the course.

The Australian Business Academy, 12 Moore St City, is also open for interested students tomorrow from 9am. They offer courses in Accounting, Business, Marketing, Graphic Design and more.

Across my desk this week....

MEDICINE

Applications are now open for the University of Newcastle/University of New England – Joint Medical Program (JMP). A booklet outlining the selection procedure is now available for viewing in the Careers Room and online at www.newcastle.edu.au/jmp/enrolments/applicationprocess.html

Details of the Rural/Remote Admissions Scheme and the Medical Rural Bonded Scholarships are also available. In addition, the Australian Government is making available nationally over 600 additional bonded medical places in 2009. Details at www.health.gov.au/bmpscheme

The Southern General Practice Network $3000 scholarship is open to Year 12 students  who are planning to study medicine and who live within the boundaries of the network: from Eden and Bombala up to Young and Crookwell, but excluding the ACT. Application forms are available in the Careers Room or see full details at www.sgpn.com.au 

A CAREER IN THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY

Julius Events College in Rydalmere, near Parramatta in Sydney, offers a one year Advanced Diploma in Technical Production and a Diploma of Events Management. They have very strong links to the entertainment industry in Sydney and assist with great opportunities for employment after you graduate. Their Open Day is 20 September. RSVP by phoning 9638 5955 or email amaliap@juliusmedia.com . Details of their courses are available at www.juliusmedia.com

The Australian Film Television and Radio School has been delivering quality programs for over 30 years. In their new purpose built facility in the Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park, Sydney, students have access to state of the art equipment and facilities. The Foundation Diploma is a generalist year in screen arts designed to develop curiosity, creativity and imagination, and general cinematic and interactive story-telling skills.  This is followed up with a Graduate Diploma in your preferred specialty: screenwriting, cinematography, directing, screen music, radio broadcasting and more. For details see www.aftrs.edu.au

STUDENT EXCHANGE AUSTRALIA

Imagine living overseas for anything from one to twelve months. You’ll be placed with a host family and attend a local school. You’ll live like a local and become immersed in the culture. You’ll learn the language and gain valuable international experience. You’ll learn a lot about yourself. For details go to    www.studentexchange.org.au. Student Exchange Australia is hosting an information evening for interested students and parents: Wednesday 10 September 2008, 7.30pm, Novotel Canberra, 65 Northbourne Ave, Canberra.

Deanne Reynolds
Careers Advisor 

Please click here to return CGGS Newsletter 24 - 29 August 2008

Posted in CGGS Newsletter 24 - 22 August 2008

Year 10 Work Experience

Year 10 students are currently seeking work placements for the week 1 to 5 December 2008. If your business can assist by taking a student for a week, please contact the Careers Advisor, Deanne Reynolds on 6202 6426 or deanne.reynolds@cggs.act.edu.au

University News

- A reminder that the ACT Tertiary Open Day is Saturday 30 August -

The Careers Room has been flooded with information for prospective tertiary students including scholarship information and special consideration - many universities have recently released information for the 2009 intake. Please see individual institution’s websites or pick up a brochure in the Careers Room.

The message is apply, apply, apply. 

• Bond University – a ‘boutique university’ on the Gold Coast which fast-tracks your undergraduate degree. More info at www.bond.edu.au
• Adelaide University – Bachelor of Oral Health is a three year degree leading to job opportunities in dental surgeries, education and aged care. Bachelor of Dental Surgery is a five year degree to become a dentist. See www.health.adelaide.edu.au/ugprograms
• UNSW – Co-op Program for 2009. These are industry linked scholarships in Business, Science and Engineering. Details at www.co-op.unsw.edu.au
• UNSW – Bridging courses in Maths, Chemistry and Physics are available for students. Applications at www.unsw.edu.au/bridging
• UNE – Early Entry and Scholarships forms are available from the Careers Room.
• LaTrobe University – details of the guaranteed entry scheme have been released and are available at www.latrobe.edu.au
• NIDA – the National Institute of Dramatic Arts is now accepting applications from students wishing to study acting, dance and technical production. For a full list of courses go to: www.nida.edu.au

Gap Year Experiences

• Antipodeans Abroad offer three month overseas placements for school leavers completing community work in the developing countries. For details see www.antipodeans.com.au
• SnowSkool offers courses in the Canadian and NZ snowfields for school leavers to be trained as ski and snowboard instructors. For details see www.snowskool.com.au
• Latitude (formerly Gap Activity Projects) offers global volunteering opportunities. For details see www.lattitude.org.au

Employment Opportunities

• Bluescope Steel is keen to receive applications from interested students who are resourceful, innovative and team players who would be interested in a career in the steel industry. Cadetships are available with a starting salary of $27,336 while you complete your studies in Engineering or Science at Wollongong University. Details at www.bluescopesteel.com/cadets
• InTACT offers a training pathway to a career in ICT. For details see www.intact.act.gov.au
• Honeywell are recruiting for their 2009 Apprenticeship Intake from school leavers who have successfully completed their Year 12 studies. They are looking for:
  • A commitment to study and work
  • Good communication skills and the willingness to listen
  • A can-do, self-motivated attitude
  • A mature and responsible approach
  • A strong customer focus

If you're also a team player, good at maths, a natural problem solver and work well with your hands, we want to hear from you. For our 2009 intake, we have openings in Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Hobart, Launceston, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney and Auckland.

All applicants are requires to go to the Honeywell website and following the links to the information regarding application processes: http://www51.honeywell.com/pacific/careers/Apprenticeship_Program.html

or contact: Michelle Meldrum 02 9353 7325, email michelle.meldrum2@honeywell.com

Please click here to return to CGGS Newsletter 24 - 22 August 2008

Posted CGGS Newsletter 23 - 15 August 2008

As the time draws near for Year 12 to make their decisions about next year, some important points need to be addressed.

University Applications

Year 12 students should have received a copy of the UAC Guide which explains the online application process. The required UAC PIN was mailed to home addresses in early August. If you have not received yours, please contact UAC immediately. On-time applications close 30 September.

Educational Access Forms for those students who have suffered long term disruption to their schooling and Equity Scholarship Applications for financially disadvantaged students are available online.

Which University?

Once you have decided on a course of study, choices have to be made about which university to attend. Internet sites will give you basic information, but also take advantage of the offer to ‘email a student’ or read a student blog. Don’t hesitate to contact the university student recruitment team with any queries. A visit to the university is essential to give you a feel for the campus. Interstate universities will make you feel welcome at any time if you pre-arrange a visit. The Careers Room has a number of university newsletters available for borrowing. These give an insight into the variety of extra-curricular activities available and showcase their recent achievements.

Tertiary Open Days

Most tertiary institutions have open days in the lead up to the closing date for tertiary admissions. Canberra’s five main tertiary education providers – the Australian National University, University of Canberra, Australian Catholic University, Canberra Institute of Technology and the Australian Defence Force Academy - will open their doors to prospective students on Saturday 30 August. Students from Years 10 to 12 are encouraged to attend to explore their career options. See The Canberra Times supplement nearer to the day or refer to www.tertiaryopenday.com for details of the Open Day program.

Interstate universities sometimes have the same date for Open Day as our local universities so it pays to start looking around early – Year 10 is not too soon.

See each university’s website for further details , for example, Melbourne University is open this Sunday 17 August.

Career Exploration Opportunity

Next week is National Science Week. Celebrate by attending some of the events in the Australian Science Festival. A number of institutions around Canberra are open for tours. If your daughter is interested in a science related career, the following may be of interest:

• Careers in Science – Saturday 23 August 11am and 3pm, Exhibition Hall, National Convention Centre, City.
• Climate Change and Astronomy - Catch a free bus for a guided tour of Tidbinbilla and the Deep Space Tracking Complex. Departs Convention Centre Sunday 24 August, 10am. Bookings 6207 2206
• Forensics - A panel discussion of how forensics are used to solve a mystery. Sunday 24 August, 2pm, Finkel Theatre, John Curtin School of Medical Research, ANU.
• Goescience Australia Open Day: geology related activities - Sunday 24 August, 10am to 4pm, corner Jerrabomberra Ave and Hindmarsh Drive, Symonston
• Theraputic Goods Administration Open Day – chemistry, medical focus, Sunday 24 August, 10am – 4pm, Narrabundah Lane, Symonston
• Kingston Forensic Medical Centre Open Day – forensics, medical focus, Saturday 23 August, 10am – 2pm, corner The Causeway and Mundarring Drive, Kingston.

More events are listed at www.sciencefestival.com.au

Visitors to the Careers Room

In the last week we have had visits from representatives of the universities of Melbourne and Wollongong and Macleay College.

Next week, representatives from the Deparment of Finance and Deregulation will be visiting to speak about their Career Starter Program on Thursday 21 August at lunchtime in the Careers Room. All students are welcome to come and hear about this traineeship opportunity in the Australian Public Service.

Deanne Reynolds
Careers Advisor

Please click here to return to CGGS Newsletter 23 - 15 August 2008

Posted CGGS Newsletter 22 - 8 August 2008

Year 10 Excursion to the Careers Market

All Year 10 students were bussed to the AIS this week for a visit to the Canberra Careers Market. Students were able to visit over 85 stalls to find information on their chosen occupation or tertiary institution. Most popular was the ‘Try a Trade’ area where the students could try their hand at many activities including changing a tyre, potting a plant, laying a course of bricks and using a helicopter flight simulator. Some of our more confident students attended the Small Business and Entrepreneurs Lounge where they spoke to local business people about starting their own business. Most students agreed the visit to the Careers Market was a very fun and worthwhile exercise.

Deanne Reynolds
Careers Advisor

Please click here to return to CGGs Newsletter 22 - 8 August 2008

Posted CGGS Newsletter No 21  -1 August 2008

There has been a flurry of activity in the Careers Room this week with the release of the UAC Guide to Tertiary Admissions for 2009. Year 12 students have many questions which I hope will be answered over the coming weeks as they make important decisions about the future. An information session for parents, ‘Applying for Tertiary Study, University and CIT’ will be held in the Multimedia Theatre at 7pm on Monday 11 August. Students are most welcome to attend.

Over the coming weeks a number of representatives from tertiary institutions will be visiting the Careers Room to talk to interested students. These visits will be advertised via email to students. Senior students, in particular, are advised to check their emails regularly for notification of these opportunities.

The Canberra Careers Market is on 6 and 7 August at AIS, Bruce. Many local and interstate tertiary institutions, as well as employment providers, will be represented. This is an excellent opportunity for Years 9 to 12 students to explore their post-school options. Students are encouraged to attend with their parents on Wednesday evening from 5.30pm – 8.30pm.  To assist with their subject selection for senior study, all Year 10 students will be taken on an excursion to the Careers Market on Wednesday morning to give them the chance investigate courses and recommended subjects.

Year 10 students have also been reminded this week of the necessity to return their Work Experience forms. Completed forms should be returned to my office by Friday 22 August.

CAREERS EVENTS

• 6 August - University applications open online
• 6/7 August - Canberra Careers Market, AIS
• 11 August - Parent Information Evening CGGS
• 30 August - Canberra Tertiary Open Day
• 30 September - On time applications for university close

Deanne Reynolds
Careers Advisor

Click here to return to CGGS Newsletter No 21 - 1 August 2008  

Click here to return to 'In the News'