SNFEATURE
SHEPPARTON NEWS, FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015
21
Careers, Courses and Open Days A guide to higher education in 2016
Careers staff an important resource By Sharon Wright
Career advisers are valuable resources for secondary school students sourcing information about pathways for their future.
CRICOS: 00116K
Notre Dame College careers counsellor Meredith Lia said with a plethora of options available it was important for students to start planning early. Mrs Lia said individual career action plans encouraged students to identify their interests and strengths and how they could translate into career opportunities. “Careers counsellors are available to help but students need to be active participants too; they can research and investigate options and then come to us for help refining their choices or we can direct them to new opportunities which may have arisen,” Mrs Lia said. A mixture of electronic and hard copy resources can guide students in course requirements for further study as well as apprenticeships, traineeships and employment opportunities. Mrs Lia said attending vocational and tertiary institution open days was vital to learn about accommodation facilities, courses and scholarship opportunities. “I would suggest accessing the open day programs online to plan the sessions you want to attend so you don’t miss anything important,” Mrs Lia said. “About 90 per cent of our students would live on campus in their first year so information about accommodation is a must, as are sessions about the affordability of going to university and meeting those expenses and specific course information.” Mrs Lia said students needed to be mindful that acceptance into some courses had requirements in addition to an ATAR score, such as an interview, audition or folio. “Ideally students will have identified their preferred course and have a back-up plan, bearing in mind they should have met the prerequisites for that as well,” Mrs Lia said. After Year 12 students received their results in December there is an opportunity to refine their course selections.
Picture: Julie Mercer
Studying in home town has many benefits In August vocational and tertiary institutions throw open their doors for prospective students to tour the facilities and learn about course and career opportunities. Studying at La Trobe University’s Shepparton
campus has allowed Jordan Jondahl (above) to continue to live in her home town, maintain social networks and secure work in the field she wishes to pursue. Read about Miss Jondahl’s experiences on page 25.
WHERE IDEAS COL L IDE OPEN DAY
Parkville & Southbank campuses 16 August 2015 Immerse yourself in a different way of thinking with the Curriculum. openday.unimelb.edu.au h Melbourne M lb C i l d i lb d
22 SNFEATURE
FRIDAY 7 AUGUST 4-7PM
LA TROBE OPEN DAY YOUR FIRST STEP TO BEING THE DIFFERENCE
SHEPPARTON CAMPUS, 210 FRYERS STREET GENERAL INFORMATION SESSIONS Business and Economics
TIME 4:15 pm
Aspire Early Admissions Program – Secure your La Trobe place in September!
4:30 pm
How much does uni cost and how scholarships can help you
5:00 pm
VTAC explained
5:15 pm
Aspire Early Admissions Program (repeat)
6:00 pm
VCE Plus
6:30 pm
Returning to study – La Trobe for mature-age students
COURSE INFORMATION SESSIONS
TIME 5:30 pm
Find out about exciting career opportunities in Business, Accounting and Law
Sport TIME 6:00 pm
Sports Degrees at La Trobe
Health Sciences TIME
Arts and Communications
4:30 pm
Nursing
TIME
5:00 pm
Health Sciences
5:30 pm
Enrolled nurse to registered nurse
Ongoing
Tours of the Health Science Clinical Learning Unit
6:00 pm
Where does a Bachelor of Arts take you?
DOWNLOAD THE OPEN DAY APP TO PLAN YOUR DAY latrobe.edu.au/openday
CRICOS Provider 00115M
SHEPPARTON NEWS, FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015
SNFEATURE
SHEPPARTON NEWS, FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015
Careers, Courses & Open Days
23
A guide to higher education in 2015
Diploma expands options Breeana Price was lucky enough to discover the Diploma in General Studies at the right time. “Once I completed Year 12 I realised that I wanted to study science but I had not done some of the prerequisite subjects and thought that my only option was repeating,” Miss Price said. She then learned that the Diploma in General Studies program at the University of Melbourne offers guaranteed entry into a Bachelor of Science and many other courses if students meet the grade requirements. “That made me determined to study this course,” Miss Price said. The diploma program lets students explore study options at a university level including biology and animal science, chemistry, economics, management and climate change subjects and can lead into science, commerce, environment or biomedicine degrees. The course is taught at the University of Melbourne’s Dookie campus and many students choose to live in on-campus housing and cottages. Miss Price said moving two hours away from home was a big step but having most of her fellow students also living on campus benefited her studies. As well as enjoying the support network of her peers, Miss Price said living on campus allowed access to the learning facilities and
Mature age student David Franklin completed a Diploma in General Studies at the University of Melbourne Dookie campus.
Mature student puts theory into practice Completing a Diploma in General Studies has allowed Breeana Price to pursue a science degree. contact with staff. “I enjoy how this course gives you an authentic university experience without the rushed feel of a bigger metropolitan campus,” Miss Price said. “I would definitely recommend the Diploma in General Studies to
anyone who wants a guaranteed pathway into a University of Melbourne course, regardless of their past education.” Miss Price hopes to transition to the Bachelor of Science at the University of Melbourne next year and work in forensic science.
Dookie course information day Visit the University of Melbourne’s Dookie campus in the Goulburn Valley. Prospective students as well as community members can tour the state-of-the-art working farm campus, obtain entry and course advice and learn about the university’s courses, including the new Bachelor of Agriculture and the Diploma in General Studies. Date: Sunday, August 30 Time: 10 am to 2 pm Location: 940 Dookie-Nalinga Rd, Dookie College
David Franklin does not fit the typical image of a university student. In fact when he began studying a Bachelor of Agriculture at the University of Melbourne in 2015, along with 153 others, his daughter had graduated with a Bachelor of Arts the previous year. Mr Franklin gained entry into the Bachelor of Agriculture after completing the Diploma in General Studies at the Dookie Campus. He has spent more than 30 years working in the ornamental horticulture sector, ran a wholesale nursery for 15 years and now works full-time as a regional sales manager for specialty fertiliser manufacturer Everris while also studying. Mr Franklin said he was inspired to take the plunge into further education to develop his career options and grow his knowledge of agronomy, the science of raising
crops and soil management. “I’m passionate about that — more efficient fertilisers — it’s the future of agriculture,” Mr Franklin said. “I’ve got the practical experience to grow plants from my previous roles, but I’ve always wanted to have technical expertise, and for me that was only going to be gained by further tertiary education.” Returning to study has been a big commitment, but Mr Franklin said the university and his lecturers had been flexible in allowing him to manage his study load while working full-time. While gaining a Bachelor of Agriculture is a personal goal for Mr Franklin, he said his employer also recognised the value of improving his skills. He recommends education to other mature-age workers hoping to broaden their horizons. ‘‘In your professional life, you never stop learning,” Mr Franklin said.
The beauty of TAFE Karla Mallamaci, 23, loves the work and study aspects of full-time employment as a beauty therapist at Asthetique Skin Care in Shepparton thanks to her training through Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE.
Beauty therapist Karla Mallamaci combined work and study to achieve her diploma.
Completing a Diploma of Beauty Therapy in June 2014, Ms Mallamaci enjoyed juggling work and study because she was able to apply what she learned through study to on-the-job-training. With a strong passion for the beauty industry, Ms Mallamaci benefited from every aspect of the course and the support from her fellow students and GOTAFE teachers. She said her teachers were always approachable, even following the completion of her study.
Ms Mallamaci identified the course as a fantastic stepping stone into the beauty industry and plans to use her recently acquired skills and knowledge to specialise in skin care and help others who may have issues in this area. From a personal development perspective, Ms Mallamaci credits her time at GOTAFE for improving her communication skills through continual client contact. Her time-management skills have also improved in an industry that ensures you are constantly working to a full schedule of appointment times with an aim ‘not to run late’. The support Ms Mallamaci received from GOTAFE ensured she was able to juggle work, earn an income and gain a unique insight from teachers directly involved in the industry. Ms Mallamaci said she would
encourage others to take a similar path of work and study because of the flexibility and rewards of completing a nationally accredited qualification. In the future she plans to take on further study via an online skinanalysis course to help extend her knowledge and plans to investigate an holistic approach to skin care.
The support Ms Mallamaci received from GOTAFE ensured she was able to juggle work, earn an income and gain a unique insight from teachers directly involved in the industry.
24 SNFEATURE
SHEPPARTON NEWS, FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015
Careers, Courses & Open Days
A guide to higher education in 2015
Hands-on education
Love of sports
Education provider SEDA assists students to transition from school to employment or further study by allowing them to pursue their passion for sport in a hands-on learning environment. SEDA, which operates programs in Shepparton, aims to support year 11 and 12 students to complete their secondary education within the sport, recreation or community setting as well as gain nationally recognised Vocational Education and Training qualifications. Individual strengths of students are identified, developed and enhanced through positive learning experiences, allowing
them to learn important life skills including organisation, independence and teamwork. Graduate students are mature, resilient and capable young people who can pursue a range of pathways, either in employment or further study in a variety of industries. Of the 2014 graduating class, 59 per cent went on to university study and a further 22 per
cent gained employment. Shepparton students can access programs offered in conjunction with AFL Victoria, Cricket Australia, Netball Victoria, Basketball Victoria Country and Melbourne City FC. An information evening will be held on Monday, August 17 at the Shepparton United Football Clubrooms, Deakin Reserve, Shepparton at 7 pm.
SEDA students Olivia Steen and Jack Van Der Burg are planning to study at tertiary level.
Olivia Steen’s love of sport and her commitment to completing her schooling led her to the SEDA program. Now 19, Miss Steen said she didn’t have the confidence to tackle Year 12 at school but wanted to pursue a career that would require tertiary study. “I didn’t want to leave school and I love my sport so SEDA is a great pathway for me,” Miss Steen said. When she completes her Diploma in Sports Development at the end of this year, Miss Steen intends on taking a gap
year before studying exercise and sports science at Federation University in Ballarat. She said the SEDA program had helped develop her leadership and people management skills and also improved her self-confidence and study focus. As part of the diploma course Miss Steen spends one day a week at Gowrie St Primary School working as a teacher’s aide. “Our course is very hands-on, it’s great to be able to take what we learn into the community,” Miss Steen said.
Help with career choices The SEDA program has helped Jack Van Der Burg determine his career path. The 17-year-old has always had a passion for sport and considered a teaching career specialising in maths and physical education before work placement at Verney Rd School changed his mind. “I still want to teach but I want to work with special needs kids. I love it. I love seeing the kids’ faces when they achieve something; they are always so cheerful and want to give high-fives,” Mr Van Der Burg said. He will complete Certificate Four in Community Development this
year before studying a diploma course with SEDA in 2016. Mr Van Der Burg said he relocated to Barooga, NSW from Western Australia last year and didn’t feel equipped to undertake VCE. “SEDA will help me get my Year 12 pass as well as earn credits towards my university studies. SEDA offers great opportunities; if you pass your diploma, there is guaranteed acceptance into about six universities,” Mr Van Der Burg said. As well as study and work placement, Mr Van Der Burg said he enjoyed helping run sports clinics in the region as part of the SEDA program.
Dookie Course Information Day | Sunday 30 August | 10.00 am-2.00 pm 940 Dookie-Nalinga Rd, Dookie College VIC • Visit the University of Melbourne’s Dookie campus. • Take a tour. • Listen to lectures. • Gain entry and course advice. Call 5833 9200 or Email karen.edwards@unimelb.edu.au
DISCOVER YOUR PASSION BY COMPLETING THIS ONE-YEAR DIPLOMA COURSE. The Diploma in General Studies consists of specialist streams in Commerce, Environment, Science, and Agriculture. Full-time students undertake four subjects per semester for two semesters; parttime students undertake two subjects per semester for four semesters. Students are also able to enrol in single subjects.
» Delivered in collaboration with Goulburn Ovens TAFE and Wodonga Institute of TAFE. » Students are based at the University’s Dookie campus. » Places available for intakes in February and July 2016
For more information visit: bit.ly/digs-2015 Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences
SNFEATURE
SHEPPARTON NEWS, FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015
Careers, Courses & Open Days
25
A guide to higher education in 2015
Many benefits to studying in Shepparton The flexible timetable and study options offered at La Trobe University have assisted Jordan Jondahl to continue to work while completing a Bachelor of Business (accounting). A Notre Dame College graduate, Miss Jondahl, 23, has studied part-time at the Shepparton campus and has put theory into practice in her role at Wyndham
Group Accounting. Miss Jondahl initially left the Goulburn Valley to study economics and business but a change of direction saw her return to Shepparton and switch to accounting. “Financially it is very challenging living away from home when you study. It’s not just the cost of living away but the cost of travelling to and from home and uni,” Miss Jondahl said. Another benefit of studying locally is
maintaining family and friendship support networks and, in Miss Jondahl’s experience, gaining employment in the field she intends to pursue. “I’ve been really lucky to be able to learn on the job as well as at uni. If I have any questions about my uni course I can ask the people I work with,” Miss Jondahl said. “La Trobe is so flexible, they have night classes available which is so helpful
for me when I’m working at the same time.” Through a La Trobe program Miss Jondahl travelled to China to attend classes at the Central University of Finance and Economics in Beijing in late 2014. “The campus was enormous but I would recommend anyone who has the opportunity to study overseas to take it. It was an awesome experience,” Miss Jondahl said.
Students rewarded for studying regionally
Jordan Jondahl took the opportunity to travel to China while studying at La Trobe University’s Shepparton campus.
Offering close community connections, small class sizes and a modern building, La Trobe Shepparton offers students high quality education in a relaxed environment. A new initiative from 2016, the Regional Reward program, entitles all undergraduate students who enrol and complete their
degree at one of La Trobe’s regional campuses to two opportunities. The Work Integrated Learning program supports students to participate in a work placement program in the second or third year of their degree, and the Student Exchange Mobility Grant will result in all regional campus students that are
eligible for international exchange guaranteed a grant of at least $1000 for a semester studying overseas. Smaller scholarships are also available for shorter international programs. Students or adults returning to study and considering higher education can learn more about La Trobe Shepparton, the
courses, teaching, lifestyle and friendly atmosphere at the open day in August. Course information, campus tours, displays, demonstrations, food and entertainment will be available. La Trobe University Shepparton’s campus open day is on Friday, August 7 from 4 pm to 7 pm.
Career website a hit Career Junk, the online information hub full of career-related advice, continues to attract thousands of hits. Launched seven years ago by Shepparton District Careers Association, the website was re-badged Career Junk in early 2014 in an effort to increase its appeal to student users. Shepparton High School career adviser MaryAnn Linehan said the website was a valuable resource that collated all the information relevant to students in the one place.
“It’s really a one-stop shop for students and families. For any further information they can see their school careers advisor,” Mrs Linehan said. She said careers staff from across the region’s schools met regularly and were supportive of the website while continuing to provide advice to students. The site is divided into a wide range of topics such as secondary school, TAFE and university information, scholarships, important dates, work experience and how to compile a resume.
Tips to cope with VCE, links to practice exams, university open day dates and ideas for students wishing to take a gap year before tertiary study are other topics. There is even an area for parents to help their children further explore career options. Career Junk is easily accessible for students and uses terminology they are familiar with. To subscribe to the free weekly newsletter go to http://careerjunk. edublogs.org/
GOTAFE offers courses across a range of industries. WHAT WILL YOU BECOME? BUSINESS & IT | CREATIVE SERVICES EDUCATION & TEACHING | HEALTH & COMMUNITY HOSPITALITY, EVENTS & TOURISM | MANUFACTURING RURAL INDUSTRIES | TECHNICAL TRADES gotafe.vic.edu.au | 1300 GOTAFE (468 233) GOTAFE is the trading name of Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE (RTO 3094)