Making the right education and career decisions requires research.
Inside are options to help you choose a pathway that suits your individual skills and passions.
La Trobe University Shepparton’s campus redevelopment project, an important element of the university’s continuing investment in regional education, recently kicked off with a ‘sod turning’ celebration on July 12.
We are excited to be finally starting this important project, delayed over several years by the impact of COVID-19 and then flooding in our region.
The campus redevelopment is a $19 million project, with the Commonwealth committing $5 million and La Trobe the balance. The project includes:
• An expanded library and modern study spaces for students.
• A flexible community events and gallery space.
• A much larger clinical learning laboratory for nursing students to train in a simulated hospital environment.
• An expanded Ngarrapna space, where Indigenous students can study and access specialised support.
• Workspaces for external partners, encouraging more industry engagement and collaboration.
• Outdoor spaces for staff and students to work, study and socialise. With building works under way and our campus facilities much more restricted, this year La Trobe is partnering with GOTAFE to deliver a combined open day event, on Saturday, August 26 at GOTAFE’s Fryers St campus.
La Trobe’s mission to ensure access to further education for regional students relies upon close collaboration with GOTAFE to deliver on our shared goal of raising educational participation in our region.
Working together to provide targeted advice and easy to navigate pathways between our two institutions, enabling students at all stages of life to engage with further education and the career options that flow from this, is critical to achieving our shared agenda.
We are delighted to be partnering with GOTAFE to deliver this important event.
Open Day is an opportunity to speak with current students and staff to learn more about local course offerings, early entry programs and pathways,
and receive tailored advice on how to meet your study and career goals.
Information about student services, as well as benefits of studying with us, for example placement opportunities and study abroad, will be available.
We will also showcase our redeveloped campus plans and our temporary nursing facilities.
Join us for information and advice, live music, refreshments, and giveaways.
To register, visit: latrobe.edu.au/openday
Campus redevelopment: Head of La Trobe University Shepparton campus Elizabeth Capp with La Trobe University student Aakrati Shetty, at the launch of the campus redevelopment.
Open days are a great opportunity for people considering further study to explore subject areas, career paths, talk to career advisors and make decisions about their future.
School leavers can get an understanding of study pathways, find out what areas interest them and learn what tertiary education is all about.
People re-entering the workforce, looking for a change in career direction or returning to study can experience different fields and learn about pathways to university.
GOTAFE Shepparton Diploma of Nursing (HLT54121) student Amanda Barclay made a career change from retail into nursing, making her the first person in her whole family to enrol in higher education.
“GOTAFE helped me achieve my goals,” Amanda said.
“If study is something that you are thinking about doing, go for it.
“Any hurdle can be managed or jumped — I was so scared going back to school after so many years out, but it was so worth it.
“The support that you get from the staff at GOTAFE is amazing.
“They make it achievable if you are willing to put the effort in.”
Whether you are looking to start your career, or even change your career like Amanda, GOTAFE is here to help you gain some new skills or explore your options.
We invite you to join us at the GOTAFE Shepparton Open Day on Saturday, August 26, where you can talk with our students and industry-experienced trainers to obtain real-life insights on courses and vocations. Bring your family and friends along for a fun day out at the open day, with an atmosphere everyone will enjoy
including free food, cultural activities and interactive experiences.
During the month of September, GOTAFE will also hold open month, with free department tours available throughout the month.
This new initiative is hoped to increase community access to information relating to courses, campus life and study pathways.
GOTAFE offers a range of courses, so no matter what your goals are, we have a course for you.
Our trainers are all industry-qualified, experienced, and passionate about what they do.
Studying with GOTAFE, you’ll gain the skills and knowledge employers are looking for, and you’ll graduate with both a recognised qualification and the practical experience to match.
The change you want to make starts here — visit our campuses during GOTAFE’s Open Month or bring your family to one of our open days. For further information, visit www.GOTAFE.vic.edu.au/opendays-2023
Our Subject Selection and Course Counselling program is such an important feature on the annual GSSC school calendar, providing our Year 10 students and their families an opportunity meet with a quali ed Careers Practitioner for an individual and tailored appointment before making their nal selection of subjects for next year. Here's what our families and students had to say:
"I've found the process really helpful. I'm hoping to nd a career in panel beating and spray painting so it was good to nd out more about what will help get me there through work experience and during my VCE-VM years."
"It's been good to learn more about the process and changes since my other children attended secondary school so that I can better support Liam."
The careers advice is great because it's very tailored to your individual pathway and helps you break down the different ways you can get to where you want to be.
- Vanje, Year 10
I have found the career support at GSSC really helpful to choose a pathway that you really want and are interested in doing after year 12.
- Khatera, Year 10
To nd out more about our Careers and Pathways offerings at GSSC, visit https://www.gssc.vic.edu.au/senior-school/ careers-pathways
The University of Melbourne’s Melbourne Medical School offers a Rural Pathway option within the Doctor of Medicine program, demonstrating its commitment to rural health.
This pathway caters to students from rural backgrounds who aim to pursue their medical education exclusively in rural settings, contributing to the rural and regional medical workforce.
The Rural Pathway encompasses undergraduate and graduate entry options, with a total of 30 Commonwealth-Supported places available.
Through a partnership with La Trobe University, there are 15 places specifically reserved for applicants who have completed an undergraduate degree at La Trobe and can demonstrate their rural origins.
With dreams of becoming a doctor at a young age, Shepparton resident and first-year medical student Steven Vallance said his journey into the Rural Pathway program had been an enjoyable experience.
It has given him an opportunity to experience university life, while learning which study techniques work best for him as he develops his own personal identity into becoming a doctor, alongside the benefits of living close to his family.
“My family still live in Kialla which is useful because they are always close by if I need any support, or I can drop in for dinner from time to time,” Steven said.
“Regional cities and their small communities are great for learning to become a doctor because you can make connections more easily.
“The absolute best of studying locally is the friends that you make, the rural
Rural learning: Steven Vallance, a first-year medical student in Melbourne Medical School’s Rural Pathway program, values the close-knit community and proximity to his family as he pursues his dream of becoming a doctor in a regional setting.
cohort is currently only 30 people, and I don’t believe that I would be able to be associated with the same 30 people while studying in Melbourne.
“Ultimately it is your friends which make attending university each day absolutely enjoyable and really what makes learning medicine significantly easier, as you can spend time with your close knit friends during your recreational time.”
Steven also currently works at Bunnings in Shepparton and plays basketball with a university team at the stadium. He enjoys supporting local businesses and watching his community of Shepparton grow and thrive.
When asked where he sees himself in five years, he said that he would like to be working in a hospital in a regional hub.
“Hopefully, I would be working towards entering a speciality (I’m not sure what I enjoy yet) or doing some locum work in smaller communities.
I would hope that I could be able to compare myself to some of the GPs and registrars that teach us, in terms of clinical knowledge and how to manage patients with certain pathologies,” he said.
“If anyone is considering a career as a doctor, and they enjoy working in the country, then they should work their hardest to entering a rural pathway to becoming a doctor. I haven’t even worked as a doctor and have only completed my first six months of med school, and yet I feel more accomplished than I have before.
“Rural Pathways are also great if you are looking to stay close to family, not everyone is happy to move away
from home, and studying regionally is a great way to get the experience of going to university while being able to work, save and get support from parents.
“Studying first year medicine has taught me so much about the career that I look forward to, but also taught me so much about myself and my personal identity as a doctor and a person.
“The key for me is planning what I want to get done in a day and having the determination to get it done so I can look forward to the fun things I can do after learning.”
Applicants need to apply directly to the University of Melbourne and undergo an interview process evaluating their aptitude for medical studies and commitment to rural practice.
Enrolled rural students will experience the same curriculum as the Doctor of Medicine course offered in Melbourne, benefiting from the university’s top-ranking status in Australia and medicine and have access to new teaching and accommodation facilities in Shepparton.
Graduate entry applicants in the Rural Pathway are exempt from taking the GAMSAT. Eligibility requirements include completing an undergraduate degree within the past 10 years, providing evidence of rural or regional residence for at least five years consecutively or 10 years cumulatively, and possessing a minimum GPA of five, which may lead to a rural-specific Multi Mini Interview (MMI) invitation.
For further information regarding the Doctor of Medicine (Rural Pathway), visit go.unimelb.edu.au/t7xe or contact the Rural Clinical School team at rcs-admin@unimelb.edu.au
Are you a highly motivated individual with a passion for early childhood education? Are you a nurse/midwife looking to complete further studies?
Do you possess the skills to empower teams to reach their full potential? Are you currently studying in the field of Early Childhood Education and seeking ways to gain more experience?
Greater Shepparton City Council is currently offering permanent, temporary part-time, and casual career opportunities in these areas for individuals with the right attitude to work as part of a great, inclusive team.
Maternal health and child co-ordinator Rebecca Chaston has been working with Greater Shepparton City Council since 2017.
With 28 years of experience as a nurse, she describes her journey and current role as fulfilling and rewarding.
“After 18 years in nursing, I decided to study and become a midwife, which eventually led me to areas at GV Health as a maternal health nurse. This path ultimately brought me to my current role as a co-ordinator here at the council,” Rebecca said.
“I enjoy driving innovative early childhood practices and working with great teams of employees.
I also find fulfilment in working in the community and visiting people in their own homes.
“Although I do work with vulnerable families dealing with challenging situations such as family violence and
child protection, it is truly rewarding to get to know these families and assist them in navigating through difficult times in their lives.
“It’s a unique role that can genuinely change lives.”
If this opportunity resonates with you, council is offering a unique position as a children’s services co-ordinator, as well as three different levelled opportunities in early childhood education.
To find more information about these opportunities, contact the Early Years Services department at 5832 9783.
To view current vacancies, position descriptions, and information on how to apply, visit greatershepparton.com. au/employment
Be inspired: Greater Shepparton City Council maternal health and child co-ordinator Rebecca Chaston says council has many positions available.
How long have you worked at Community Interlink?
Since March 2022.
What is your education?
Currently studying a Bachelor of Social Work.
What are your current roles and what does it entail?
My current role at Community Interlink is a Home Care Package Case Manager and NDIS Support Co-ordinator. In this role I support clients to utilise their allocated funding to reach their goals.
For Home Care Package clients, this means increasing safety and independence in the home.
For NDIS participants, this means strengthening an individual’s capacity to co-ordinate their own funded supports and community participation.
This involves care planning, assessments and reviews, coordination of care and services, monitoring budgets, referrals to other service providers, strengthening supports within the community, advocacy, negotiation and clarification of how to use allocated funding as per the guidelines.
What has career progression looked like for you within Community Interlink/GV Health?
I commenced with GV Health as part of the Service Access Unit five years ago. I enjoyed this role and was given wonderful support from my manager.
I applied for the advertised position with Community Interlink as I believed that I had the skills required to succeed in the role. It has proven to be a fantastic opportunity to grow my confidence, working in a very hands-on client-focused role and I have been encouraged and o ered support to continue to learn in my role.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is achieving successful outcomes for my clients.
At Community Interlink we are here because we care about people. Because of this we are always striving to obtain the best possible results for our Home Care Package clients and NDIS participants. Working with a team of likeminded
individuals is truly the cherry on top of the cake. Were you always looking for a career in this field?
I have always enjoyed working with older people, however I did not realise that that would transition into a career supporting Home Care Package clients and NDIS participants. I love what I do and I cannot imagine doing anything else.
Have your priorities changed over time when it comes to your career choices?
As I have gotten older, I have come to understand myself more as a person. I think knowing who you are is important in selecting the kind of work that you will find both enjoyable and fulfilling. Working with people is definitely for me, and I enjoy the strong client focus of my role at Community Interlink.
What would be your advice for someone who might be thinking about or starting out in this field? To succeed in this role you need to have a strong set of creative problem-solving skills, a willingness to learn, and the ability to collaborate well with others. If someone is considering a career in this field, then I would tell them to make the jump. It is a highly engaging and rewarding field of work. For me, it was worth it.
“Working with a team of likeminded individuals is truly the cherry on top of the cake.”
“If someone is considering a career in this field, then I would tell them to make the jump. It is a highly engaging and rewarding field of work. For me, it was worth it.”
GV Health is the largest employer in the Goulburn Valley with more than 2700 staff across five main sites. As a growing health service, there are many opportunities for entry level or experienced professionals across a range of disciplines.
Whether it’s complex clinical presentations, a diverse case-mix or opportunities to work across support services, such as administration, Information Technology or food service, your experiences here will help to shape and develop your career.
$ Generous salary packaging and discounted staff parking;
Discounted leisure memberships; Flexible work practices and options to purchase additional leave;
Professional development and study leave; Social club membership offering a range of events, functions and local community discounts;
Our CREATE Outstanding reward and recognition program;
Financial support and local Community Connector Program support for those relocating to our region.
Here to assist mental health professionals with employment, relocation and settling into our community.
For more information contact Jodi at mentalhealthcareers@ gvhealth.org.au or phone (03) 4804 4310.
For current vacancies visit gvhealth.org.au/careers and apply now!
To express interest contact our team P 03 4804 4300 | E talentacquisition@gvhealth.org.au
• Aged Care
• Allied Health
• Community Programs
• Corporate & Support Services
• Medical
• Mental Health
• Nursing & Midwifery
Seda College uses sport and real life industry experience to engage students in their learning.
What is SEDA?
SEDA College is a coeducational Independent Senior Secondary School for years 11 and 12 that specialises in applied learning through individual learning and real-life industry experiences.
SEDA College partners with Australia’s leading sport, recreation, community, and trade organisations such as AFL Victoria, Cricket Australia, Melbourne Victory FC, Melbourne United and Netball Victoria.
SEDA College graduates are wellrounded individuals with academic and industry experiences to support their future educational and employment pathways.
When and why was it started?
SEDA started in 2007 to fill a gap in the education system that was not engaging students in their learning, This is achieved by using sport and real-life industry experiences to educate and empower student centred learning. Since that first class of 17 students and an initial partnership with Cricket Victoria, SEDA College transitioned to an Independent Secondary School in 2017 and has grown to 800+ students across Victoria.
How does SEDA differ from traditional secondary school classes?
The SEDA model places student interest at the forefront of their senior secondary education, alongside a practical connection to industry. Students at our school are able to
gain a first-hand insight into what it is like to be a part of Australia’s leading organisations and sporting clubs.
Our ‘one teacher, one classroom’ model allows our teachers to take on a true mentoring approach, where they walk alongside and support the individual journey of our students as they complete their secondary education. We know from our connection to industry the key personal qualities and transferable skills that employers are seeking. We place as much importance on developing these skills as progressing theoretical and academic knowledge.
To maximise student learning and deliver industry-based experiences, classrooms are located in local community settings.
What sort of students are attracted to SEDA?
The SEDA College students all share a similar passion for sport and thrive in an applied hands-on learning environment. A learning environment that connects
classroom learning with elite industry experiences and opportunities
Who is now partnering with SEDA, and how important is SEDA’s links with its industry partners?
SEDA College partners with major sporting organisations such as AFL Victoria, Cricket Australia, Melbourne Victory FC, Melbourne United and Netball Victoria.
The program provides a direct link to industry opportunities in a hands-on learning environment all connected to the students’ interests.
The connection between education and industry facilitates authentic learning experiences and student opportunities. This combination enables our students to acquire the skills to support future educational and employment pathways.
How much time do students spend inside and outside the classroom?
In a typical week at SEDA College,
students will be in the classroom 2.5 days a week, one day out in a community setting delivering sport clinics on behalf of industry partners and one day gaining industry experience in a structured workplace.
What sort of activities can they expect to undertake?
SEDA College students complete activities that make up the SEDA College experience. In term one there is a Resilience Project presentation on positive health development.
Students complete induction and coaching sessions facilitated by elite sporting partners and in addition, have the opportunity to gain industry experience by completing match day activations in an elite sporting environment.
Surfing, Skiing, SEDA Cup and competing in School Sports Victoria round off the student experience at SEDA College.
What sort of career advice do students receive?
All students complete their own individual ‘MyPLAN’, which is a digital professional portfolio that links key skills and student professional industry experiences with educational and employment pathways.
Teachers mentor students through this process with support from our professional pathways team to identify education and employment pathways.
To register for the August 23 information session visit seda.vic.edu/ events or call 1800 117 332.
What defines a successful student?
Well, as the Greater Shepparton Secondary College Careers Team knows, success can look different for each individual student, which is why the Subject Selection and Course Counselling program is such an important feature on the annual school calendar.
Kicking off at the start of term three, our Year 10 students spend two days learning remotely, to allow for course counselling to take place.
This provides students and their families an opportunity meet with a qualified GSSC Careers Practitioner for an individual and tailored appointment before making their final selection of subjects for next year.
“Bringing parents and guardians in on the course counselling is an important feature of this process as it ensures students and their families are all on the same page when it comes to their senior secondary years, and also allows parents to better understand and support their child through VCE/
VCE-VM,” GSSC careers manager Tarsh Boyko said.
“This is complimented by our Year 12 immersion days and family information nights held at the start of the year.
“We know that our parents and guardians are their children’s biggest influences and advocates when it comes to career and pathway choices, so we want to build those strong school/ family partnerships and provide the best possible support for our young people.”
In addition to setting students up for success in their senior years, GSSC has expanded its subject selection program to cater for junior years’ students, where earlier this term the Careers Team presented subject selection booklets to year 7 and 8 students during neighbourhood assemblies.
“Capturing students during these earlier years helps to generate a buzz around students’ future aspirations and assists them to know what to expect regarding subject selection in future years and the value in this process and
their participation in it,” Tarsh said. GSSC executive principal Barbara O’Brien said there was a huge amount of work that goes into this program to assist students to navigate their own pathways and career aspirations.
“I am so proud of our careers and pathways offerings, which are unique to our college and provide our students the best possible opportunities for achieving their goals and future dreams,” she said.
“While we encourage our students to set high expectations of themselves, achieving their personal best is just that — personal.
“This is why this program and our overall careers and pathways offerings are so valuable being tailored and targeted and broad in the opportunities and partnerships made available to our students through industry, business, further education institutions and the broader community.”
Engaged learning: Former ALF player Dustin Fletcher at Deakin Reserve with students from SEDA College. Tour time: Greater Shepparton Secondary College Year 12 students have been taking tours at Melbourne universities to take a look at the facilities.
Are you searching for a fulfilling career in a fantastic work environment that allows you to make a positive impact on your community?
The Greater Shepparton City Council has a wide range of employment opportunities that not only offer a fantastic work environment but also provide an opportunity for personal and professional growth.
According to Jacinta Rennie, team leader of people and workforce at Greater Shepparton City Council, they believe their greatest asset is their people.
“That’s why we are committed to attracting and retaining talented individuals who are passionate about serving our vibrant community,” Jacinta said.
“Whether you are a recent graduate, an experienced professional, or someone seeking a career change, there
is a place for you within our diverse workforce.
“When you join Greater Shepparton City Council, you’ll have access to professional development opportunities that allow you to expand your knowledge and skills while enjoying job security in a wonderful work environment.”
There are a variety of positions available to suit different skills and interests, including roles in administration, finance, community engagement, infrastructure, planning, and more.
Currently, there are available positions as early childhood educators and co-ordinators in children’s services.
If you’re looking for a more active role, you can become a lifeguard or a swim instructor, or even a duty supervisor in leisure facilities.
Additionally, an exciting opportunity is available for an executive assistant to support
the director of infrastructure. In this role, you will provide high-level administrative and executive support.
If you are a reliable, team player who is highly motivated, efficient, and organised, the permanent part-time role of administration officer within the council’s Parks, Sport, and Recreation Department might be the right fit for you.
“We take pride in fostering a culture of inclusivity, collaboration, and continuous learning,” Jacinta said. “We invest in our employees because we believe in their potential to drive positive change in our community.”
Don’t miss the opportunity to make a difference while building a fulfilling career with the Greater Shepparton City Council.
For more information on current positions, visit greatershepparton.com.au
Regional and rural medical students from across Victoria and broader Australia can now live, work and study to become a doctor entirely in Shepparton. Be the future of Australia’s rural medical workforce.
Ensuring that every child can learn to swim is something Aquamoves is passionate about providing.
Beyond the fun and enjoyment that swimming brings, learning how to do it correctly plays a crucial role in equipping children with vital life skills and can save lives.
With the peak summer season just around the corner, there is no better time than now to become a swim instructor and dive into a fulfilling career with Aquamoves, just like swim instructors and lifeguards Tanya Roberts and Ayla Jackson have been enjoying for years.
Tanya’s love for swimming built a personal passion to encourage parents to get their children in the water and learn to swim. She has now been a swim instructor with Aquamoves for 20 years.
“Learning how to swim is an important skill that every child should learn,” Tanya said.
“It also encourages them to be brave and courageous, and those traits can carry over throughout their whole life.
“It’s a really rewarding job that I thoroughly enjoy, and with six kids myself, the job flexibility is amazing.”
Ayla Jackson loves the atmosphere and the environment that her role brings. She was inspired to become a swim teacher after being in the Shepparton Swim Team.
“I have been coming to the pool since I was seven years old, and after being on the swim team, it felt like a natural progression to become a swim instructor,” Ayla said.
“I love inspiring the kids and watching them come such a long way in such a short time. Their confidence grows so quickly — it’s such a fun job.”
Working as a swim instructor offers more than just a fulfilling career — it’s an opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of children and their families.
“You’ll witness first-hand the progress and growth of your students as they become confident swimmers. Additionally, the job provides a sense of satisfaction and joy as you create a fun and supportive learning environment for children to thrive.
Whether you’re a parent seeking flexible work hours, a grandparent looking for an enjoyable way to spend time, or a student over the agecof
Take the plunge: Aquamoves swim instructors Ayla Jackson and Tanya Roberts find their roles very fulfilling.
16 seeking part-time employment, Aquamoves welcomes individuals of all ages to join their team. They value diversity and appreciate the unique contributions that each person brings.
To apply for a swim instructor position, you’ll need a Swim Teacher certificate, CPR certificate, Police Check and a valid Working with Children’s Check. These certifications demonstrate your competence and commitment to the safety and well-being of children
under your supervision.
If you don’t already have these qualifications, you can explore training programs or courses that offer the necessary certifications.
Don’t miss out on this chance to become a swim instructor with Aquamoves and embark on a rewarding and flexible career.
For more information on how to apply, visit greatershepparton.com. au or send an email to swimschool@ aquamoves.com.au
• You can use entry pathways from apprenticeships and traineeships at Council to land a permanent position
• You can apply for a job as a graduate and progress your career with Council
I started as a Student Accountant and am now Team Leader Financial Analysis. It is the perfect organisation to progress your career and gain valuable experience.
We have permanent, temporary and casual full and part time opportunities available for career seekers with the right attitude and an aptitude to work as part of a great inclusive team.
✓ Professional development and training
✓ Generous leave entitlements
✓ Health and wellbeing programs and support
✓ Graduate programs, apprenticeships and traineeships – o ered in trades such as parks and gardens, civil construction, sport and recreation, planning and accounting
✓ Above award pay rates
✓ Career advancement
✓ Be supported, feel valued and heard For
Are you currently completing your Early Childhood Education qualification?
Are you a new or experienced Early Childhood Educator looking to expand your career?
Are you a Nurse/Midwife looking to complete further studies?
Are you a Maternal and Child Health Nurse looking for a new challenge?
Come and join our Early Years Team
Early Years employment opportunities exist across our Council Maternal and Child Health Services, Kindergartens, and Long Day Care facilities. Come and join a passionate and innovative team that have a positive influence on the daily lives of our children and families across our region.
We acknowledge and support the traditional owners of our land, embrace diversity, encourage belonging and nurture learning. We are committed to fostering holistic, strength and play based services. The interests, culture and abilities of each child and their family are the foundations for all we do.
We have permanent and temporary full time, part time and casual opportunities available for people with the right attitude and an aptitude to work as part of a great inclusive team.
Come and work with us:
Recruitment and workplace policies that facilitate a culturally inclusive working environment
Work life balance with accrued day o for full time team members
Feel valued and heard
Be supported to investigate and instigate innovation in practice
Role satisfaction
Professional development and training
Inclusive environment that supports the community
Career advancement
Family friendly hours – by negotiation
Opportunities are available for scholarships and traineeships to complete further study.
For more information about the opportunities available please contact the Early Years Services department of 5832 9783.
Current vacancies, position descriptions and information on applying can be found at greatershepparton.com.au/employment
