Careers _____________________________________Page

CAREERS BLOG REACHES NEW HEIGHTS

The St Josephs Careers Blog is a great place for students and their families to access a range of resources and information about careers, the labour market, job preparation, work experience, higher education, resume writing, newsletters and much more. It can be easily found online. The Careers Blog also features a Flag

Counter which records page visits as well as which country the user is from. Since October last year, when this article was written, the Careers Blog has been viewed over 16,000 times, by people from 67 countries!

CAREER’S WEEK 2014

During Careers Week, students were prompted to begin preparing for their future pathway at school and to think about decisions that they will need to make that will shape their future. This year, students were able to attend two presentations from 12 career industry areas. These included Victoria Police, an Architect, Victorian Fitness Academy, a

Graphic Designer, Information Technology, Business Management and Trades (CAT), Master Builders careers, CFA, Defence Forces, an Electrician, a Lawyer/DJ and a Chartered Accoutant. Students also undertook the Careers Voyage Program which provides students with up to 40 possible career choices based on a survey of their interests, likes and dislikes.

WORK EXPERIENCE WEEK MAY 2014

The Work Experience week was held during the week of 5 May. Over 250 students from Year 10 descended upon workplaces in Geelong and the greater region, and further afield in Melbourne. Work places included the Geelong Magistrates Court, many primary and secondary schools, the Geelong Cats Football club, large farming operations in regional Victoria and NSW, building and construction sites, the Hawthorn Football Club, Victoria Police, graphic design and architectural firms, the Melbourne Storm, and many more. Many parents and old Collegians also offered work experience places for the boys. Without the support of local and regional businesses, families and the ‘old boys’ network, the work experience program would not be viable. To everyone who supported the Year 10 students with placements- thank you. Your support provides the boys with a very important career development opportunity that will help them to make informed decisions about their futures. Work experience also allows students to learn more about themselves as well as how others see them. The feedback from employers is vital to this process and is appreciated by teachers, parents and students. Once again, the students represented the College magnificently. Well done boys!

Community service and work experience in one! Ad Alta boys visit the CFA

Past student Chris Ballan gives a talk to students about his experiences in the Australian Army MY CAREER MATCH – YEAR 9

As part of work experience preparation, Year 9 students undertook career testing using My Career Match. This program provided students with a Career Report and workbook which included: • How to choose a career that’s right for them • A personality analysis and summary of a their natural strengths • A list of over 50 jobs that match who they are and what they’d be good at (to help select future work experience placement) • Live links to the My Future website to research each job listed • Insights into work-related strengths & ideal work environment • Qualities they would bring to a job and how to make a difference My Career Match will assist students in not only their career development but in other areas such as choosing subjects and pathways in senior school.

GRAND PRIX EXCURSION

Once again, St Joseph’s College attended the Grand Prix event this year. This is a great opportunity to see the V8 and Formula One cars in action, and also to participate in an industry presentation and expo. This is an annual excursion open to students in Years 9-12. Next year, students will also be invited to attend the Avalon Airshow and Aviation and Defence Career Exhibition. Future career excursions will be advertised on the Careers Blog.

ALCOA FUTURE LEADERS OF INDUSTRY PROGRAM

Sammy Rotiroti and Isaac Travers-Hucker were selected to participate in the Alcoa Future Leaders of Industry Program. After completing the program both Sam and Isaac undertook further work experience to broaden their career development. Sam completed a week of work experience at Rip Curl and Isaac undertook his placement at Backwell IXL in South Geelong.

Karen Shum - Careers Coordinator