Issue 23
Leading in careers education A key focus of St Margaret’s latest strategic plan is further developing careers and employability programs for students in Years 9 to 12 to help them identify and develop the necessary skills to participate, thrive and lead in a global economy.
To this end, St Margaret’s has introduced a new faculty integrating careers and learning support called ‘Student
Futures and Pathways’. Naomi Holley, former Director of Careers and Portfolio Pathways at St Margaret’s for the past three years, was appointed as Head of Faculty and Stephanie Cowie, former Acting Head of Learning
Enhancement, was appointed as Assistant Head of Faculty. The Career Industry Council of Australia stated that: ‘Australia is approaching the biggest intergenerational employment transition ever and what is needed for students about to commence further study or work, in addition to the world’s best education, is the world’s best careers advice.’ Ms Holley said: ‘The new faculty strengthens the relationship between student pathways and futures, including employability programs for students. In Term 4 last year, we introduced a careers education program for our Year 7 students, which is delivered in the Science of Learning lessons each week, and we intend to expand this program to Years 8 and 9 within form class and academic advising lessons. ‘The introduction of a careers education program will capitalise on our already excellent Year 10 Careers Program which includes our Career Avenues Profiling, Broadening Horizons Conference and our SET Plan interviews.’
SKILLS FOR THE FUTURE OF WORK New research indicates that young people will need a portfolio of ‘portable’ skills and capabilities to navigate the world of work. The Foundation for Young Australians, in a 2016 New Work Mindset report, identified seven job clusters to assist young people in navigating the world of work. These clusters group occupations that involve similar skills, day to day tasks and work environments. In response to this, St Margaret’s has introduced several new certificates for the Year 10 cohort in 2022. These include Certificate II Sport and Recreation, Certificate II in Health Support Services, Certificate II in Community Service and Certificate II in Hospitality. Completion of a certificate II will provide each participant with four QCE (Queensland Certificate of Education) points. Ms Holley said: ‘These courses have been specifically chosen to ‘skill up’ our Year 10s for the future of work. We see the provision of these entry level certificates providing our students with skills and capabilities that are portable and in demand, equipping them for the future of work more effectively. Research shows that we have a more dynamic future of work ahead of us where linear careers will be far less common and where young people will need a portfolio of skills and capabilities. These qualifications fit the brief perfectly.’
23
