Careers

The main focus for this year has been assisting Year 12 with their University and TAFE applications. They are all really looking forward to a wonderful transition into Tertiary education and making 2020 count for something worthwhile.

VTAC - the Victorian Tertiary Applications Centre, have worked closely with all schools and particularly the Careers Department, to make sure that all Year 12 students are given special consideration, if their ability to perform to their academic best has been compromised, by COVID restrictions.

Another key aspect has been the delivery of a Careers Newsletter. It is important to be able to provide up to date information to senior school students and the community. Over the year the Careers News, has been full of fantastic information. Each newsletter has profiled an Industry or study area in Victoria. For example:

• Animation and Gaming • Environmental Science • Global and International Studies • Human Resources • Project Management • Public Health • Secondary Education • Youth Work

This year major Tertiary institutions ran Virtual Events and webinars. These were unique but offered so much opportunity for students to be informed and know exactly what was on offer. Another major focus was for all students from Year 7-12 to complete an online Career Action Plan. This way there can be meaningful, rigorous discussions with students about pathways and aspirations. This Plan acts as a rolling online counselling tool as students explore careers and are introduced to career management early on in their Secondary school life.

Instead of the regular Subject and Tertiary Expo Subject Selection dialogue was provided online with Curriculum Information Evenings and Subject Selection Consultations. The attendance by parents and students was better than ever.

As we move into a 'new normal' in our workplaces, it will be even more important to be aware of where the jobs will be, where the workforce shortages will be and where the future of work is heading. This will become a key focus in Careers Education in the future at Mater Christi College.

Andy Donnelly Careers Coordinator