On Thursday, August 1, our students had the wonderful opportunity to participate in an Early Childhood and Teaching Workshop held at the University of Wollongong (UOW) in Nowra. The workshop was designed to provide students with valuable insights into various educational careers and pathways in a friendly and engaging setting.

During the workshop, students gathered essential information about Early Childhood Qualifications and the benefits of School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBAT). They learned how these programs can lead to rewarding careers in early childhood education, offering pathways to further study and employment opportunities in a growing field.

The workshop also provided a comprehensive understanding of School Learning Support Officer (SLSO) roles. Students discovered the vital importance of SLSOs in the school environment, supporting teachers and enhancing the learning experience for students with additional needs.

For those interested in teaching, both primary and secondary, the workshop covered the pathways to becoming qualified teachers. Students explored what to expect in a teaching career, from planning and delivering lessons to the personal and professional qualities that make an effective educator. Hands-on activities included lesson planning, identifying qualities of a good lesson, and improving lesson plans. Early childhood activities, such as music sessions, allowed students to experience the creative and interactive aspects of working with young children.

The day concluded with an engaging Q&A session, where students asked insightful questions and demonstrated a keen interest in the topics discussed. The workshop was incredibly rewarding, providing students with practical experience and a clearer understanding of potential career paths in education. We hope that some of our students will be inspired to follow in the footsteps of educators and pursue a fulfilling career in teaching.

Thank you to RIEP and UOW for hosting such a beneficial event and to our students for their enthusiastic participation!

Charles Sturt University - Information Session

St John students had the privilege of meeting a representative from Charles Sturt on Thursday, August 1. The session provided key information to senior students about the university’s courses, accommodation options, facilities, scholarships and early admission application process.

UPCOMING EVENTS 

Hair & Beauty August 31 and Barbering September 6

RIEP and Nowra TAFE will host a taster day for students considering this pathway. If you are interested, please complete the EOI on the Careers Google Classroom by the end of this week.

If you have any questions, see Ms Arenas

Make study fun: Exercising your body and brain - Study tips

Please read the article attached to learn more about the positive impact exercising can have on your brain and ability to focus and study.

Link Here

A gap year doesn’t mean a gap in learning

There are loads ways a gap year can be really beneficial (as well as a lot of fun). Let's take a look.

Read more

Strategies for Managing Mental Health

It’s essential to look after our physical and mental wellbeing in equal measures. As we approach the end of the HSC, it is important that you look after yourself. To learn some simple, helpful tips to manage your mental health, read the article attached.

Read more

Early Childhood Teacher Virtual Work Experience

Discover what it takes to work in early childhood education and embark on a fulfilling career journey with the Department of Education - Victoria & Year13 Virtual Work Experience. 

Roles within Early Childhood Education Explore the diverse nature of this indemand and growing profession. Learn about the key roles of early childhood teachers and educators and understand the differences between them.

Study and Training Pathways Understand the various study and training pathways to early childhood education careers. Eligible students who study and work in Victoria benefit from fee-free TAFE for approved VET courses and up to $25,000 of financial support for approved university courses. 

Activities Interactive tasks deepen your understanding of the essential skills and responsibilities of early childhood teachers and educators, and help you recognise if a career in early childhood education could be for you

Link Here

Charles Sturt Advantage - Early Offer

Closing Sunday, 31 August

For those students who want to ask any last minute questions, we have a final online information session on Wednesday 21st August or you can watch our most recent recorded session here.

ACU - Early Offer Program

Applications for our early offer program, ACU Guarantee, are now open and will close on 16 September 2024.

ACU Guarantee is designed to help Year 12 students secure a place at ACU before they sit their final exams.

While successful applicants must still complete their exams, they can do so secure in the knowledge that their results from Year 11 meet our entry requirements. Students can also enhance their selection rank by including short personal statements that give ACU an insight into their personal circumstances and motivation for university study.

Applications are free and we strongly encourage your students to apply. They have nothing to lose and many opportunities to gain.

To support your students during their application process, our 2024 ACU Guarantee: early offer application process and student panel webinar is now available for on-demand viewing.

At this webinar, current students share their application experience and what to consider when developing impact statements. Your students will learn how to apply, key dates and important information around offer rounds for our competitive courses.

Meanwhile, there is still time for career advisors and teaching staff to register for our ACU entry and pathways (NSW/ACT/Qld) webinar on Wednesday 24 July, 12 –12.30pm. You’ll hear about the application process, new updates on our pathway and entry programs and important information around offer rounds for our competitive courses.

Upcoming UAC Digital Webinars

All webinars on UAC Digital's YouTube Channel UAC are holding the following webinars:

• 5 Aug - Making the Leap: Navigating Uni Entry in 2025 for Students Returning to Study 
• 11 Sept - Year 12 to Uni: Upcoming Deadlines and Application Strategies for Success
• 16 Oct - From Obstacles to Opportunities: How the Educational Access Scheme Can Help You Enter Uni 
• 30 Oct - Your Ultimate Guide to Boosting your UAC University Application and Taking Advantage of Early Offers 
• 13 Nov - Unlocking Opportunities: Pathways to Uni 
• 17 Dec - How to Review Your UAC Application Following Your ATAR Result 

Link Here

National Marine Studies Volunteers

On occasion, we may offer opportunities to the general public, to work with our trained professionals. To register as a volunteer of the University, please complete the SCU Volunteer Registration Form and email to: nmsc@scu.edu.au with a covering letter outlining your specific area of interest. We endeavour to

respond to all received applications.  

Further information write to or call National Marine Science Centre T:

ADFA Trainee Officer

Our undergraduate programs are tailored to the educational needs of the Australian Defence Force. Officer cadets and midshipmen accepted into the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) program undertake undergraduate degrees alongside their military education and training. They graduate with a bachelor's degree from one of Australia’s top universities, the University of New South Wales. Explore your study options across Arts, Business, Engineering, Information Technology and Science. Choose the degree that’s right for you. All our courses are designed to prepare you to begin a successful career in the Army, Navy or Air Force. 

Code Your Career with CommBank and Year13!

Software Engineers or ‘developers’ are the architects of our digital age. They specialise in creating software solutions that innovate, automate, and simulate to power our interconnected world. 

At CommBank, Software Engineers are the backbone, developing and maintaining crucial systems that ensure a seamless and secure experience for customers. They craft every aspect of the Bank's website and app and the complex systems behind-thescenes to protect customers’ money.

Experience life as a Software Engineer with the Year13 X CommBank Virtual Work Experience. You’ll get to: 

• Participate in real workplace activities. 
• Learn about the daily work of Software Engineers from the CommBank team. Explore the intricacies of writing code, testing, and debugging. 
• Gain insight into the ever-evolving world of tech. Understand Software Engineering study pathways. 

Upon completion, you'll receive a certificate to add to your resume, but best of all, you’ll have a real sense of how your future could look and feel as a Software Engineer. 

Discover the exciting possibilities in Software Engineering by visiting the Year13 X CommBank Virtual Work Experience!

Link Here

Students planning on applying to MOST universities in NSW and the ACT can apply through the UAC website

Key information:

• Applications will cost $80 before 30th of September and $215 after this date
• It is recommended that you watch the videos on the link above and read the Steps to Uni for Year 11 and 12 Students UAC Guide (2025 version available soon) before applying

• You will need your Unique Student Identifier, NESA student number and UAC PIN to apply. UAC PINS were emailed to students on your school email address on April 3, 2024. If you did not receive a UAC PIN, call UAC on 1300 275 822 or 9752 0200 from mobiles. SJE does not have access to your UAC PIN.

• Students can select up to 5 courses.

• Put your courses in order of preference i.e. the course you want to do most is your first preference.

• You can also apply direct to some universities - increase your potential offers by selecting different courses for your UAC application and any direct applications universities that you make.

• Once you’ve applied, you can change the order of your preferences - or even the courses you’ve selected as often as you like before the closing dates for each offer round, so don’t panic about your initial selections.

After completing the UAC undergraduate application, you can apply for the Schools Recommendation and/or Education Access Schemes and Equity Scholarships:

Schools Recommendation Scheme (SRS) ‘Early Entry’ - one way institutions make early offers of undergraduate admission to Year 12 students. They do this by using criteria other than (or in addition to) the ATAR. UAC applications for most SRS programs are open now and close on 16 September.

Note: Not all universities offer SRS entry. Each institution will have specific SRS criteria details, including any exceptions. If you don’t receive an offer in your preferred course through the SRS scheme, you can apply again for this course in the normal offer rounds once the ATARs are released. 

Education Access Scheme (EAS) for students whose education has been negatively affected for a period of at least six months as a result of circumstances beyond their control or choosing during Year 11 and/or Year 12 (or equivalent.

Equity Scholarships are awarded to students from low socio-economic backgrounds

Early Offer Schemes for Year 12 Students

While the ATAR is still the main selection tool used by most universities, there are other ways for you to show that you’re ready to succeed at tertiary study.

Many institutions have one or more early offer schemes for Year 12 students. Through these schemes, the institutions will assess you using criteria other than (or in addition to) your  ATAR. Always check the institution websites to make sure the courses you are applying for a covered by the schemes.

Visit UAC for an overview of early offer schemes and key dates for specific programs.

Please see Ms Arenas if you require any assistance with UAC applications.

Western Sydney University, Free HSC support

Students in their senior years can find a wealth of resources and information, including free HSC study sessions, on the Western Year 12 Student Info Hub. Made for senior high school students, this hub contains all the information you need to get started on your journey to university. Program information, upcoming events, how uni works – it’s all here in one convenient place. We’ve got you covered.

Go to Link

NEW! Tertiary Health Study Subsidies

The Tertiary Health Study Subsidy Program will support 12,000 students from 2024. The subsidies incentivise students to enter the NSW Health workforce by reducing financial barriers to study.

The payments can assist students with fees, technology, travel, or other associated personal costs.

What subsidies are available?

NSW Health offers two subsidies:

1. $12,000 subsidy paid over three years to students commencing study, and intending to work for NSW Health upon completion.
2. $8,000 one-off subsidy paid to students graduating study with employment in NSW Health.

Each subsidy will see 2,000 students awarded annually for the next three years.

Find out more:

Health Subsidies Link

Western University Webinars

View and register for 2024 webinars. Watch our webinars covering a range of individual study areas.Want to know more about careers and degrees in the fields of most interest to you? Not sure what subjects to select for your senior years? Let us support you to make informed decisions and discover more about why you should study at Western. 

Head to: Link or the Careers Classroom for more information

SCHOLARSHIPS  - NOT TO BE MISSED!

Sponsored scholarships are for the children and grandchildren of ex-serving veterans. Long Tan Bursaries are for the children and grandchildren of Vietnam Veterans and are available in each state and territory. The Long Tan Bursary is funded by the Australian Government Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

AVCAT sponsored scholarships are funded by ex-service organisations and private donors.
These scholarships are for children and grandchildren of ex-serving veterans.

All bursaries and sponsored scholarships are for tertiary education and are $4000-$6000 per year, for up to three years.

Applications open August 18 and close October 31

Link here

Shoalhaven Education Fund 

Tertiary institutions, apprenticeships, traineeships, cadetships, TAFE, all qualify for this scholarship.

Applications open: 1 July 2024

Applications close: 11 October 2024

Partnering with the community to achieve success.... The SEF provides grants to give young people a helping hand in making the transition to further education, training or their chosen vocation, a successful one.

See Ms Arenas for more information.

Link Here

Western Sydney University Scholarships

Early Admission offer holders who live in selected regional or remote regions of NSW (like yours!) will be eligible for a Country to Coast Scholarship worth $5,000 when they enrol in Autumn Session 2025.

This scholarship is stackable which means that if you receive a Country to Coast Scholarship, you 

may also be eligible for a UOW Equity Scholarship or the Australian Government Tertiary Access Payment (TAP).

Go to the link below to learn more about 2025 Country to Coast Scholarships.

Link Here

Destination Australia Scholarships

Destination Australia Scholarships are funded by the Commonwealth Government, and are designed to attract and support students who choose to live and study in regional communities. Each Scholarship provides $15,000\* per student per year of course enrolment to support costs for living and studying in regional Australia. Scholarships are provided for specific courses and locations only, as shown below, and require full time class attendance for a minimum of 20 hours per week. 

Link Here

The Wollongong Catholic Diocese is once again offering $20,000 to support Year 12 students seeking to pursue a career in teaching in 2025. The information session provided students with all the facts required to make informed decisions about their future careers in education.

For further information and eligibility criteria see Ms Arenas or go to CEDoW website 

www.dow.catholic.edu.au/employment/cedow-scholarships/

TAFE

Fee free apprenticeships are a great way for students to launch their careers

There’s never been a better time to start an apprenticeship in NSW. The NSW Government is paying the course cost for 100,000 new apprenticeships – meaning apprentices undertaking a government funded apprenticeship no longer face a student fee of up to $2000. Apprenticeships are a great career path-way. They combine on-the-job training with classroom study to give you the skills and experience employers are looking for. Apprenticeships generally take around 3-4 years to complete, and apprentices earn a salary while they learn. There are more than 120 different apprenticeship courses available in NSW, in a range of industries including construction, cooking, aviation and automotive.

Link Here

Supporting You Every Step of the Way with TAFE NSW

Get the help you need to succeed

The TAFE NSW Counselling and Career Development Service is free and confidential* and is designed to help you succeed in your studies at TAFE NSW, as well as in your chosen career.

Prospective TAFE NSW students are able to access the service to assist with course choice decisions and career planning.

Students enrolled with TAFE NSW are able to access a range of services to assist in career development and personal support.

https://www.tafensw.edu.au/counselling-career-development-services

I Am Finishing School This Year Info Page

Whatever you're interested in, TAFE NSW has a pathway to get you there.

With hundreds of courses to choose from, including degrees, we can help you find your passion.

https://www.tafensw.edu.au/open-day/i-am-finishing-school-this-year

TAFE NSW Degrees and Undergrad Certificates

You don't need an ATAR to study a degree with TAFE NSW, but you will graduate with a qualification that will change your future.

Study a Bachelor degree, post graduate or higher education qualification with TAFE NSW, and graduate with strong theoretical knowledge, practical experience and industry connections that will give you a head start on your career.

https://www.tafensw.edu.au/degrees

TAFE-delivered Vocational Education and Training (TVET) courses help students build practical skills and industry-specific knowledge, and count toward school outcomes, with some courses contributing towards an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR).

TAFE NSW TVET Guide 2024

NSW Police Force - Eligibility Quiz

Take the quiz to see if you may be eligible to commence an application to the NSW Police Force. ‘Aquatic Rescue Sequence’ certification: Applicants are required to provide certification of successful completion of the Aquatic Rescue Sequence. First Aid certification: Applicants are required to supply certification of completion of an approved ‘Apply First Aid’ course with at least 12 months currency remaining on certification. Typing certificate. Applicants are required to supply a recognized certificate of typing proficiency equivalent or greater than 25 words per minute at 98 percent accuracy.

APPRENTICESHIPS, TRAINEESHIPS AND CADETSHIPS

ACFA Cabinet Making Apprenticeships

ACFA is a Registered Training Organisation delivering MSF31113 Certificate III in Cabinet Making (RTO 90432). Their Workplace-Based Training Model brings a unique one-on-one experience plus the flexibility to be enrolled as a new apprentice all year round.

Link here

Pelican Pre-School -  Traineeship Vacancy

If you are interested in child care and want to know more about this opportunity, contact Ms Arenas in the Careers office.

Expression of Interest for Electrical Apprenticeships

The apprenticeship lasts for a total of 4 years. For the first three years, you will be required to work four days on site to gather on-the-job experience, and one day undertaking technical studies. The fourth year will consist of only on-the-job training.

Link here

Job Hunting Tips

Finding an Apprenticeship Searching and applying for an Australian Apprenticeship is very much like hunting for any job. An employer has to create a vacancy and decide to use Australian Apprenticeships as a way to employ and train their staff. The following steps will explain the process to get an Australian Apprenticeship from the preparation stage, to the time you begin your training

Automotive Apprenticeships - Vacancies

The automotive industry has changed substantially through the last decade to become a respected and financially secure career path. Any student that enjoys problem solving and working with their hands will thrive in automotive and has the opportunity to be a part of transformative change we haven't seen since vehicles replaced the horse and cart.

Link here

Do you aspire to be a builder?

Register your interest for the course starting 27 November Want to be a carpenter? This is your best first step. Master Builders will help prepare you to become the best 1st-year carpentry apprentice.  This 3-week entry level training program provides an introduction into both the industry and a carpentry trade prior to commencing an apprenticeship.

Pre-apprenticeship Builder

Do you aspire to become a brickie?

Offer you the opportunity to study and earn an income while undertaking a qualification. It gives you the chance to learn new skills while getting paid. It can be done full-time or while you are at school through a School Based Apprenticeship. You can use your qualification to work anywhere in Australia and around the world. 

Brickies Apprenticeships

Transport for NSW Apprenticeships and Traineeships

Transport for NSW currently have a number of Apprenticeship and Traineeships open for 2024 in both metro and regional areas. Currently on offer are:

•       Business Traineeships
•       Bridge Construction Apprenticeship
•       Heavy Diesel Mechanic Apprenticeship
•       Project Management Traineeships
•       Electrical Apprenticeship
•       Civil Construction Apprenticeship
•       Painting and Blasting Traineeship

A number of trainee roles are also available

https://jobs.transport.nsw.gov.au/go/Train-Crew-and-Customer-Service-Jobs/7831310/

Handy link for a range of job opportunities: Jobs Transport NSW

JOB VACANCIES !

McDonald’s are hiring!

Year 8-11 students (14 years of age and over)

The opportunity is for all 3 restaurants, South Nowra, Bomaderry and Nowra Central depending on where you want to work.  Type Maccas Jobs or you can also apply at: 

careers.mcdonalds.com/australia.

Surah Korean BBQ, Nowra

Work position: Floor staff and/or Kitchen hand

Work days:

Wednesday to Sunday from 4:30pm or 5pm (End of shift time depends on how busy it gets. Usually between 7:30pm and 9:30pm) 

Contact details: 0413722627

Address: 1/4 Nowra lane, Nowra (Near Nowra Mall/Coles)

Can send resume through email: koreanbbqsurah@gmail.com

or drop it off at the shop

Tourism Local Navigator Pilot

If you are interested in a paid work trial or casual work in the hospitality and tourism sector, please send a resume, a short spiel about yourself and their disability and any wage subsidy information. Once the applicants have been collated and reviewed by the tourism business, you will be contacted regarding a time and date for the participant meet and greet. 

Please send any questions / concerns to:  Isabelle Gadaleta 

Email: isabelle.gadaleta@disabilitytrust.org.au

Council Jobs!

Local Government NSW offers hundreds of jobs and diverse career paths. Across professional, administrative, trade and outdoor roles. Learn more about the type of work, qualifications required and the jobs available now in over 100 councils across NSW & others interstate

https://www.careersatcouncil.com.au/