Disclaimer

Please note that this blog is intended for the students and parents associated with MacGregor State High School. Please check areas of interest as seen on the blog to confirm dates and other information as there will be occasions when dates will change and the information may not be included in the blog as it may not have been received by the school. Posts prior to July 2021 may have reference to different schools as this blog was initially developed for students when I was the Guidance Officer at another school.








Sunday 15 September 2013

Career Training Institute Study Options 2014

There is a new and exciting training opportunity for year 12 school leavers.  This program has been developed based on feedback from industry and geared towards what school leavers have told us they are looking for after year 12.

Key results shows
  • Many students simply do not know what they want to do
  • Have not had enough exposure to life to know where their interest or passion lies
  • Students wanted a gap year and travel  but do not have the financial means to cover this
The Solution

A combination of Diploma qualifications which can be completed over a 12 month period and will involve travel and work experiences.  Students undertaking this program will complete either a double or triple diploma in:
  • Diploma in Travel / Tourism, Hospitality and Management
  • Diploma in Hospitality and Events
 Advantages 
  • Students will gain formal qualifications and understanding of industry in major employment areas
  • Holding the double or triple diploma can pathway into University if they choose to study further
  • Choosing to study at University and gain credit, reducing time and costs at University
  • Exposure to these industries may assist students in finding their ideal career pathway
  • Students will have the opportunity to travel in a safe, secure and educationally enlighten manner
  • Students will gain the skills to enable them to obtain part time work in the interim or whilst at university.
  • Experience personal growth, maturity  and  self esteem as you are exposed to the world and other cultures
  • Vocational placement within various departments of the Watermark Hotel & Spa, Gold Coast.
Opportunities

On successful completion of their course students will have the opportunity to apply for the following positions
  • One year internship at Disneyworld Florida
  • USA summer camps
  • Working in Ski fields – Australia, America/Canada and Europe
  • Working holiday England, - pre arranged jobs in UK hotels
  • Working in accommodation properties in Malaysia.
 Expressions of interest are now being taken for the double and triple Diploma courses starting February 2014. Contact the Career Training Institute of Australia on 07 5564 9044 for your scholarship application pack. You can visit their website at www.ctia.edu.au

ADERG Competition

THE BRIEF

Design a cover for an imaginary issue of DG magazine with the theme: Famous Designers.
Download the Call for Entries.

The SUBJECT can be, for example:
  • From any era.
  • The work of one or more designers.
  • The work of a group of designers that constitutes a particular style or movement.
  • A generic sub-group of design (such as fashion, graphic, typography, industrial, performing arts etc.)
The IMAGERY may include:
Emphasis on the style of a particular designer or group of designers.
A portrait of the designer – but this is NOT mandatory.
Examples of the work, e.g. iconic designs, stylistic references, etc.
All entries must use the templates supplied by DGi Media (Adobe InDesign and Adobe Photoshop).

Templates can be downloaded here.
It is important that all of the graphics are the entrant’s own work. Images may be sourced from third parties
but they must not be used “as found”. Entrants should use photo-imaging techniques to create unique cover images.

PUBLICATION OF RESULTS
The results will be published online here at the ADERG Channel.
www.dgdesignnetwork.com.au/aderg

PRIZES
The prizes will be announced at:
www.dgdesignnetwork.com.au/aderg

WHO CAN ENTER?
There are two divisions:
  • University & College Division (Tertiary)
  • Secondary School Division
 COLLEGE (TERTIARY) DIVISION
The competition is open to all students attending a certificate, diploma or degree course at an
 Australian tertiary institution: University, TAFE or private college.
The subject being studied may be any of those included in the Art & Design Education Resource Guide (which means any art or design discipline).

SECONDARY SCHOOL DIVISION
The competition is also open to students in years 10-12 at secondary schools in Australia.
The rules are the same. The schools section will be judged separately.

COPYRIGHT
One of the most important conditions of the competition is that the entries must be entirely the work of each entrant.
If stock images, clip art or any other ‘third party’ items are included, the sources should be noted.

CONDITIONS
The copyright of the entries remains with the entrants, but DG International Media Pty Ltd reserves the right to use the designs to promote the competition (in this or subsequent years) or to promote the
Art & Design Education Resource Guide, ADERG Course Guide or ADERG Channel. The entries may also be published in a digital or other medium in connection with the competition or as part of any other publication by DGi Media.

PLEASE NOTE THAT ENTRIES CANNOT BE RETURNED
DG International Media Pty Ltd, competition promoters or sponsors are not liable for any consequential costs, loss or damage arising from entry into or association with the DG Student Design Competition.
Entrants must ensure that their design does not contain any material for which copyright releases have not been obtained.

ENTRY FEE
There is no entry fee.

ENTRIES should be sent to:
DG Student Design Competition 2014
DG International Media Pty Ltd
PO Box 10 Ferny Creek VIC 3786 Australia

Finalists for the DG Student Design Competition 2013 are online at the ADERG Channel:
http://www.dgdesignnetwork.com.au/aderg/dg-student-design-competition/

Applications Now Open for 2014 AIEF-BHP Billiton Tertiary Scholarships

The AIEF-BHP Billiton Tertiary Scholarships are available for outstanding current or future Indigenous students studying an eligible engineering or other eligible mining-related degree in 2014.

 
The Australian Indigenous Education Foundation (AIEF) and BHP Billiton are working together to identify enthusiastic, capable and driven Indigenous students interested in successfully completing a degree in an eligible engineering or mining-related discipline, with a motivation to work for BHP Billiton in the future.
 
This is a unique and highly attractive opportunity to learn from experts, develop a global network of colleagues, attend world class training and build exceptional skills and expertise. 
 
The AIEF-BHP Billiton Tertiary Scholarships will cover: 
  • payment of residential accommodation, meals and other expenses at a university residential college of your choice, up to a maximum of $20,000 per annum paid directly to the college;
  • an annual stipend of up to $2,000 per annum for text books and other materials, or other education-related expenses such as field trips;
  • a living allowance of up to $6,000 per annum;
  • an allowance of up to $2,000 per annum for compulsory fees;
  • opportunity to apply for the BHP Billiton Iron Ore Undergraduate Program (i.e. vacation internship) and the BHP Billiton Graduate Program (following successful completion of degree); and
  • ongoing professional development and career pathways events with AIEF.
 Students studying the following degrees may be eligible:
  1. Engineering - Chemical
  2. Engineering - Civil
  3. Engineering - Control Systems
  4. Engineering - Electrical
  5. Engineering - Environmental
  6. Engineering - Geotechnical
  7. Engineering - Mechanical
  8. Engineering - Mechatronic
  9. Engineering - Metallurgy
  10. Engineering - Minerals Processing
  11. Engineering - Mining (Open Cut) (Minerals Processing or Metallurgy)
  12. Engineering - Mining
  13. Science - Earth (Geology) (Geology/Geoscience, Earth Sciences, Science/Applied Science with major in Geology/Geoscience)
  14. Science - Environmental (Environmental Science/Health, Environmental Management, Science with major in Ecology or Environmental Studies)
  15. Science  -  Hydrology (Geology, Hydrogeology, Environmental Science, Civil Engineering)
  16. Science - Spatial (Surveying)
  17. Other mining-related degrees as approved by AIEF.
 Important: Applications for 2014 are now open and will close on Friday, 27 September 2013. 
 
For more information please visit our website at www.aief.com.au  or contact us at applications@aief.com.au 

Finishing school? Now what? Please do not have a career by accident!

The following is written by Nigel Phillips and taken from the careerlifecollege blog. A link is provided at the bottom of the page:


Recently I had a client whose first degree was in nursing because they really liked helping people - but they dropped out because they didn't like the shift work.

Their second degree was in psychology, a natural progression from nursing, however, they couldn't handle statistics and so they never finished.

A third degree was in graphic design, the opportunity to be creative was always a strong motivator but finding a job proved difficult.

Then something unusual happened - they blinked, and eight years flew by and they found themselves still working in records administration a job they started just to pay their way through nursing.

Many people think that they don’t need a career plan because they already know what they want to do, don’t see it as a priority or don’t want to spend the money.

However, in the above example, how much is eight years of your life worth?

At this time of the year, especially, don’t let your Final Year result decide what you will do in life and don’t be too busy doing urgent things to avoid doing ‘important’ things – like career planning.

Have a look at the statistics:

• 34% of first year university students drop out;
• 17% of TAFE students drop out;
• 39% of traineeship students drop out;
• 28% of apprentices drop out; and
• up to 20% of persons don’t want to work in the area they’re qualified.

“Career by accident” is experienced by up to 80% of Australians.

This message is particularly important for parents, where their influence alone accounts for up to 70% of the career choice of their children.

The fact is that with all the good intentions of parents throughout Australia unacceptably high numbers of students are still dropping out of courses and career pathways.

The tragedy is that the biggest cost is the loss of self-esteem and motivation that often accompanies dropping out.

The good news is that there are some excellent career programs and support available both through the school and through private providers.

The antidote for career by accident is to learn how to self-manage your own career and it is a good time to start now as you consider your VTAC preferences.

Applying for the right course the first time could save you a lot of time, money and anxiety.

8 Tips to Avoid Career by Accident

1. PAUSE – for a minute. Don’t just choose a particular course or career path now because you have to. Take the time to plan your career.

2. EXPLORE – your career options. Find at least 3 ways that you can explore your career options now. These may include using the web, meeting with your career teacher or visiting an industry association. Remember there is no point choosing a course you want to do if it doesn’t lead to a career that you want to do.

3. EXAMINE – your career path options in terms of how closely they align with your needs, values and what you want for your future. Clarify what is important to you, the lifestyle you want, the location and other conditions that your ideal career will provide. This process will help you to identify your career path priorities.

4. DEFINE – your education and training options. There are many ways to enter just about every career so it is important that you consider your options carefully. Don’t just look at Uni, consider TAFE, traineeships, apprenticeships, interstate courses and courses offered by private providers.

5. CONSIDER - part time versus full time study options, your personal learning preferences, preferred study locations, cost and living expenses and the environment where you are most likely to succeed.

6. FEEL GOOD – use as many strategies as you can to really know what your preferred course and career options feel like. Go to open days to research the campus and course. Try to talk with ex-students you know who are studying the courses you’re interested in. Ask yourself, “What will it feel like to study here?” and “Will it optimise my chances of being successful?”

7. ACTION – don’t just plan it, do it. So many people just think about what they’re going to do but never get around to actually doing it. Ensure that you write down step by step what you need to do and by when. Just do it.

8. ASK FOR HELP – seek assistance if you find the process a bit scary. Make an appointment to see your career teacher with your parents or see a professional career advisor.
http://us6.campaign-archive1.com/?u=3b1ac889c5fe90bbe28e2904f&id=6f7800858b&e=13e1770a16

Art and Design Education Research Guide

Deciding what to study and where to study just got easier with the publication of the first edition of the ADERG Course Guide. And it’s free!


The ADERG Course Guide is a digital extension of the annual print edition of the Art & Design Education Resource Guide, providing an interactive resource to assist in your search to find a creative course.

The ADERG Course Guide contains comprehensive information to creative courses at universities, TAFE/VET and private colleges in Australia. You’ll find everything you’ll need to assist in your search for a course in:
• Graphic Design;
• Digital Media;
• Animation;
• Performing Arts;
• Music;
• Photography;
• Industrial Design;
• Fashion Design;
• Ceramics;
• Film/Television/Audio;
• Illustration;
• Built Environment;
• Interior Design;
• Fine Arts, and more.

One click takes you to an institution’s website. No more hunting around too many websites than you have time to explore. It’s all here; in one place.

The index provides rapid access to all of the institutions in the ADERG Course Guide. The addendum in the last pages connects you to a wide range of professional associations and industry organisations.

Download the ADERG Course Guide 2013 here: http://www.dgdesignnetwork.com.au/forms/ADERG-Course-Guide-2013.pdf

RAAF Camp For Girls


Tertiary Education Scholarships for the Youth Assistance Fund

The Far North Queensland Youth Assistance Fund can assist with scholarships for those commencing or continuing their tertiary studies in 2014.
 

The scholarship applications are assessed by a “merit and means test” process and are provided to assist youth to achieve their goals in their chosen field.
Initial enquiries regarding eligibility can be directed to the Fund’s Office on 40516590.
Applications can be obtained from the Fund’s website at www.fnqyaf.org.au .

Applications close 31st December 2013.

Refer to their Facebook page – Far North Queensland Youth Assistance Fund.

Austalian Catholic University Early Achiever's Program

ACU recognises that students have more to offer than their academic results. Our Early Achievers’ Program (EAP) considers the contribution students have made to their community through school or workplace, local community organisation, culture, sport and/or a religious group. The Early Achievers’ Program is now open with applications closing on the 21st October. Students can register online at www.acu.edu.au/eap .

ACU encourages students to apply for this program if they meet the following eligibility criteria. One of the biggest benefits of the program is that successful applicants receive an offer well ahead of the usual tertiary admissions announcements.

Careers in Flowers and Foliage

Are you interested in a career with flowers?

There are many career opportunities associated with the Australian cut flower and foliage industry, which involves a number of connected components, from growing the plants all the way through to selling the final products to the customer. In this industry, you can choose from a diverse range of working environments, from the farm to the laboratory, classroom or retail business, and become a part of a professional chain that is committed to the delivery of quality floral products.


If so, please visit http://www.flowersqueensland.asn.au/assets/files/Projects/Career%20Guide/index.html 

Monday 9 September 2013

James Cook University Update

Accommodation

Students need to consider where they will live when they are applying to a university. JCU has an Accommodation Service that can assist with the varied on- and off- campus accommodation options available.  And getting in early means students (and often their parents) have the peace of mind of knowing where they will live.  On campus applications for 2014 are open now.  For more information, click here

Important Admission Dates and information

27th September - Absolute due date for Medicine & Surgery, Dental Surgery, Veterinary Science and Physiotherapy online applications to QTAC.  Applicants who do not apply by this date will not be considered for these competitive courses.  This is also the on-time due date for all other courses.   Student can still apply after this date for all courses except Medicine & Surgery, Dental Surgery, Veterinary Science and Physiotherapy, however higher fees will apply.  

30th September - Absolute due date for JCU written applications for Medicine & Surgery, Dental Surgery, Veterinary Science and Physiotherapy.  Written applications must be received by September 30 for you to be considered for a place in this course. Applications postmarked after this date will not be accepted.  These applications are available here.

25th October 4pm - Prediction of Academic Achievement (Medicine & Surgery applicants only) must be received by fax by this date.  Applicants will be selected for interview on the basis of their written application and the prediction of academic achievement.

For more information, or for assistance, visit the Student Centre

Spread your wings and study Business at our JCU Singapore campus

Enrol in our Bachelor of Business from 2014 and students receive the opportunity to study abroad and spend up to two teaching periods at our Singapore campus continuing their undergraduate studies. Another reason why 89% of our Business graduates are employed within six months of completing their degree... Study online, on-campus or overseas!

School of Education - New degrees and teaching facilities

From 2014, students will be able to choose from three new Education courses: Bachelor of Education Early Childhood Education, Bachelor of Education Primary (Majors in Physical Education and Special Needs) and Bachelor of Education Secondary (Majors in Physical Education and Vocational Education). These courses are designed to meet the requirements of the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) and the Queensland College of Teachers (QCT), allowing graduates to teach across Australia and overseas.
JCU has invested heavily in the new School of Education facilities at our Townsville campus, including
• 150 seat collaborative (active) lecture theatre
• 72 seat flat-floor active learning space
• 48 seat collaborative teaching laboratory
• 48 seat collaborative wet teaching laboratory
• 36+ seat flexible flat-floor seminar/conference room
• Peer-to-Peer learning centre.

Revamped Engineering Programs

Commencing in 2014, JCU’s School of Engineering and Physical Science will be introducing Minors within our Bachelor of Engineering programs. With the support of Engineers Australia all 5 Engineering Majors (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical and Electronics, Chemical & Computer Systems) will now become more flexible, allowing students to customise their degree. A range of minor streams (including Sustainability, Mining and Minerals, Asset Management, Mathematics, Infrastructure and Planning and more) will be available for students to choose from, depending on their interests and their future career orientations.

TAFE Try a Trade Day - 23rd September 2013