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.








Saturday 15 March 2014

Defence Force Recruiting Trade Information evening on Thursday 20th March

Defence Force Recruiting Cairns will be hosting a Trade Information evening on Thursday 20th March at 6.30pm.  Information has been e-mailed to Year 10, 11 and 12 students at their school e-mail addresses. There is a flyer with booking information attached to the e-mail.

Thursday 13 March 2014

SPARK Engineering Camp

Not for profit organization, Youth Without Borders, is once again holding the annual ‘Spark Engineering Camp’.
Spark is a week-long university experience camp specifically for students who face barriers to accessing a university education. The students partake in a week of personal development and engineering education.
By providing insight into engineering, belief in their potential and first hand access to current university students during the week, Spark bridges the gap between school and university for students who face a particularly challenging transition. For more information, please see the attached flyer or visit the website at www.sparkengineeringcamp.ywb.com.au/about.html#TheSparkExperience

Wednesday 12 March 2014

Academy of Information Technology

The Academy of Information Technology is offering scholarship opportunities and FREE workshops to students interested in digital media.  AIT offers bachelor or diploma courses in film, animation, design, IT programming and business. Students gain practical industry knowledge and hands-on experience allowing them to graduate with skills highly desired by employers. 
Scholarships:
AIT offers scholarship for creative students to study at AIT. Email AIT for details.

Free day course:
You can attend a free one-day workshop focusing on introduction to game design, film editing or 3D animation. Students will learn great skills and gain hands-on experience of what it is like to work in the digital arts. Read more
The website also has Information for High school Students

The University of Queensland


Available now: online videos for students
You're invited to hear more about UQ using our suite of new online videos, specially designed for school leavers.
Hosted by UQ students, the short videos cover many topics including: accommodation options, transport options, transitioning to uni, tips for QTAC applications and choosing what to study at UQ.
These videos are a great resource for Guidance Officers also and can be used in classroom information sessions for your students.
For information, contact: UQ School Liaison team
Phone: (07) 3346 9649

The BiG Day In - I.T. Conference - 12 June
The BiG Day In is a tech careers conference with a difference. Organised, run and hosted by students for students, the conference attracts companies such as Google, IBM, Westpac, Microsoft and WiseTech Global who will highlight the future of technology and how students can get involved. Through interactive presentations, demonstrations and competitions, tech gurus will show how they built their careers and how students can kick start theirs too.
The event will be held at UQ St Lucia on Thursday, 12 June, tickets are $10 per student.
For information, contact: Kerrie Bisaro
Phone: 0417 409 069

Bachelor of Arts - new web information for prospective students
It’s now even easier to find about the many and varied study options available to students interested in the Bachelor of Arts thanks to the new Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences website. Students can browse over 40 different study areas to discover more about their study interests and where they can lead them.
UQ’s Bachelor of Arts has one of the most comprehensive course offerings in Australia and its flexibility allows students to tailor a program that fits not only their career aspirations, but also fulfils their passion.
For information, contact: Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
Phone: (07) 3365 1333

Free library resources for Year 11 & 12 students
The UQL Cyberschool offers the following services to Year 11 and 12 students:
For information, contact: Diane Nibbs
Phone: (07) 3365 6064

March Registration: FEAST 2014
Students in Years 10-12 are invited to attend the FEAST residential camp being held at the UQ Gatton campus from 29 June - 3 July, 2014.
The exciting program includes a 5 day camp designed to inspire and inform high school students of the exciting careers available in Agriculture, Science & Technology.
For information, contact: Erin Pearl
Phone: (07) 54 601 229

University of Melbourne


Information for future undergraduate students can be found at www.futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/events

Veterinary Science and Hospital Open Day
The Veterinary Science Open Day is an opportunity for future students and the community to go behind the scenes of the state-of-the-art Veterinary Hospital in Werribee.

Visitors will have the opportunity to speak with veterinary staff, meet current students and tour the outstanding facilities.
Course and career advice will be available throughout the day, giving prospective students and their parents the opportunity to learn about the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine graduate program.

Veterinary and community groups will be providing information about pet care and other special interests.

Date: Sunday 16 March 2014

Time: 10am 3pm

Location: The University of Melbourne Veterinary Hospital, 250 Princes Highway, Werribee, Victoria
Key dates 2014
MARCH   
Sun 16    Melbourne Veterinary Science and Hospital Open Day (Werribee)
Wed 19    Meet Melbourne Bendigo
Tues 25   Meet Melbourne Sale
Wed 26    Meet Melbourne Warragul
APRIL
Fri 11    A Day at Melbourne
Wed 30    Meet Melbourne Ballarat
Wed 30    Meet Melbourne Geelong
MAY
Thurs 1    Meet Melbourne Mildura
Wed 7    Meet Melbourne Caroline Springs
Wed 14    Focus on Biomedicine
Wed 21    Focus on Arts
Wed 21    Meet Melbourne Shepparton
Wed 21    Meet Melbourne Frankston
Thurs 22    Meet Melbourne Albury
Tues 27    Focus on Commerce
Wed 28    Meet Melbourne Hamilton
Wed 28    Focus on Environments
Thurs 29    Meet Melbourne Warrnambool
JUNE
Tues 3    Focus on Science
Wed 4    Focus on Agriculture
Tues 10    Focus on Law
Wed 11    Career Practitioners Seminar
Wed 11    Focus on Engineering
Wed 11    Focus on IT
Wed 18    Focus on MCM
Wed 25    Focus on the VCA
JULY
Thurs 10    UniE xperience
Fri 11    A Day at Melbourne
AUGUST
Sun 17    Open Day (Parkville & Dookie)
DECEMBER
Wed 17    Course Information Day

Australian Catholic University


BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE COMING TO ACU

ACU is excited to offer the Bachelor of Biomedical Science* from 2015. The degree aims to equip graduates to undertake professional work in a range of biomedical science contexts, such as pharmaceutical and medical technology industries.

* Subject to final approval.

NEW COURSES FOR 2014




2014 EAP changes

Based on feedback from last year’s Early Achievers’ Program (EAP) application process, we have made the following changes for the 2014 applications:

  • Retain the current practice for collecting and assessing community service statements, including the referee verification process.
  • Remove any form of academic assessment requirement from the initial EAP application process.
  • Retain the minimum OP 15 for entry to all courses, with the following exceptions:
    • a minimum OP 12 for applicants to receive an EAP offer for Physiotherapy
    • a minimum OP 14 for applicants to receive an EAP offer for:

Occupational Therapy

Speech Patholog

NEW COURSES GUIDE


NEW FACULTY STRUCTURE

ACU recently underwent a faculty restructure which merged six faculties into four. This restructure will ensure ACU’s ongoing growth continues to align with our mission and goals.

ACU faculty structure as at semester 1, 2014:




JMC Academy Scholarships - Apply Now!


Are you interested in studying at JMC Academy in an Undergraduate Bachelor Degree program, and are interested in applying for a scholarship?

To ensure passionate prospective students have every opportunity to enhance their technical ability and pursue their talent to the highest possible level, JMC Academy offers a total of 18  scholarships each academic year (6 in Sydney, 6 in Melbourne and 6 in Brisbane).

JMC Academy's scholarships cover the tuition fees for the first year of study in one of the JMC Academy's six Bachelor Degree courses. This first year is also commensurate with a one year complete Diploma course. For further information regarding eligibility and application criteria, and to apply for a scholarship please click on one of the relevant files below.

Students can apply for Undergraduate Scholarships for a Bachelor Degree in one of the following six JMC Academy courses:

  • Audio Engineering and Sound Production

  • Film and Television Production

  • 3D Animation

  • Game Design
  • Contemporary Music and Performance
  • Entertainment Business Management

*These scholarships cover the tuition fees for the first two full academic trimesters of study in one of the JMC Academy’s six Bachelor Degrees. These two trimesters are also commensurate with a complete Diploma course.

Applications for 2015 Scholarships close at 5.00pm e.s.t. on Friday the 5th of December 2014. Scholarships are only available to Australian citizens and residents.


UNSW Australia Winter School


The 2014 UNSW Indigenous Winter School Program  is open to all Indigenous students in years 10, 11 and 12 who are considering tertiary studies at the University of New South Wales, Sydney.  The program has been running since 2002 and has grown significantly since then, with Nura Gili receiving in excess of 300 applications last year.  UNSW expect that number to increase this year but unfortunately they only have 100 spots to offer, so applications must be fully complete and include all requested details, to be considered.  The last page of the application is the Principal’s section, which needs to be completed for each applicant before being sent back to Nura Gili.
For your information, included below is a link which provides a brief overview of Winter School.
If you are interested in applying to attend the program, please see Jenny in the Guidance office, or Maureen in M Block.
PLEASE NOTE:  The closing date for applications is 5pm, FRIDAY APRIL 11.  Incomplete or late applications cannot be accepted.

QUT Information




Future changes to entry requirements for education bachelor degrees
From 2016 onwards, Bachelor of Education courses will have prerequisite subjects instead of assumed knowledge.

This means you will need to have studied the required subjects to gain entry to these courses. The Queensland Studies Authority subjects are:

  • Senior English (4 SA) and
  • Mathematics: Maths A, B or C (4 SA), and
  • for students entering undergraduate primary and early childhood programs, a sound achievement (4 SA) in a Queensland Studies Authority science subject, or equivalent subject from another jurisdiction.

Students offered a place in these bachelor degrees in 2015 will not be able to defer commencement of study.

2014 Vice-Chancellor's STEM Camp

In 2014, high-achieving Year 11 students will have an exciting opportunity to attend an intellectually challenging five day event, run in the term three holiday break, 29 September-3 October. The science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) camp is fully funded by QUT. There is no cost for students to attend and it is open to both regional students and local South-East Queensland students.

Students will experience real university laboratories and learning spaces in QUT's Science and Engineering Centre, while interacting with current QUT STEM students, academic staff and leading researchers to find out what life is like on the university campus. Students will work in teams and apply their creativity and investigative skills to topics such as environmental issues, problems in the energy, food and medical sectors, and improving information dissemination and security. Activities will reinforce the importance of STEM and link to career opportunities in those fields.

  • Regional students - accommodation is provided. The residential enrolment is limited to 80 students.
  • South-East Queensland students - 80 day passes are available to Brisbane, Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast students.
  • Please note - accommodation for Caboolture, Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast students can be arranged for the duration of the camp, however students must secure their own transport to and from the camp (Sunday afternoon and Friday evening) at their own cost.

 The online application portal opens on Friday 7 March, 2014

QUT Law’s High School Mooting Competition – registration open

Students in Years 11 and 12 are invited to register their interest to test their legal argument skills and participate in the QUT Faculty of Law 2014 High School Mooting Competition.

The competition provides students with the opportunity to tackle a fictional legal scenario by preparing arguments over a three month period and the chance to present to industry professionals at the grand finale held in the Brisbane Banco Court, within the Supreme Court complex.

High school students will be provided a university student mentor, many of whom have competed and won in prestigious mooting competitions such as the Oxford International Intellectual Property Law Moot.

To register your expression of interest (by Friday 9 May) or for more information, please email the competition coordinator Eddie Robinson. Places are limited.

QUT information for International Students





Student Exchange Australia and New Zealand


We are delighted to advise that the next deadline for Student Exchange Scholarship Applications for all Semester and Year Programs departing between October 2014 - March 2015 is Monday, 31st March 2014.

Scholarships are open to students between 15-18 years of age and offer the unique opportunity to live and study overseas for a semester or year. Students' language skills improve, their independence and maturity is enhanced and they gain an important edge when it comes to future career and study opportunities.

Each year we offer 12 scholarships valued from $2,500 up to $10,800. Students don't need to be A-grade to apply and the top language student doesn't necessarily win. Your career advisor, creative art and/or language teachers may be interested to promote our scholarships.

  • 2 x Indigenous Scholarship. Valued at up to $10,800 each - these scholarships are available to eligible indigenous students from Australia and New Zealand. 
  • 5 x Language Scholarships. Valued at up to $3,500 each - these scholarships offer language students the chance to immerse themselves in the language and culture of their choice.
  • 2 x International Affairs Scholarship. Valued at up to $3,500 each - these scholarships offer those with a keen interest in international affairs a chance to sample the world first hand.
  • 3 x Digital Video Scholarships. Valued at up to $3,500 each - these scholarships offer creative students the chance to immerse themselves in the country and culture of their choice by demonstrating their personal story and goals for an exchange through a creative video.   

 Please click here to watch the winning video from our last deadline.

Students can also make a saving of up to $1,000 off the program fee with an Early Bird Discount:

  • $1,000 discount for programs of 10-12 months

  • $500 discount for programs of 5-7 months

  • $250 discount for programs of 2-3.5 months

 The deadline for Early Bird Applications is Monday, 31st March.

 Below is an excerpt from one of our previous scholarship applications.

 "I hope to obtain lifelong skills that I can take back to Australia such as new communication skills, friendships and a new perspective of the world.  This will assist me in a career as a Japanese translator or a Japanese teacher.  I am so grateful that I get to live out my dream, it is really surreal to think that I was chosen for something so amazing."  Tayla, Language Scholarship Award Winner from QLD. 

 HIGH SCHOOL EXCHANGE SCHOLARSHIP & EARLY BIRD DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE

APPLY BY 31ST MARCH

 Scholarships valued from $2,500 up to $10,800 are open to students between 15-18 years of age and offer the unique opportunity to live and study overseas for a semester or year. 

Students can also make a saving of up to $1,000 off their exchange program fee with an Early Bird Discount:

The deadline for scholarship and early bird discount submissions for all programs departing between October 2014 – March 2015 is  Monday 31st March 2014.

Visit www.studentexchange.org.au or call 1300 135 331 for more information

Tuesday 11 March 2014

ADF Work Experience

Work experience opportunities are available at HMAS Cairns for students who are considering a Navy career. The first placement for the year is to be held 1 - 4 April and there are still places available. Below is a link to the website where all QLD work experience opportunities are advertised, scroll down the list and look for WEP/00199/14 Navy Overview HMAS Cairns - its the 3rd placement listed: Jobs list - Work Experience


Other opportunities at HMAS Cairns in the months ahead are also listed on the website - keep scrolling through the list and you will find them. Cairns and region students are most welcome to apply for other work experience opportunities in Townsville - just be aware that you and your parent/guardian must organise suitable travel and accommodation to Townsville, as ADF cannot assist with these aspects for out of area students. Below are some of the other Work experience opportunities that are now confirmed and available:


Army Careers Visit - Lavarack Barracks, Townsville

The one day Army career days will run again this year. The day is targetted at (but not limited to) Yr 10 students and provides an overview of a range of Army career opportunities and insight into the Army lifestyle. Each visit can host 30 students max. Students must be 15 years or older to attend (this is Defence policy). Dates for this year's visits are:

Wednesday 7th May
Wednesday 20th August
Wednesday 10th September
Wednesday 12th November


An Army Careers day for Indigenous students will be held on Wednesday 30th April - more on this to come.


Air Force Careers Visit - RAAF Base Townsville

The one day Air Force career days will run again this year. The day is targeted at (but not limited to) Yr 10 students and provides an overview of a range of Air Force career opportunities and insight into the Air Force lifestyle. Each visit can host 20 students. Students must be 15 years or older to attend (Defence policy). Dates for this year's visits are:

Wednesday 26th March
Wednesday 28th May
Wednesday 30th July
Wednesday 17th September


Each visit is filled on a first in - first served basis. Note that students can also apply online for these visits.


Longer work experience placements

There are currently negotiations for 3 - 5 day work experience dates for this year. As placement opportunities are confirmed, they will be placed on to the DWEP website and you can view opportunities and apply online. Please let Jenny (Guidance Officer) or Carol (Senior Pathways Officer) know that you have submitted an application, as there will be paperwork for the school to complete! Please start checking the website regularly, a as placements are coming!!

 

4 Regiment - Royal Australian Artillery offer a terrific week for students interested in Artillery (big guns) and the program includes physical training, weapons training and battle simulation activities, familiarisation with sub units in the regiment, and the highlight is a day trip to Townsville Field Training Area where students observe the regiment as they participate in an Exercise, to see the full capabilities of the unit. The unit will take 6 students on each placement.

Below is a link to the website - in particular the webpage that has information about QLD placements. Save it to your favourites so you can check it regularly and see new opportunities as they arise:

Bricklaying Apprenticeships


Are you considering a future in construction?If you are, please visit  Bricklaying Apprentices are in Demand

Or for more information, please call 1300 30 44 77.

RAAF Female Residential Flight Camp


Last year, the RAAF trialled a 4 day Female Residential Flight Camp for young women interested in a flying career in the Air Force, to align with their Women in the Air Force priority. Last year's camp was a big success, however it was only open to students in the South East corner.
The Flight Camp is being run again this year and is open to all QLD residents/students, which means that female students in Cairns are able to apply.
The camp is run at RAAF Base Amberley from 10 - 13 June 2014. Students are provided with accommodation, meals, and 'uniforms' for the duration of the camp, so only airfare and travel to RAAF Amberley would need to be funded by the successful applicants. Students are fully supervised by RAAF and civilian female personnel at all times.
A parent/guardian does need to be present at the info session on the first day to sign some additional consent forms and receive information about the camp.
A fairly stringent selection criteria forms part of the application and students must include a letter of endorsement from the school.
Note that successful applicants are selected by Air Force personnel who run the camp and not by the Work Experience Program team.


Monday 10 March 2014

Griffith University Update


 
 
Upcoming events
 
Mark your calendar with the below upcoming key dates for the next couple of months. For a full list of key dates please visit our website.

 
 
Thursday 8 May
Gold Coast careers Expo
Gold Coast
Tuesday 20 May
Medicine Information Evening
South Bank
Wednesday 21 May
Medicine Information Evening
Gold Coast
Friday 23 May
Brisbane Careers and Employment Expo
Brisbane
Saturday 24 May
Brisbane Careers and Employment Expo
Brisbane
 
New degrees for 2014
 
Griffith has a long history of offering new and innovative degrees that meet the ever-changing needs of students, industry and the community. Here's a shapshot of some of the new offerings for 2014:
  • Bachelor of Industrial Design, Gold Coast
  • Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, Gold Coast
  • Bachelor of Science, Gold Coast and Nathan
  • Bachelor of Psychological Science/Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Gold Coast
 
 

LinkedIn for Students


The following has been provided by My Career Match: Online Career Profiles for Students
LinkedIn for Students, provides a new way for schools, students, and alumni to connect, communicate, and explore unique insights about the full range of career possibilities – wherever your educational starting point may be.


The minimum age for LinkedIn members in Australia and New Zealand is 14. It varies for other countries.


Visit Student Site
For Student Resources, click here
For download on "Building a great student profile" on LinkedIn, Click here (PDF)

Careers in Social Media on the rise


The following has been provided by My Career Match: Online Career Profiles for Students

According to research the number one skill in most demand in 2013 was Social Media Marketing.

You can use social media to find a job but you can also find a job in social media.

 

Social media careers are the new growth industry. Whilst social media started out as being personal social networks it’s now much more with most business and community organisations having a presence in this space with their own Blog, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts. All require skills to build, write, communicate, curate and monitor online content.

 

So far there aren’t hundreds of thousands of jobs available, but it’s an industry you should be aware is on the rise.

 

For creative people, who are good at marketing, communications, PR and journalism social media offers career opportunities. It’s ideal for those who have a ‘Promoter style’ in their personality. Naturally it’s all computer based work so being interested in IT and having social media experience is essential.

Here are a few of the new career titles to appear and personality styles that match.
 

  • Content Creator [Promoter Supporter]
  • Content Manager [Driver Promoter]
  • Content Marketer [Promoter Driver]
  • Online community manager [Promoter Supporter]
  • Search Engine Optimization (SEO) specialist [Analyser Driver]
  • Social Media Copywriter/Blogger [Promoter Supporter]
  • Social Media Marketing Coordinator [Promoter Driver]
  • Social Media Marketing Manager [Driver Promoter]
  • Social Media Specialist [Promoter Analyser]

Related links