Careers News (Thursday 2 March)

Sara Amirghiasvand at Government House for the 2023 Merit Award Ceremony.

To our Sacred Heart Community


Some wise words from Sara Amirghiasvand
(Proxime Accessit 2022)

What degree are you studying this year and where? 
I am studying a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Health and Medical Sciences at the University of Adelaide. 

How did you decide on your study pathway beyond school?
Initially, deciding on my study pathway beyond school was quite challenging. I had a broad range of interests and passions and wasn’t quite sure how I was going to be able to pick just one degree or area to pursue. I have always been extremely interested and passionate about law and about medical sciences and health, particularly in the fields of neuroscience and psychology. So when it was time for me to pick a first preference, I selected a double degree which would allow me to explore both of my passions and gain further insight and knowledge into a range of specialities within these fields. 

What do you hope to do once you graduate?
I’m hoping that once I graduate, I can practice law with a specialisation in cases that have a unique medical basis. If given the opportunity, I think being able to work within a professional hospital setting and deal with issues such as medical malpractice/negligence, ensuring the regulation of and adherence to medical guidelines and implementing health policies would be ideal. I also think that being able to work within the criminal justice system with a neuroscience or psychology specialisation to provide a psychological background to specific cases would be a great opportunity. 

If you  had to describe Year 12 in three words what would they be?
If I had to describe Year 12 in three words it would be demanding, eye-opening and memorable.

Some words of advice for current students?
To the current students, setting goals when studying can be so helpful; during my final year of school whenever I was feeling overwhelmed or stressed, the goals I set for myself inspired and motivated me. When you set those goals, you also start to implement healthy habits that aid you in achieving those goals; whether that be to leave your phone in another room whilst you study, asking teachers for additional help or feedback or make sure you’re getting enough sleep.  However, achieving these goals and implementing these habits will not be beneficial, if you don’t have balance. In the absence of balance, you’re not able to fully enjoy and soak in all of the opportunities and memories that these final years can provide you with. The final years of school, in particular Year 12 go by so incredibly quickly and at the end of your formal education, you want to be able to look back at all the memories you’ve made and fully cherish them. Your academic outcomes are not the be all and end all of your life, whilst they can be important, only prioritising and focusing on how well you do in school can be quite unhealthy, so make the most of the last years and balance studying with spending time around your friends, family and pursuing the things you love.


Key Dates

  • Work Experience for 2023

    BEFORE CONSIDERING WORK EXPERIENCE PLEASE BE AWARE OF THE FOLLOWING:

    It is a legal requirement that prior to commencing Work Experience students are inducted in the following areas: Work Health and Safety Act 2012 SA, Children and Young People (Safety) Act 2017 SA, Sex Discrimination Act 1984 SA, Equal Opportunity Act 1984 SA and Child Safety (Prohibited Persons) Act 2016 SA.

    Adequate time (approximately 5 hours) should be allocated to cover these topics effectively and students need to demonstrate their understanding. This induction is done by the school and is consistent with our Duty of Care to ensure that no student is placed where they may not be safe physically or psychologically.

    In addition to this, the Work Experience form must be signed by the student, work placement provider, parent/guardian (all arranged by the student) and finally the principal or delegate (arranged by the school). The original Work Experience Agreement form then becomes a legal contract which sets the school insurance cover in place and must be retained by the school.

    The school must also provide a contact person who is responsible for each student for the duration of their placement.

    Work Experience is a very valuable opportunity for most students however, it does take time to ensure that the above expectations are met. We are happy to accommodate students in the times allocated. Please do not cause yourself or the College embarrassment by making other arrangements and then asking for exceptions to be made.
    Students who wish to do Work Experience during 2023 are advised that the dates are:

    17 – 21 April
    Deadline for paperwork: 10 March

    10 – 14 July
    Deadline for paperwork: 9 June

    9 – 13 October
    Deadline for paperwork: 1 September

    20 – 24 November (Optional Work Experience Year 12s only)
    Deadline for paperwork: 20 October

    4 – 8 December
    Deadline for paperwork: 3 November

    Work or job trials are not sanctioned by SA Work Experience guidelines.

    Please note this is general Work Experience only. Students undertaking a VET program will need to organise their VET work placement with the VET Office.

  • Cavpower Work Experience Program

    As South Australia’s successful long term CAT dealer Cavpower have a reputation for excellence and the best tradespeople in the business. Where better to master your trade?

    If you are considering pursuing a mechanical apprenticeship then Cavpower would like to invite you to apply to participate in their Work Experience Program where you will take part in a range of activities that will teach you some of the basic skills required to become a fully qualified Caterpillar technician.

    To complete the Work Experience Program you will be required to be in attendance for a full week block (5 days) from 7:30 am – 3:36 pm Monday to Friday.

    Your application must include the following:

    An up to date copy of your resume and a copy of your most recent school report.

    If you’re interested apply here.

    Please note: If you are interested in doing a full week of work experience with Cavpower we strongly recommend that it is done during the allocated work experience holiday weeks. If accepted please notify the careers office as you will need to complete a work experience agreement form and do a 5 hour induction.

  • UN Youth SA State Conference 2023

    17 – 19 March 2023

    SA State Conference (SACON) brings high school students together from all over the state to learn about leadership, diplomacy and advocacy.

    It’s a chance for students to share their thoughts among like-minded peers on the law issues affecting our global community! By the end of SACON, students will be more aware of world issues and, more importantly, about the role they can play in shaping our future.

    In 2023, they are also offering better ways to access their event. For young people who may need financial or another type of assistance, please use their accessibility scholarship application.  Find out more here.

  • Career Expos: Advance Notice

    The Big Meet 
    Friday 24 March, 11.00 am – 2.00 pm

    Tertiary Studies and Careers Expo
    Sunday 2 April, 10.00 am – 4.00 pm
    Monday 3 April, 9.30 am – 2.30 pm

    Careers and Employment Expo
    Friday 12 May, 9.00 am – 3.00 pm
    Saturday 13 May, 9.00 am – 4.00 pm

    Sacred Heart College Careers and Pathways Expo
    Wednesday 5 July, 6.00 – 7.00 pm
    Br Joseph McAteer Centre, Marcellin Campus

    Flinders Open Days
    Friday 11 August (Bedford Park)
    Saturday 12 August (Bedford Park)
    Saturday 19 August (Tonsley)


Vocational Education and Training (VET) Update
(February 2023)

This year at Sacred Heart College, more than 140  students commenced a VET course across a large variety of qualifications and locations. The top 10 courses students enrolled in for 2023 are:

Cert III Entrepreneurship & New Business23
Cert III Fitness20
Cert II Construction13
Cert II Electrotechnology9
Cert II Music9
Cert III Early Childhood Education & Care8
Cert III Music8
Cert III Individual Support5
Cert II Retail Cosmetics5
Cert III Health Care Assistance4

Work placement during school holidays

VET students planning on work placement in the school holidays please see the deadlines below to submit your completed ‘Workplace Learning Agreement Form’ to the VET Office. 

April School HolidaysJuly School HolidaysOctober School Holidays
Friday 24 March 2023  Friday 23 June 2023Friday 15 September 2023 

Year 10 ‘Taster’ courses

Year 10 students have the opportunity to enrol in a ‘Taster’ Vocational Education and Training (VET) short course. 

Expressions of interest have opened for Try-a-Trade Construction in Term 2 at Western Technical College (WTC) located at Rosewater. Go to the WTC website here to submit your application. Limited spaces are available.

Keep an eye on your emails and SEQTA notices for more information later in the term regarding other VET taster course options.

In addition we have a small number of students either starting or continuing school based apprenticeships in

  • Barbery
  • Sports Turf Management
  • Plumbing
  • Carpentry and Joinery
  • Engineering Mechanical
  • Electrotechnology Electrician
  • Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology
  • Business.

Tertiary updates

  • Undergraduate entry to Medicine

    In South Australia both Adelaide and Flinders University use the UCAT as a part of their admissions process for medicine.

    The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT ANZ) is a computer based admissions test used by the UCAT ANZ Consortium of universities in Australia and New Zealand for their medical, dental and clinical science degree programmes. The test helps universities to select applicants with the most appropriate abilities and professional behaviours required for new doctors and dentists to be successful in their clinical careers. It is used in collaboration with other admissions processes such as interviews and academic qualifications. 

    Students must register to sit the test and bookings are now will open.

    Find out more here.

  • Australian Defence Force Academy degrees

    The Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) offers world-class degrees in Business, Engineering, Computing, Arts and Science.

    Based in Canberra, students who join ADFA have a unique opportunity to receive advanced military and leadership training whilst studying a range of degrees from the University of New South Wales (UNSW). ADFA also offers students a salary while they study, allowing them to focus throughout their degrees and enjoy a range of sporting and extra-curricular activities without the need to get a part-time job.

    Upon graduation students are guaranteed a career in the Navy, Army or Air Force and will have their degree fully funded, graduating HELP-debt free. Students who graduate from ADFA move into a range of exciting and varied jobs as Officers, these range from Pilots, Civil Engineers, Logistics and Finance Officers, Mission Controllers and much more.

  • Navitas – Adelaide campus launch

    5pm, Wednesday 29 March
    15-19 Franklin Street, Adelaide
    RSVP here

    Leading global education provider, Navitas has recently opened a new Adelaide campus, which will be home to two renowned higher education institutions, the Australian College of Applied Professions (ACAP) and SAE Creative Media Institute (SAE). These Institutes form part of the Navitas suite of tertiary offerings.

    The custom-built campus in the heart of the CBD, located on the traditional lands of the Kaurna people, now offers accredited higher education courses in counselling, psychology, psychological science and criminology, along with a full suite of creative media higher education courses in animation, audio, design, film, games, and music. Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and a modern learning environment, the new Adelaide campus provides a space for students to grow skills for the future, form lifelong connections with industry professionals and jumpstart their careers.

    Find out more about SAE here.

    Find out more about ACAP here.


Training and Work

  • Australian Defence Force

    Students can choose from a wide variety of trades in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) ranging from electronics, mechanics and carpentry to cooking and plumbing, and enjoy training, good pay, mateship and job security.

    Some ADF trade jobs are similar to those found in the civilian world, but the work is likely to be more varied and rewarding. Others are unique to the military and will see you working with some of the most technically-advanced equipment and systems in the world. All come with a great salary from the day you start, comprehensive training, travel and amazing experiences.

    Students will receive world-class training in the ADF from trade experts. They’ll use the best available tools and equipment and work in modern, well-resourced facilities. Better still, students will have the opportunity to gain nationally-accredited qualifications that benefit them for life.

  • Born to build: Building the next generation of tradies

    The Born to Build program is a partnership between Master Builders SA and the State Government which aims to build the next generation of South Australians learning a trade to combat the skills shortage in the building and construction industry.

    With the help of Master Builders Born to Build Field Officers, the program will give thousands of young South Australians the opportunity to earn a wage while learning a trade.

    To find out more about the Born to Build program or to arrange a meeting with the Born to Build Field Officers, call (08) 8211 7466.

    New Born to Build website launched
    The website is a great resource for people thinking of choosing a career in the building and construction industry. It provides valuable resources and information on eight in-demand trades to help with career planning for a future in the building and construction industry as well as success stories from various individuals who have built a successful career in the industry born2build.com.au 

    Bailee’s Journey into Carpentry
    Meet Bailee Major, owner of B.Claire Carpentry. Bailee turned her love for woodworking into a passion that drove her into a carpentry apprenticeship. After this, she wanted to have a crack at running a carpentry business, which led to the birth of B.Claire Carpentry.

    Bailee now specialises in finish & 2nd fix carpentry, mainly doing new home internals, hanging doors, doing all architraves, skirting, and other feature timber works inside homes. Running her own business by herself means Bailee is also responsible for all the schedules, phone calls, admin, accounting, and planning.

    Here is a short video on Bailee’s journey in the industry, her passion for building, and what a female-led construction business means.  View video here.

    Find out more here.

  • Ever thought about becoming a fridgie?

    Are you ready for a career that offers heaps of variety, constant challenges and exciting opportunities?

    The Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) is the peak body for the refrigeration and air conditioning industry in Australia, supporting over 110,000 individuals and businesses.

    As a Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician, you’ll be working in an active job solving different problems everyday, protecting the environment and using new and developing technologies that have a real impact on day-to-day life.

    Find out more here.


Spotlight on careers

  • How to become a Veterinarian

    Veterinarians (also known as Vets) are doctors of animal health. They prevent, diagnose and treat diseases and other health issues in animals. They can work in small clinics, emergency and specialist hospitals, zoos and aquariums, wildlife parks, universities, research facilities, pet food and drug manufacturing companies, conservation and government organisations.

    Are you passionate about animals and committed to their welfare? Do you love science, and are you proactive and driven by emotional rewards rather than financial? Then you should definitely consider a career as a Vet.

    About you

    • Have a passion for animals, their health and welfare
    • Excellent communicator
    • Empathetic and emotionally resilient
    • Great organisational and time management skills
    • Good attention to detail and observational skills
    • Technical skills – use of machinery and lab equipment, surgical knowledge, etc.
    • Aptitude for science and an inquiring mind.

     About the job

    • Examine, diagnose and treat sick and injured animals
    • Carry out general check-ups and administer preventative treatments, e.g. vaccinations
    • Prescribe and administer animal medications
    • Take cell and tissue samples
    • Perform diagnostic tests
    • Perform surgery on animals.

     Lifestyle Impact: High

    • Part time opportunities: Low – around 28% of Veterinarians work part-time (source: labourmarketinsights.gov.au).
    • Average hours for full-time workers: 46 hours a week, which is just above average (source: labourmarketinsights.gov.au).
    • Veterinarians’ salary (median) $75,000* per year (source: ato.gov.au). *Salaries can vary depending on your skills and experience.
    • Future career growth: Very strong (source: labourmarketinsights.gov.au).
    • You will be doing work in a variety of environments, both indoors and outdoors.
    • You may see things that are confronting, so you’ll need to be emotionally resilient.
    • You might need to do work after hours and on weekends and holidays, especially if there is an emergency.

    Veterinarians are most in demand in these locations
    There is a huge demand for Veterinarians in regional and rural areas, particularly those experienced with or interested in farm animals. Most Veterinarians work in the Professional, Scientific and Technical Services industry.

    How to become a Veterinarian
    You will need to complete a university-level degree and register with the Veterinary Board in your state or territory to practise as a Vet in Australia.

    Step 1 – Complete Year 12 with a focus on English and Maths. Biology and Chemistry could also be advantageous.

    Step 2 – Complete an undergraduate degree accredited by the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (AVBC) – you can see the full list here.

    Step 3 – Alternatively, complete any undergraduate degree satisfying any pre reqs, then complete a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.

    Step 4 – Register with the Veterinary Board in your state or territory.

    Step 5 – Start working as a fully qualified Veterinarian.


Interesting stuff

  • How much difference could a scholarship make?

    As much as we like to think it is, university isn’t necessarily accessible for everyone. One of the common barriers stopping people from accessing higher education is the cost. But this is where scholarships come in.

    The purpose of scholarships is to provide students with extra funding, helping them to access university when they might not have been able to before. But just how much difference could a scholarship make? Let’s find out.

    How much impact will a scholarship have?
    The exact impact of a scholarship will depend on a few factors, including how much  it’s worth, and how much support you need.

    Say you’re looking to study, but can’t afford the costs of textbooks and a laptop. In this case, a scholarship worth a few hundred or thousand dollars as a one-off payment would be ideal.

    If you can’t afford accommodation and need to move away from home to study, you’ll need a scholarship that either offers tailored support for accommodation, or one that’s worth a bit more money.

    The best thing is there are tons of scholarships out there that offer a variety of different kinds of support. And they’re available for lots of different needs.

    In a lot of cases, it can make the difference between attending university and not being able to go at all.

    Some scholarships you may be interested in

    ANU Tuckwell Scholarship Program
    Open: 1 March 2023
    Closes: 3 April 2023
    Value: $24,700 AUD per year

    University of Melbourne Hansen Scholarship
    Open: 3 February 2023
    Closes: 30 March 2023

    Value: Up to $108,000 AUD

    Australian Catholic University ACU Scholarships

    Link to scholarships at the three main SA universities:

    Adelaide Uni

    Flinders Uni 

    UniSA

  • Do you need tutoring?

    If you feel any of the following, tutoring might be something you’d like to try:

    • You’re feeling behind or that you don’t understand what’s being taught
    • You missed some classes and would like to catch up in your spare time
    • You’ve kept up with class work, but want a bit of extra help to do well in assessment
    • You’re really interested in a particular subject and are keen to learn even more.

    Tutoring is something you can access at any stage of your educational journey, from primary school all the way through to university.

    Subject teachers are available in the library after school any Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday up until 5pm and for Year 12 students until 8pm on a Wednesday.

    Tutors

    Tutors Australia offers both in-home and online tutoring

    Cluey Learning – offers one-on-one online tutoring

    Tutorly – find a private tutor to suit you

    Kumon – individualised learning for Maths, English and Japanese

    You can also find more study tips here.


Disclaimer: Statements on careers and courses included in this newsletter are not necessarily those of Sacred Heart College. i.e. The text of notices on courses and industry prospects may be taken directly from their correspondence/publicity material. Some material taken from Study Work Grow (South Australia Careers News).