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| 5 Mar 2023 | |
| Written by Bronte Hodge | |
| General News |
NEGS Careers News - Term 1 Week 6
NSW Police | Recruitment Information & PCT Practice, Taree
March 7, 2023
If you are interested in a career with the NSW Police Force the Recruitment Branch would like to invite you to an Information session including a physical practice session.
The aim of the session is to provide you with a “try before you buy” insight into the application process and physical capacity testing day.
The information session will give you a brief introduction to the application process and a Q & A session.
Following the information session you will be invited to stay and take part in a practice Physical Capacity Testing (PCT) session. This event is a practice session only and will not be recorded as an official result towards a police application.
You will be provided with important information and an opportunity to gain hands on practice for each of the tests. Qualified NSW Police PTI’s will be on hand to answer your test and fitness questions.
There is no obligation to stay for the physical practice session, however this would be a good opportunity to test yourself in an informal environment.
UNE | Highlands Science and Engineering Discovery and Challenge Days
March 7 to March 8, 2023
The Highlands Science & Engineering Challenge and Discovery Days are held each year through the support of the Schools of Science & Technology and Environment & Rural Science, and The Armidale Central Rotary Club.
The Discovery Day, which is directed at years 5-6 primary students, will be held on Tuesday 7th March, while the Challenge Day, which is directed at years 9-10 high school students, will be held on Wednesday 8th March.
Each day is designed, through fun and practical hands-on activities, to inspire the students about the opportunities available in science, technology and engineering. Activities include bridge building, a catapult or a bionic hand! School teams are invited to attend.
Charles Sturt | Explore Days 2023
March 7 to March 28, 2023
Are you in Year 10, 11 or 12? Explore Day is your chance to check out what life at Charles Sturt University is like – but with a twist!
Keen to check out where you’ll be staying? You’ll get to take a look at our accommodation and tour our campus, chat with students and get the lowdown from lecturers. There’s even a free lunch and a swag bag of goodies. But the best bit about Explore Day? You can get involved! Pick which interactive session/s interests you, book your spot and then get set for some hands-on learning that’s also a whole lot of fun.
Each of our Explore Day campuses will run different sessions on everything from arts to vet science. There’s lots for you to explore.
WEP | Student Exchange Info Session
March 7, 2023
Imagine making friends from all over the world, learning about yourself and the world around you and seeing sights you could only dream of! Find out more about your student exchange opportunities at WEP’s online info session.
SCCE | Exchange Webinar
March 7, 2023
Preparing for your exchange program is an important part of the process and is vital to continued program success. At these online meetings, an experienced high school exchange advisor will share an overview of high school exchange programs with Southern Cross Cultural Exchange.
You’ll learn more about living with a host family and how studying overseas can help you develop confidence and independence… and gain a lifetime of memories.
Aviation Careers Forum – Penrith
March 8, 2023
Join us for a fun, interactive day to meet and engage with leading female Aviation role models. Listen to key female speakers and interact in our Airport & Aviation career seminars and panel discussions. Enjoy the fully catered breaks throughout the day to chat and engage with women in industry in a relaxed environment.
Not sure there is a career for you? There are a huge variety of amazing careers available in the aviation industry, and many of these careers provide on the job training with no prior qualifications necessary. Come along and be inspired!
University of Sydney | Pathways to studying Law
March 8, 2023
Interested in studying law or becoming a lawyer? Join us to find out about the pathways that you can take to enter our Bachelor of Law program and how it will help set you up for success in your career aspirations for law. Learn about the different degree combinations that you can choose from to further specialise your knowledge and skills in the legal field of your interest.
University of Sydney | Share your passion for learning as a Secondary Teacher
March 8, 2023
Are you looking to become a qualified high school teacher or education professional? Join our webinar and hear what Associate Professor Kelly Freebody has to say about the new Secondary Education degree. The combination of Arts or Science study, Education units and professional placements provides our graduates with the knowledge and skills they need to be outstanding teachers and future leaders.
ADF | Engineering Careers Information Session, Sydney
March 8, 2023
Consider an Engineering career in the Navy, Army or Air Force and keep Defence weapons, vehicles, aircraft, ships and infrastructure operating safely and effectively.
Join us for an info session and speak with current serving military personnel to hear about their own experiences and advice.
NSW Police | Recruitment Information & PCT Practice, Coffs Harbour
March 9, 2023
If you are interested in a career with the NSW Police Force the Recruitment Branch would like to invite you to an Information session including a physical practice session.
The aim of the session is to provide you with a “try before you buy” insight into the application process and physical capacity testing day.
The information session will give you a brief introduction to the application process and a Q & A session.
Following the information session you will be invited to stay and take part in a practice Physical Capacity Testing (PCT) session. This event is a practice session only and will not be recorded as an official result towards a police application.
You will be provided with important information and an opportunity to gain hands on practice for each of the tests. Qualified NSW Police PTI’s will be on hand to answer your test and fitness questions.
There is no obligation to stay for the physical practice session, however this would be a good opportunity to test yourself in an informal environment.
Careers in the Senior Schooling Years, and Beyond
March 9, 2023
Helpful tips for teenagers, tertiary students and early career starters with Claire Pech, Careers Advisor.
In this talk Claire will be addressing:
Claire Pech is a Careers Advisor working in Sydney who has worked in the education sphere for over 20 years. She has a passion for helping students manage the uncertain terrain of navigating their own career. She also has a personal and professional interest in helping others with ADHD as quite often, they may need extra or specific support.
She specialises in:
For more information please go to https://clairepechcareers.com/.
This talk will be highly relevant to ADHD teenagers in Years 10, 11 and 12, tertiary students, early workers and their parents/carers.
Professionals attending will receive a Certificate of Attendance to help them keep track of their professional development.
UN Youth | NSW State Conference 2023
March 10 to March 12, 2023
UN Youth New South Wales’ State Conference 2023 will see up to two hundred high school students from across the state meet at Collaroy Centre (Collaroy, New South Wales) to learn about leadership, diplomacy and advocacy and to take part in the global conversation about international law. At State Conference, you will form friendships with a diverse array of students from all around New South Wales and become inspired to deliver change in your community and globally.
The 2023 State Conference focuses on the theme of ‘Conflict in the Modern Age’ and spans two and a half days, giving students a whole weekend to make new friends from across the state! Delegates (students) will spend the first day of the State Conference meeting each other, getting involved with our interactive modern conflict workshops and tackling a simulated Interactive Problem Solving activity. The final day of State Conference is the Delegate’s chance to emulate a member state of the United Nations in Model UN committee debates. Get into a diplomat’s shoes for a day and do your best to pass resolutions that will benefit the global community and align with your national interests – not always an easy task.
In 2023, we are also offering better ways to access our event. For young people who may need financial or another type of assistance, please use our accessibility scholarship application.
NSW Police | Recruitment Information & PCT Practice, Tweed Heads
March 10, 2023
If you are interested in a career with the NSW Police Force the Recruitment Branch would like to invite you to an Information session including a physical practice session.
The aim of the session is to provide you with a “try before you buy” insight into the application process and physical capacity testing day.
The information session will give you a brief introduction to the application process and a Q & A session.
Following the information session you will be invited to stay and take part in a practice Physical Capacity Testing (PCT) session. This event is a practice session only and will not be recorded as an official result towards a police application.
You will be provided with important information and an opportunity to gain hands on practice for each of the tests. Qualified NSW Police PTI’s will be on hand to answer your test and fitness questions.
There is no obligation to stay for the physical practice session, however this would be a good opportunity to test yourself in an informal environment.
CICA | The Blueprint Masterclass, Sydney
March 10, 2023
This ABCD Masterclass session is designed for career development practitioners with at least 12 months of experience and who are responsible for designing, implementing or reviewing programs and products that facilitate the career development of individuals at all stages.
The main goal of the session is to make the Blueprint come to life by collectively sketching and analysing promising practices from the contexts of the participants.
Practitioners will celebrate the revision of the ground breaking Australian Blueprint of Career Development at this interactive session by delving deeply into career development practice.
We will reflect on the underpinnings of the Australian Blueprint, its relationship to career development theory, and our extensive engagement with evidence of what works in the Australian context.
InspirationED | HSC Live – March Seminars
March 11 to March 19, 2023
Attend our ACE the HSC lecture and choose from a range of subject-specific seminars.
Subjects include:
Our teachers are acknowledged by their peers as the most passionate, qualified and experience in the HSC.
Each session contains a detailed syllabus review which includes particular focus on the more difficult sections of the syllabus.
Participants will receive a set of comprehensive notes, questions and exemplar responses.
Basair | Pilot Career Seminar, Sydney
March 13, 2023
Learn about career paths, salaries, entry level jobs, qualifications, pilot courses and everything you need to know about becoming a Commercial Pilot in less than a year at Basair.
BiG Day In UTS
March 14 to March 15, 2023
Join us at UTS for the 2023 BiG Day In event – hear from organisations such as Adobe, Australian Space Agency, Microsoft, Animal Logic, Westpac, TCS, Woolworths, Avanade, Wisetech Global & loads more to come – all talking about where a career in technology can take you.
University of Sydney | Info Night – Fairfield
March 14, 2023
Discover why the University of Sydney is the right place for you! Chat with current students and alumni from South West Sydney who are studying a variety of our degrees. Learn about admission requirements, entry schemes, pathways, fees, scholarships, other financial assistance and support services we offer from our expert staff and UAC representative. We’ll be serving light refreshments for you to enjoy during the event.
UNSW | Year 12 Medicine Information Evening
March 14, 2023
UNSW’s Medicine Information Evening, for current year 12 students, will provide insight into the dynamic blend of hands-on clinical experiences and research-focused learning that you will be immersed in as a UNSW Medicine student. You’ll also find out detailed information on the application and admissions process for 2024 entry, including special entry schemes such as Rural, Gateway and Indigenous Entry Schemes.
ADFA Careers Information Session, Sydney
March 14, 2023
Would you like the opportunity to undertake military training while earning a degree? All without debt – in fact, we’ll pay you!
Head to the upcoming info session to speak with current serving military personnel and learn more about the Australian Defence Force Academy.
Create for a Day at SAE
April 15 to April 29, 2023
SAE Institute is opening its doors this April for a one-day program, designed to expand your skills and get you working on inspiring creative projects in the fields of Animation, Audio, Design, Film, Games, Music Production, or Songwriting.
Don’t miss out on your chance to experience life as an SAE student and discover what it means to be a creative professional, in state-of-the-art facilities with industry experts by your side.
During the workshop, attendees will learn valuable practical and collaborative skills to build a creative piece of work! They will also receive a certificate of participation to acknowledge the creative project they have undertaken.
Due to the level of workshop content, this event is open to school students aged 15 years and above (Year 10 and over).
University of Sydney | Regional Residential Program
April 17 to April 21, 2023
Regional NSW Year 12 students are invited to join us on campus in the April school holidays. This is your opportunity to explore the campus and prepare for future study at the University of Sydney. Supported by current students and faculty staff, this will be an immersive experience where you will:
The University will organise and cover the cost of travel, accommodation, food and experiences related to the residential event. Places are limited, so get in quick!
Scholarships for Students Experiencing Financial Difficulty
Going to university can be really expensive – not only do you need to think about course fees, there’s also the cost of textbooks, technology, travel to and from campus or accommodation fees, and more. It can be easy to be put off studies because of the cost, but there is help out there. Lots of universities offer scholarships for students experiencing financial difficulty.
Who is eligible?
To be eligible for one of these scholarships, you’ll need to be experiencing some kind of financial hardship. This can be that your parents are facing financial difficulty, or yourself if you’re independent. Some universities will specify an exact amount you need to be earning less than, while others test on a case-by-case basis.
There are different ways universities verify your eligibility, but it’s usually done by seeing whether you receive means-tested Centrelink benefits, or by providing a statutory declaration.
Top scholarships for students experiencing financial difficulty
If you’re facing financial disadvantage and are looking for a scholarship to help, here are some of the best ones we’ve found:
University of Newcastle Ma & Morley Scholarship Program – this scholarship has a special category for people who have faced educational disadvantage, including financial difficulties. It’s worth up to $75,000 and includes a China immersion experience.
Griffith Chancellor’s Scholarships – worth between $11,000 and $22,000, these scholarships are designed to help students who have faced financial and educational struggles.
UAC Equity Scholarships – a large suite of scholarships available from many different unis designed to help students from low socio-economic backgrounds.
Deakin Student Support Scholarship – offers up to $10,000 per year for students facing financial difficulty.
SATAC Equity Scholarships – scholarships for students in financial need studying at the University of South Australia.
Some scholarships you may be interested in:
Torrens University – Vogue Australia 50% Design Scholarship
Open: March 1, 2023
Closes: May 22, 2023
Value: 50% reduction of your course fee
Tourism Apprenticeship and Traineeship Spotlight
Tourists spent $96.8 billion in Australia over the 2021-22 financial year – and now that we’re bouncing back from COVID and international travel is once again on the rise, this number is only going to get bigger. If you want to be a part of this booming industry, you might like to look into doing an apprenticeship or traineeship in tourism.
What is a career in tourism?
Tourism is a huge industry, commonly comprising of roles in accommodation, hospitality, retail, transport, and even education. You could find yourself leading tour groups, checking in guests at a hotel, driving a tour bus, organising travel itineraries, operating your own souvenir shop, or cooking at a popular restaurant. There are so many different roles and jobs to choose from.
What skills do I need for a career in tourism?
A huge part of tourism revolves around people, ensuring they have the best possible experience on their travels. So you’ll need to be a great communicator, as well as patient and kind. The industry can be fast-paced at times too, so being adaptable and organised is also very important.
Why should I consider a tourism apprenticeship or traineeship?
Apprenticeships and traineeships are a great way to get your foot in the door with an employer and start building valuable skills. There are often lots of opportunities to continue working with your employer after your apprenticeship or traineeship is complete, and even advance your career down the track.
A tourism apprenticeship or traineeship will see you doing real work for an employer while completing study with a TAFE or RTO. A tourism apprenticeship or traineeship can take anywhere between 1-4 years to complete, depending on whether you work and study full- or part-time.
Here are some common qualifications you might want to look into:
There are tons of benefits to an apprenticeship or traineeship, rather than just work or study alone, including:
Where can I find apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities?
Just like searching for a job, there are lots of places you can go to find an apprenticeship or traineeship. You can start your search on sites like SEEK and Indeed. Take a look on social media like Facebook or LinkedIn to see if any local businesses are hiring. Sign up with an Apprenticeship Network Provider or Group Training Organisation, or even go old fashioned and take a look in the local paper or give local businesses a call.
Here are some examples of the kinds of opportunities available:
Video Job Application Tips
Some organisations or jobs might request you to submit a video application, or you might decide to break the mould and create a video application of you own.
Here’s some information that you may find useful:
Be prepared
Do your research and write a “script” of what you’d like to say.
Practise
Your video will have most impact if you look confident and natural. Which is going to require practise (the good news is each time you do it, it will feel less alien and cringey).
Ask someone else to listen to you or watch your pre-recordings for tips on how you could come across more professionally and at ease.
Get creative
Don’t just read your resume out line by line – you’ll probably be submitting that along with your video anyway. This is your chance to really showcase your personality and talk in a bit more detail about your strengths.
Have the technical side organised
Decide how you’ll record the video and make sure you know how everything works and that it’s all charged and ready to go.
Know how to edit and submit your video file. Double check the size and length of the video and make sure your email will send the file OK.
Ask for help if you need it from family, friends, or your school IT teacher.
Scout the best location
Choose a quiet, clean, location with a neutral background which looks professional (no piles of laundry or dirty dishes in the background). Good lighting is important, as is a location where you can shut out any unwanted interruptions (siblings, pets, etc).
Look the part
Treat this like an interview as well as an application. First impressions do count, so make sure you look professional, well groomed and smart (even if you have trackie pants and thongs on under the desk).
Things to include
Work Experience Alternatives
As important as work experience is, sometimes it can be tricky to find a placement. You may need to look at work experience alternatives in order to explore industries and careers that you’re interested in. Here are some work experience alternatives you might like to check out.
Top 5 work experience alternatives
If you can’t find any work experience through school or other channels, there are a few other options that could provide you with either some experience or at the very least a better understanding of some of the jobs and careers out there.
Virtual Work Experience
Virtual Workplace Tours
Listen to Podcasts
There are plenty of valuable audio experiences to be had too. You could download them and listen to them whenever you have a little bit of time to spare.
Here are a few we’ve found in a quick search:
It’s never too late to get work experience
If you’re in high school and you’re stressing out that you haven’t yet had any work experience, there is plenty of time left.
In the mean time you can have a look at all the options we’ve listed, maybe narrow down your career choices and start looking again in the future.
You could also look at doing workshops, short courses and micro-credential courses that could teach you news skills, illustrate your willingness to learn and add volume to your resume.
Ideas for Work Experience
goIT Girls – Work Experience Program
TCS’ goIT Girls is a week-long work experience program aimed at female students in Years 10 and 11. At TCS, we are empowering Australian students with the skills they need to be ready for the workplace of the future.
5 Great Competitions for Artists
Have a creative side and want to show off some of your work? You might like to enter a competition. There are tons of great competitions out there for artists, from painting and drawing to writing and poetry. Read on to see some of the best competitions for artists.
Why should I enter?
If you haven’t thought about entering a competition before, here are some reasons you should:
5 great competitions for artists
Now that you’re convinced, here are some of the best competitions we’ve found you might like to enter:
Anthology Travel Writing Competition 2023
Established for writers who like to share authentic travel experiences and to provide a platform for publication. The Anthology Travel Writing Competition is open to original and previously unpublished travel articles in the English language by writers of any nationality, living anywhere in the world. We are looking for an engaging article that will capture the reader’s attention, conveying a strong sense of the destination and the local culture.
Open to both new and established writers, articles submitted must not exceed 1,000 words. Writers can submit as many entries as they wish. Each submission will require a separate entry form and is subject to a separate entry fee.
The winner will receive a €500 cash prize and the chance to see their work published in a future issue of Anthology.
Entries are open until 30 November 2023.
Find out more and enter here: https://anthology-magazine.com/awards/travel-writing-competition/
Anthology Flash Fiction Competition 2023
Established to inspire creativity, great writing and to provide a platform for publication. The Anthology Flash Fiction Competition is open to original and previously unpublished flash fiction pieces on any theme or genre in the English language by writers of any nationality, living anywhere in the world. We are looking for writing that is clever and unique, inspires us, and crafts a compelling story.
Open to both new and established writers, articles submitted must not exceed 250 words. Writers can submit as many entries as they wish. Each submission will require a separate entry form and is subject to a separate entry fee.
The winner will receive a €300 cash prize and the chance to see their work published in a future issue of Anthology.
Entries are open until 31 October 2023.
Find out more and enter here: https://anthology-magazine.com/awards/flash-fiction-competition/
7 ways volunteering could benefit you
Volunteering your precious free time to help worthy causes is a really noble undertaking. You won’t earn big bucks, but there are plenty of other ways that becoming a volunteer could be of value.
Learn new skills
No matter where you decide to volunteer, there will always be an element of training. While the skills may seem basic or trivial, they could be essential building blocks for future careers.
For example, if you’re collecting, organising, accounting for, and distributing donations from school fundraisers, you might be learning more than you think about finances, budgeting and inventory. Skills useful in almost all jobs including management, accounting, or running your own business.
Then there’s the other skills that you might not even realise you’re working on, like communication, team work, independence, problem solving, and customer service – the list goes on.
Give your resume a boost
If you have lots of part time or summer work experience on your resume that’s fantastic.
Got computer skills? Excellent.
But adding a few more lines will never hurt. Showing commitment to community efforts, or any kind of voluntary work, will speak volumes about your personality. If you’re happy to keep showing up without getting paid, you must be dedicated and motivated; all qualities that universities and future employers will look favourably on.
Make you stand out in admissions
Whether you’re applying to uni, TAFE, or looking for work, chances are you’ll be up against a lot of other applicants. Some might have a higher ATAR than you, some may have relevant work experience.
How will you stand out? Well, what you choose to do outside of the classroom could make all the difference.
Volunteering is a great way to show you care about others and that you can manage your time well enough to balance a volunteer job with your other commitments.
Form connections and networking contacts
Volunteering could introduce you to people you wouldn’t have met otherwise.
Those people could become friends, mentors, or your inspiration. The more you get involved with projects outside your school, the wider you’re casting your net.
You’ll end up with more contacts that could be helpful in providing you with paid holiday jobs, work experience, references, and even full blown job offers.
If you already know what you want to study at uni, try finding volunteer opportunities in those areas. For example, if you’re interested in politics, see if you can volunteer with your local politician. There’s every chance your volunteer experience could help you in your future endeavours.
Personal development
When you’re at high school, chances are that you’re operating within a fairly limited social circle. You’ll be engaging with your family, school friends and teachers, and possibly a few friends outside of school.
Volunteering will introduce you to new situations and people, potentially really different to what you’ve known up until now.
You could:
Positive impacts on your health
Studies have shown that volunteering could contribute to improved mental and physical health.
Increased physical activity, providing a sense of purpose, kicking goals, achieving good things, and focusing on other people’s problems rather than your own can create a “helper’s high”.
You could feel happier, less stressed and be fitter as well.
Feel great about yourself
So this is a bit cheeky, as it kind of ties in with number 6, but we felt it deserved its own spot.
When you volunteer you’re not only benefiting yourself, you’re having a positive impact on lots of other people around you too.
Potentially you’ll be helping an individual and an organisation, your community and subsequently you’re contributing to the wealth and health of a nation.
When you realise that your actions are so widespread, you might feel humbled and you should definitely feel proud of your contribution, it could definitely improve your self-esteem and feelings of self-worth.
Find a volunteering position that works for you
It’s ok if you’re not ready to commit yourself straight away. Start by having a look around your community, find out what the options are near you. See how much of commitment you’ll be asked to make, then decide if it’s something that you can fit in (and that you’d like to do).
Alternatively, you can even find opportunities to volunteer online.
Maybe you’d love to volunteer, but you can’t fit it in to your busy school term schedule. Why not see if there’s a way you can offer your help during the school holidays?
International Women’s Day – Equity and the Pay Gap
We will be celebrating International Women’s Day on the 8th of March, with the theme of embracing equity.
The goal of this theme is to encourage people to think about why equal opportunities aren’t enough – people start from different places, so true inclusion and belonging require equitable action. To put it more simply, we need to recognise the difference between equality and equity. Marin Health and Human Services explains it like this:
“Equality means each individual or group of people is given the same resources or opportunities. Equity recognizes that each person has different circumstances and allocates the exact resources and opportunities needed to reach an equal outcome.”
And so on the theme of equity, we thought we’d touch on another relevant topic: the gender pay gap.
What is the gender pay gap?
The Australian Government’s Workplace Gender Equality Agency defines the gender pay gap as “a measure of how we value the contribution of men and women in the workforce. Expressed as a percentage or a dollar figure it shows the difference between the average earnings of women and men.”
It’s important to note that this isn’t the same as equal pay. It’s true that women and men are paid the same for performing the same role. What the pay gap refers to is the difference in average pay between men and women on a wider scale, and the factors that cause this to happen.
So why is there a gender pay gap?
There are lots of things that cause the gender pay gap. Here are just some of them:
Examples of the gender pay gap
We’ve gone and actually found some data to show that the pay gap is definitely real in Australia. We looked at data from the ATO on particular occupations, both male- and female-dominated, and compared the average salary of both men and women in these occupations. Take a look.
| Job | Gender Balance | Avg. Female Salary | Avg. Male Salary | Gap ($) | Gap (%) |
| Doctor | Both | $100,314 | $127,142 | $26,828 | 21% |
| Teacher | Female | $81,683 | $92,371 | $10,688 | 12% |
| Business Manager | Both | $94,086 | $133,667 | $39,581 | 30% |
| Lawyer | Both | $120,360 | $154,372 | $34,012 | 22% |
| Registered Nurse | Female | $67,856 | $80,387 | $12,531 | 16% |
| Psychologist | Female | $85,405 | $99,953 | $14,584 | 15% |
| Web Designer | Male | $74,857 | $89,891 | $15,034 | 17% |
| Veterinarian | Female | $80,678 | $118,534 | $37,856 | 32% |
| Police Officer | Both | $103,428 | $118, 827<Similar stories |
