CAREERS CORNER:                                       August 2006

QTAC Application Process � Year 12�s

QTAC Guides will be given to Year 12 students so they can start exploring future options.  Discussions will be held with each Year 12 student individually to discuss career goals and pathways, and whether they are choosing to join the workforce after Year 12 or to partake in further training or study.  Following this there will be specific sessions where Year 12�s wishing to apply through QTAC can practise the on-line application process.  Later in the year I will also be offering night sessions for parents and their year 12 students to complete their QTAC on-line application.

Special Admission Schemes

If you are interested in University but are not sure whether you are eligible please see me.  There are a variety of entry schemes offered by Universities including:-

• Central Queensland University � CQ Connections
  CQ Connections is open to school-leavers and mature aged people.  Eligibility for entry is based on the applicant having experienced educational disadvantage as a result of their low income and social circumstances, such as rural isolation, changing school, or difficult family circumstances.

• Griffith University � Aditional Achievements and Qualifications
  Mature-age applicants and school leavers are eligible for this scheme.  Griffith University will give consideration to substantial educational or other relevant achievements that are not reflected in an applicant�s formal education al qualifications.

• Queensland University of Technology � Q-Step
  Q-Step is open to school-leavers and mature-age people who can show that they are from a low-income background and that they have been educationally disadvantaged.

• University of Queensland - Q-Link
  Q-Link is open to Year 12 students who have experienced educational disadvantage because of low income.  Students are usually in receipt of Youth Allowance/AUSTUDY, have demonstrated sound academic ability and must be nominated by their school.

• James Cook University � Regional Preference Scheme
  The scheme is open to people who reside in the University�s catchment area (postcodes 4737 � 4891).  The scheme assists residents of these areas to gain entry to JCU through an automatic adjustment of an applicant�s QTAC selection rank or OP.

• Australian Catholic University � Alternative Entry Program � Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
  Entry to ACU National undergraduate Courses is based on individual interviews with Indigenous applicants.  The interview will consider the factors of previous study, work experience, connection to the Indigenous community and individual circumstances.

• Central Queensland University � Nulloo Yumbah Alternative Entry Program
  The Nulloo Yumbah program is open to Year 12 school leavers and mature aged people.  Eligibility is based on the applicant being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage. 

• Griffith University Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Participation Program
  This program coordinated by the GUMURRII Centre, seeks to increase the participation of Indigenous Australian students in the University�s programs.  The University provides additional tutoring and support services to assist Indigenous Australian students to undertake tertiary study successfully.

• James Cook University � Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scheme
  This program is open to Indigenous applicants unsuccessful in gaining entry to James Cook University through standard QTAC admission.

• QUT Oodgeroo
  The Oodgeroo Unit offers support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants to gain entry to QUT through the Assessment and Selection Program.

• University of Queensland Alternative Entry Scheme
  This program offers special entry to UQ programs and on-going student support services through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Unit.
  
• University of Southern Queensland
  USQ�s indigenous Higher Education Pathways program is offered to Indigenous applicants 17 years and over.

• University of the Sunshine Coast
  USC offers another avenue for admission to tertiary study through their Indigenous Alternative Entry Scheme.

Health Careers Workshop for Year 10 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students

This exciting workshop is aimed at Indigenous students who are interested in a career in health.  The program broadens their awareness of career options in health professions due to the current lack of Indigenous students accessing health professions.  The workshop is being held in Townsville on the 18th � 22nd September 2006.  Interested Year 10 students have filled in their applications which were sent through on Tuesday.  Please see Natasha Sankey-Laidlaw or Sarina Adams for more information.

Scholarships!!

• University of NSW
  Are you in Year 12 and interested in Commerce, Science and Engineering?  Apply now for a UNSW Co-op Scholarship which includes $13 400 per year and professional training and development.
  
• THE PUGGY HUNTER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME
  The Scheme was established in recognition of Dr Arnold ('Puggy') Hunter's significant contribution to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and in his previous role as Chair of the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO).The aim of the Scheme is to help address the under-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in health professions and assist in increasing the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with professional health qualifications.

The Scheme provides financial assistance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who undertake or intend to enrol in the study of Nursing, Medicine, Certificate III and IV or Diploma and Advanced Diploma Aboriginal Health Worker Course, Health Management, Allied Health, at an educational institution/University/Registered Training Organisation (RTO). The Scheme offers students scholarships worth up to $15,000 per annum for full-time study and up to $7,500 per annum for part-time study for the usual term of the course.This scheme is now open and will close 5pm Friday 25 August 2006.

• Department of Main Roads
  Are you interested in working for Department of Main Roads?  The graduate opportunities in Main roads are diverse and include  Technologists, Civil Engineers, Surveyors, Town Planners, Environmental Engineers, Electrical/Computing Engineer, Human Resource Officers, Accounting/Finance Officers, and so on.  Department of Main Roads are offering Scholarships and Cadetships for those who are interested in further study in any of these areas.  For more information please see me.

Years 10, 11 and 12 � Stress Management Sessions

Stress management sessions are now being held on Monday and Friday lunchtimes in the Drama room.  For the past two weeks the students have been involved in deep breathing and relaxation exercises.  There has been an excellent turn up of students who are gaining the positive effects of relaxation.

This is going to be a very fast moving, busy term for our Year 11 & 12 students so if your child is finding it hard to keep up please encourage them to see me for helpful tips in organisation and study skills. 

Come and find out more about your career interest area!!

Due to the time of year where Universities are promoting their courses, I have been receiving a great deal of information on a large variety of universities and specific courses that they offer.  I have particularly interesting information on Ocean Engineering, the Australian College of Maritime Science, Tourism, Business, Arts and Environmental Science.  I have also recently received the 2006 edition of �Australian Jobs� which has interesting information about job trends, jobs in demand etc.  Any secondary students interested in this information please see me. 

New Veterinary Course at JCU

James Cook University is now offering Veterinary Science which commenced at the Townsville campus this year.  The undergraduate degree is a five year, full-time course based mainly in Townsville and utilising JCU facilities at the Atherton Tablelands and Mackay, plus an excellent animal husbandry site at JCU�s working research cattle station, Fletcherview, near Charters Towers.  The course covers all aspects of veterinary practice, but will have special tropical and rural components including tropical animal husbandry and aquaculture.

�Whether you think you can or think you cannot, you are right.� Henry ford

�The worst thing you can do is worry about what you could have done.�

�I complained because I had no shoes until I met someone who had no feet�

For further information please see Natasha Sankey-Laidlaw, phone (07)4090 6448 or e-mail: [email protected]