Blog
How do you decide on your VTAC preferences?
This is the time to decide on your VTAC preferences if you are applying for tertiary courses in 2020. This applies to both year 12 and non year 12 applicants. So, how do you decide on your VTAC preferences? And how important is it to get your preferences in order? A lot of applicants are […]
How careers aptitudes and interests tests can help school students
I am using a few careers aptitudes and interests tests with school age students, as well as with young adults post-secondary education. Career coaching is not the same as it was in the early 20th century. Vocational advisory services used to suppose that the advisor was all-knowing and could, therefore “test and tell” the client. […]
Reforming the Australian Tertiary System
I am posting a quick blog on the suggested reforms to the Australian tertiary system, as discussed this morning on the Breakfast show on ABC Radio National. I am aware of changes to the tertiary sector in Australia, in particular with respect to the new model of study, called the Block Model, at Victoria University […]
How to apply for courses through VTAC
If you have a student in year 12, who needs help with applying for courses using the VTAC application process I can help. The VTAC application process can be overwhelming. If your year 12 child is confused and doesn’t know what tertiary courses he or she wants to apply for, I can help by working […]
Do you have to go to university?
I’m going to address another hot topic; the question of whether you have to go to university. A lot of year 12s ask me this question. Short story – I didn’t go to university straight from school, but pretty much most of my year group did so. I can also tell you that one of […]
What if my child says he wants to drop out in year 12?
It’s worrying if your child says that he or she wants to drop out of school. Even more concerning is if your child said this to you during year 12. Many parents hope that their child will continue in compulsory education until the end of year 12, indeed this is strongly encouraged in Australia. Retention […]
Why a youth career advisor can help your child
As a youth career advisor, I am asked what benefits professional career counselling can bring to a student. According to the systems approach to career development, career decision making can be complex and confusing, especially for youth, which is when some of the first career decisions are made. There are so many career influences: Family […]
Career Counselling and Psychotherapy use similar approaches.
Career counselling and psychotherapy use similar approaches. This is a finding of Career researchers and professionals from the University of Southern Queensland. Don’t worry, this isn’t complex and I’m writing this to help parents and students to understand how I work. Each client brings a complex story, therefore my notes are case notes. Counselling Case […]
Vocational Education and Training
Vocational Education and Training, or VET, is poorly understood by both students and parents. In a recent survey it was found that: 49% of students have a good understanding of university and, 65% of parents have a good understanding of university. But, only 19% of students understand VET options and, only 27% of parents understand […]