There is no doubt that current circumstances with the Coronavirus have impacted all facets of our lives. For many this impact has been felt on employment with job changes and job losses in our community and beyond. Our College is doing all it can to support those facing these changes and losses and we have kept those affected in our thoughts and we pray for those facing these challenges.

God, we pray for all those who have suddenly lost employment. There are many. We ask you to first give them peace and a settled confidence. Give them your encouragement today, and do so through surprising ways, both directly from your Spirit and through other people who come across their path. Remind them of past victories and awaken new dreams for their future. Amen.

Careers Now

Obviously with social distancing measures in place, we are unable to offer careers events that are usually scheduled at this time of year. However, the good news is that the ‘world of careers’ has long been digital and therefore careers information and services are all still up and running online as per usual.

Therefore, for our students and school community, we offer the following support in terms of career education and services:

• Regular careers newsletters emailed to relevant students – offering up-to-date information and job spotlights
• The school careers website at acwcareers.com – links to a variety of different pathway options for students; everything from senior school options and gap year information to apprenticeships to tertiary and university options
• Term 2 should see a Careers link in Canvas for students with key links and information as well as our Year 10 course and resources designed for Year 11 and 12 students
• I will also be in regular email contact with students. Parents are welcome to email me with careers related queries at ali.porter@twb.catholic.edu.au.

With this in mind, please remember that students at home can be using this time, and the above resources, as a great opportunity to start their careers research and take up the online opportunities that are available to kick start their journey towards their career goals.

Update for our school-based apprentices and trainees and any students studying VET in Schools TAFE courses:

• TAFE Queensland is pausing training delivery from Monday 30 March 2020 until after the Easter break. TAFE will contact students to clarify what this means for individual course delivery. More information will also be provided at the start of Term 2 in regard to student TAFE courses.
• School-based apprenticeship and traineeship arrangements will continue as per normal unless students are advised otherwise by their employers or trainers. An email has also been sent home to parents of school-based trainees and apprentices with more information around the current arrangements for these programs.

Distance Education Arrangements

For students studying via schools of distance education, currently there are no changes to these arrangements. However, parents of these students should note that some changes have been made to provide fee relief for these courses of study and an email has been sent to relevant families regarding these changes.

Year 10 TAFE Trade Taster

Year 10 students have been emailed information about a ‘Trade Taster’ program being offered by TAFE Queensland, South West. The program offers Year 10 students the opportunity to spend a series of days at our local TAFE campus to ‘test’ what it is like to be a TAFE student and to try the different trades that are on offer for study. At this time, the program is scheduled for Term 3, however dates may be subject to change. More information for students and parents will be posted on the ‘Noticeboard’ at www.acwcareers.com and students will need to register online as soon as possible as numbers for the program are limited.

A great ‘Head Start’!

Congratulations to Brianna Cullen on the achievement of high results in her recent studies in the University of Southern Queensland’s Head Start program.

The USQ Head Start program is an academic extension program where students can study one university subject during a semester of Year 10,11 or 12, allowing them to get a ‘head start’ on university studies early. Successful completion of the Head Start program also offers points towards students QCE and entry into USQ after Year 12.

For more careers information, tips and news please view with careers newsletter that is regularly emailed to Year 10, 11 and 12 students or view it online at www.acwcareers.com