Careers
Learning about careers is a life long and life wide journey which is integrated across the College life in preparation for students' active participation in the knowledge society. All students are encouraged to critically reflect upon their learning strengths and areas for development. The course planning/subject selection process that students undertake in preparation for their studies in Years 9 through to 12 is structured and guided. Students are encouraged to access a diversity of resources available from the Careers Centre, the Information Centre, career expos held at the College, and through investigation and exploration of opportunities in the wider community. Partnering students in their post compulsory education decision making process is best facilitated when students, the College and parents engage in the conversation of possibilities and opportunities in their learning journey. Careers' learning and planning is lifelong. At any stage in the career planning process, parents are welcome to access the careers service through a scheduled appointment.
Learning about Careers at Mercy takes place during:
Year 8 Course Planning:
Students explore and investigate a diversity of Middle School Electives of their choice which they will undertake along with the core curriculum during Year 9.
Year 9 Course Planning:
Students reflect upon their learning experiences during Middle School Electives and make further selections for their Year 10 studies. They commence work on their Health and Safety certificate and apply for work experience placements that will be undertaken in Year 10.
Year 10 Next Step:
At Year 10 the Next Step classes aim to support students in their career planning for the future, as they explore the world of work and the options for future study. Identifying the skills and attributes that students have, as well as their interests, assists students to explore possible careers and hence the pathways they could follow to enhance their future career opportunities.
Next Step also incorporates Work Experience, a week during Activities Week, where students become more familiar with the world of work in a real world setting. Next Step also focusses on preparing the Year 10’s for their involvement in the Real Industry Job Interviews program (RIJI). The RIJI is done in conjunction with the Inner Northern LLEN and industry partners. The RIJI involves students applying for a potential first entry job, writing a cover letter and resume, and then they attend a the mock interview with volunteer local employers. The volunteer employers then provide written feedback to students."
Year 11 Course Planning:
Students reflect upon their VCE/VCAL studies and make decisions about learning pathways they wish to continue to pursue. A developing awareness of the wider community and the opportunities and possibilities it offers for study and the world of work is embarked upon. Students are encouraged to access Open Days, expert advice and information sessions as well as electronic resources to assist them in their decision making. Individual interviews for subject selection are conducted on a request basis.
Year 12 Course Planning:
Looking beyond the secondary school environment, students investigate and explore future learning opportunities at University, TAFE and applied learning in the workplace. Careers counselling is critical to ensuring students are aware of all the opportunities available to themselves and they make choices that will optimise their success. Students are encouraged to regularly attend tertiary information sessions. Each student has individual interviews with a Careers/VCE/VCAL advisor to assist them in applying for tertiary courses, jobs, apprenticeships, traineeships and work with outside providers.
