TERM 1 | ISSUE 1
1 March 2020

Message from the CEO

I am excited to welcome the Class of 2020 to Australian Careers Business College.  We are proud that you have chosen to join over 8,000 students who have come through our doors since 1996. We look forward to guiding you on your path to employment and higher education.

You are now beginning a transformational time in your life. Over the next 10 months you will build valuable career skills, gain hands-on industry experience, develop professional networks and make new friends. As you begin your studies, I would like to share a few keys to succeeding at ACBC.

First, always ask questions when you don’t know the answer to something. There is nothing wrong with asking for help – that’s how we learn and grow. Your trainers, Campus Manager and Careers Advisors are here to assist you.

Second, apply yourselves and give it all your effort. This includes planning ahead to ensure you take the time to study and avoid getting behind with assessments.

Third, get the right balance between studying, socialising and working. We all need balance to function properly, so determine how much time you will need for each area.

Remember that classroom learning and assignments are important throughout the year, but we will also take time to make friends, serve our communities and have fun at campus events.

Our aim at ACBC is to re-create the workplace environment so you can gain the skills employers need. Your study, in-class experiences and Work Placement are a solid foundation for building your careers. Employers seek our graduates because they have earned a reputation for having positive attitudes and sound knowledge, while presenting themselves professionally.

To our new students who joined us recently and students who returned after the summer break, we look forward to encouraging and supporting you to get the most out of your experience and watching you succeed during your time at ACBC.

To view the rest of the March 2020 Newsletter, click here

TERM 4 | ISSUE 10
1 December 2019

Message from the CEO

The word ‘disruption’ is now used often to describe the turbulent environment that businesses operate in. A few years ago, business disruption was the rare exception, but it’s now a reality that companies face on a regular basis. The same is true of careers as globalisation and technology have increased the potential for rapid change.

Fortunately, there are things we can do to stay ahead of disruption. One way is to stay ahead of the curve. This means keeping up to date about what is going on in your industry and taking the steps to gain new skills and knowledge. For example, if new technology is being introduced into your field, taking the initiative to master it will put you ahead of the curve. This might include getting new certifications or qualifications.

Another way to stay ahead of disruption is to be resilient. If you lose a job due to disruption in your industry, don’t panic. Often a disruption is an opportunity to look for new opportunities in your current field or a related one where you can transfer your existing skills and knowledge. Resilience is connected to another crucial part of staying ahead of disruption – and that is to turn negatives into positives.

In careers as well as life, we have to be able to get back into the ring when we are disrupted. This requires looking for the positive and every challenging situation and learning from it.

To view the rest of the December 2019 Newsletter, click here

TERM 4 | ISSUE 9
5 November 2019

Message from the CEO

We are pleased to be celebrating our 23^rd year at ACBC. Over this time we have helped thousands of people shape, launch and advance their careers. Although we have faced challenges over the past three years as the government has changed how it supports VET students, we still continue to believe in the crucial role vocational education and training plays in Australia.

Over the past two years, we’ve helped hundreds of unemployed young people gain job-seeking and workplace skills through the Youth Jobs PaTH Employability Skills Training program. We have also been making it possible for high school students gain a VET qualification and workplace skills through our growing EVET program. More recently, we have been offering School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBAT) and are quickly becoming the preferred provider.

We continue to work with businesses and their employees through traineeships. These create win-win outcomes by enabling employees to get a qualification and new skills that they bring into their workplaces.

This year, we were excited to welcome the first international students to ACBC.

We couldn’t have come this far without the support of so many people, including our students, support staff, trainers and alumni. We also appreciate the support of our community. Local high schools and their careers advisors have welcomed us into their schools and trusted us in providing education and training. In addition, we are grateful to the business and government leaders who have supported us for more than two decades.

Thank you for making it possible for us to provide empowerment through education and training over the past 23 years.

To view the rest of the November 2019 Newsletter, click here

TERM 3 | ISSUE 8
29 September 2019

Message from the CEO

It’s hard to believe that we are at the end of Term 3 — and are now on the home stretch. When I look back at our year to date, I am reminded of all the growth I have seen as our students have gone after their career and study goals. There have been challenges along the way but seeing so many students achieve remarkable things makes it all worthwhile.

Most students who are interested in furthering their education at university have now applied for the 2020 academic year. Others have already been offered full-time or part-time jobs through their outstanding efforts during Work Placement.

With between 5 and 10 weeks left for our Diploma students — depending on their course — we now will see some real achievements. All the hard work they have put into studies and Work Placement is starting to pay off in the form of new opportunities.

It was a pleasure to welcome prospective students and trainees to our Open Day on September 21. Our guests had the opportunity to learn about their study, training and career options. Thank you to all who attended and our staff and students who assisted on the day. We are holding a second Open Day on Wednesday, 2 October, and invite prospective students and their families to attend.

In September, our Director of Studies and I met with government ministers in Sydney and Canberra to discuss the VET sector. I had a one-on-one meeting with the Assistant Minister for Vocational Education, Training and Apprenticeships Steve Irons in Canberra. It was a productive meeting. We discussed the importance of VET and he welcomed our feedback on government policies, including the Joyce Review of the VET system. Although ACBC are members of many industry associations, it’s important to make our voice heard in Canberra where decisions about the future of VET are made.

We have met with a number of ministers and assistant ministers over the past five years as well as shadow ministers to make sure we stay on top of policy developments that can affect our current and future students. Nick, our Director of Studies, also attended an industry forum in Sydney with the Assistant Minister and other government representatives. We look forward to seeing how the sector benefits from government initiatives.

To view the rest of the October 2019 Newsletter, click here

TERM 3 | ISSUE 7
1 September 2019

Message from the CEO

Teamwork plays an important part in career development. At ACBC we promote this among our students, administration staff and trainers. One recent opportunity to work as a team was Jeans for Genes Day in early August. We worked together as well as with our local communities to raise money for this important cause. The funds raised will assist in funding vital research that helps scientists at the Children’s Medical Research Institute discover treatments and cures to give every child the opportunity to live a long and healthy life. Thank you to all who participated for making Jeans for Genes Day a resounding success.

For over 15 years, we have worked together with a range of businesses and employees through our traineeship programs. An increasing number of employers are recognising the value of enhancing the skills of their employees and have been turning to ACBC to achieve this. While employees gain valuable skills and a qualification through traineeships, employers improve their workforce and results. So it’s a win-win result.

In addition to teaming up with businesses, we have also worked with local universities through articulation agreements. We are pleased to announce that Western Sydney University has renewed our articulation agreement and updated details for advanced standing for our courses. We are honoured to be one of the few RTOs that have an articulation agreement with WSU.

In September, we will have another opportunity for teamwork and to get involved with our communities at our Open Day. Our alumni, staff, trainers, Work Placement hosts and other local leaders get involved to make our Open Day a community event. Open Day gives high school students the opportunity to discuss their options with Careers Advisors, gain insights from ACBC alumni who have launched careers, and hear from industry experts in a number of fields. In addition, our Open Day is another way for us to connect with local businesses and the communities we serve. We look forward to seeing you.

To view the rest of the September 2019 Newsletter, click here

TERM 3 | ISSUE 6
4 August 2019

Message from the CEO

Australian Careers Business College students get a strong educational foundation in the classroom in addition to hands-on learning through Work Placement. Other important aspects of the business world we emphasise are contributing to the larger community and being a responsible corporate citizen who considers the legal, ethical and social aspects of their work.

More businesses are looking at the big picture of how their actions impact society. The term ‘corporate social responsibility’ is used to describe the way a business takes into account the financial, environmental and social impacts of its decisions and actions. One way that organisations promote social responsibility is by getting involved to assist with important issues on both local and national levels.

At ACBC we get involved as well. Each year we are proud to support Jeans for Genes Day. On this special day we wear denim to raise valuable funds for the Children’s Medical Research Institute’s fight against childhood genetic diseases. We look forward to seeing staff, students, trainers and local businesses working together again to support this great cause.

To view the rest of the August 2019 Newsletter, click here

TERM 2 | ISSUE 5
8 July 2019

Message from the CEO

Although hard work and persistence are the foundation of a successful career, we can overlook the importance that rest and relaxation play in our productivity and overall success. Many businesses now realise the importance of this and emphasise a balanced approach to work. Constantly multitasking, eating lunch at your desk and running between meetings can be counterproductive. According to the Harvard Business Review, taking short breaks after working for 90-minute periods and taking a real lunch break is more productive than working straight through without a break. This is because the body and mind need time to rejuvenate throughout the day.

There’s also a growing body of research that highlights the importance of getting the right amount of sleep. A lack of sleep can contribute to poor work performance, anxiety and depression, obesity and lower academic results. In fact, numerous studies have shown a strong connection between a lack of sleep and poor academic performance.

Holiday breaks are an excellent time to rejuvenate ourselves. Stepping away for a few days or weeks gives the mind and body time to relax and enables us to return to our work and studies with renewed energy and enthusiasm.

As we approach the end of the term and the halfway point for many of you, remember the importance of taking time out to achieve balance and maximise your long-term productivity. The upcoming break is good opportunity to rest your mind, relax and reflect on your achievements so far this year.

We look forward to seeing you after the break.

To view the rest of the July 2019 Newsletter, click here

TERM 2 | ISSUE 4
2 June 2019

Message from the CEO

No matter what industry or career you choose, there is one skill that is crucial to your success: building great working relationships.

Forging strong relationships really gives you career edge. For starters, you’ll be more productive, creative and happy at work because you enjoy the company of those you’re working with. That counts for a lot. In addition, you’ll earn trust and have others watching out for you. This adds up to others being more receptive to your suggestions, supportive of your input and keen to communicate positively with you. Plus you’ll earn the confidence of your boss, which will put you in a much stronger position when new opportunities and promotions come up.

Now, of course, you’re not always going to like everyone you work with, so concentrate instead on respecting everyone. Diversity is a part of every workplace. Among your workmates will be different opinions, ideas, priorities and approaches. Differences don’t have to be the undoing of your strong working relationships though. When you take the time to consider what others have to say and show everyone equal respect, you’ll find your relationship foundations will bridge almost any gap between you and your colleagues.

Right now you have the perfect opportunity to refine your relationship building skills. Use your time at ACBC as a training ground for building great working relationships with your tutors, classmates, career advisors and others. So this will be second nature to you when you begin your career.

To view the rest of the June 2019 Newsletter, click here

TERM 2 | ISSUE 3
5 May 2019

Message from the CEO

We are excited to see our students back after their well-deserved break. During this term, our students will be interviewing for their Work Placement positions which will begin in July. Our Work Placement program is an important part of the education and training at Australia Careers Business College, as it gives our students hands-on experience of working in their fields. To any students who need help preparing for Work Placement interviews, remember that our Careers Advisors and Campus Manager are here to assist you.

This is also the time when many Year 12 students start seriously thinking about their study options for next year. So we invite high school Careers Advisors to contact us to schedule an information session at your school. An information session with ACBC can support you in helping your students choose a well-matched, rewarding career, provide insight into where to study and keep students enthusiastic and motivated in taking their next step. Younger students benefit as well by getting a clearer picture of the options available before they reach Year 12.

We are also happy to send an information pack about ACBC and the courses we offer.

To view the rest of the May 2019 Newsletter, click here

TERM 1 | ISSUE 2
31 March 2019

Message from the CEO

As we approach the end of Term 1, it’s great to see the progress being made toward reaching your educational and career goals.

With so much focus in our society being placed on being strong, confident and independent, there are many misconceptions about asking for help. Some people believe that asking for assistance is a sign of weakness or ignorance and a burden to others. However, asking for help when you need it is essential for our academic and career success. Sometimes we might be afraid to ask for help when we need it because we have been criticised in the past for asking. But the vast majority of people are glad to assist others, even strangers, when they need help.

At ACBC, we realise the importance of having a strong support network, so your Trainers, Careers Advisors and Campus Manager are here to help you when you have a question on any issue or feel stuck. Asking for help when you need it creates benefits for you and those assisting you. It helps you reach your desired outcome faster with less worry and stress. It enables those helping you to share their talents and experiences. It builds trust between you and the people helping you.

As you advance in your studies and career, there will always be new things to learn and areas where you need support. Asking for assistance when you need it is a strength that will help you overcome new challenges.

To view the rest of the March 2019 Newsletter, click here