Careers & VET Information
Careers Corner
Welcome to 2024 and our first edition of Careers Corner for the year.
Hopefully everyone is well and ready to cope with the challenges which await us this year.
I have included a couple of photos of some posters which are up in the Library titled – “Are You Interested In Or Are You Good At”.
There are many different school subjects and for each one a huge range of possible career pathways ranging from Certificate I level through to Degree and Master’s level. This is worth having a look at as it may give students an idea of one or more possible post school pathways.
We are going to continue with several local industry presentations this year. These are organised by Erin Lute from RIEP (Regional Industry Education Partnerships) and are a great way to give post school career information to the students and make them aware of the many opportunities in the local area. Stay tuned for more information.
The first of these was delivered by Corrie O’Brien from TUC who gave the students a great deal of information about the post school pathways offered at TUC (Taree Universities Campus). Thank you, Corrie, for coming to talk to the students.
Careers Day
On the same day as the School Swimming Carnival, Tuesday, 13February, Year 12 students had their first and only full Careers Day at school. The purpose of this Careers Day was to enable students to embrace the complexities of Year 12 and to develop a timeline which will help to avoid excessive stress levels when thinking about the year ahead and their post school possibilities. The program addressed issues such as:
- Goal setting
- Personal Strengths and skills
- Apprenticeship and Traineeship pathways
- Industry pathways
- What is an ATAR?
- What is UAC?
- What is EAS?
- Checking NESA information and details
- Scholarships
- Subject adjustment factors
- Flexible/Alternative Entries
- Early entrance
- School references
- Resumés
- Study timetables
- Student Careers Profile
There were several guest speakers including various industry personnel.
Thank you to Gabbie from Ray White Real Estate (a past St Clare’s student), Monique from NSW Fire and Rescue and Laura from Dairy NSW.
Mariah Radburn (last year’s Dux of St Clare’s) spoke to the students about her pathway and where she is headed now.
White Card
Within the next few weeks, there will be an opportunity for Year 10, 11 and 12 students who do not have their White Card to complete this. Stay tuned for more details. Anyone who is considering either working or doing Work Experience in the Construction Industry must have a valid White Card in order to enter a building site. They must complete a course in a “face to face” environment for the card to be valid in NSW.
It has been very exciting to hear that several of our 2023 Year 12 students have been successful in gaining full-time apprenticeships, places at university and other full-time work.
Congratulations to the Class of 2023 for their successful navigation of a very challenging two years. There were some excellent results across a range of subjects.
Work Experience 2024
Work Experience (W/E) in 2024 at St Clare’s will be available as targeted work experience. W/E will be for the following students:
- Transition to work students identified by Learning Support
- Students in Year 10 interested in leaving school to find employment at the end of 2024
- Students in Year 11 and 12 who need W/E as part of applications for courses, scholarships and employment.
W/E can be done in the following forms:
- 1 day a week – transition to work programs for Work Studies students
- 1 day/week for 5 weeks OR 1 week organised in conjunction with the school calendar for students looking to leave school
- During holidays for Year 11 and Year 12 students, and for Year 10 students - ONLY if two supporting St Clare’s teachers are available as monitors.
Work Placement (W/P) for VET students will continue as normal in designated weeks.
Process for W/E
- Students in Year 10 wishing to be involved in a work experience program in 2024 will need to collect and fill in an application form (See Mrs McCann).
- Each application will require an interview with the Careers’ Adviser and a written reason for wanting to be part of the program supported by parents.
- All students will need to complete a “Work Ready” booklet which is in the W/E pack
- All students will need to complete “Go2Workplacement”
- Year 11 and 12 students need to contact the Careers Adviser if they wish to participate in work experience.
- An annual insurance fee applies to all students involved in W/E or W/P programs.
Important Dates
Wednesday, 6 March - School Photo Day - individual photos for Year 12 students are appended to NESA registration for validation of HSC Examination identity. It is ESSENTIAL that all Year 12 students attend school on this day.
Careers Association of Australia (CAA)
The latest information from the Careers Association of Australia (CAA) is as follows:
Information Sessions for Students & Parents
UTAS Maria Island | Marine Biology Experience Embark on a 5-day journey on Maria Island, Tasmanian East Coast, studying biodiversity threats and marine system productivity. Topics include climate change, invasive species, pollution, debris, and associated social & economic impacts. The unit is designed to engage, challenge, and inspire through a hands-on marine science program.
Overseas Medical Placements Webinar - Projects Abroad Projects Abroad has a webinar on 2024 overseas medical experience trips on 27 February at 6.30pm. These are a close up experience for Year 10-12 students whose goal is a career in healthcare. 24/7 support in Nepal, Kenya, Peru and more. Program info:
Webinar registration:
Pathways to a Career in Real Estate - Webinar by the Real Estate Institute of the ACT Web Wednesday 28 February, 4.30pm. Find out about the varied opportunities in the real estate sector in the ACT, the training requirements and how to choose an employer. Contact reception@reiact.com.au to register or phone Maria on 0499881168
Study in the US Virtual Presentation Hosted by Internationally Educated Come learn about studying in the US and the US university application process, directly from a former Assistant Director of Admissions. Q&A session will follow. Suggested for students in Years 9-12. Wednesday 6 March, 6pm, registration required:
ADCO 'Girls Who Build' - Careers Information Session for Years 10-12 | 21 March 2024, 5pm-7pm Build A Career in Construction. Come and hear from a community of empowered women who are paving the way for future generations of female construction professionals. Connect with some Women of ADCO, mentors, and support networks dedicated to promoting gender diversity and inclusion in the industry. Register here:
2024 NSW Mining Careers Dinners The 2024 NSW Mining Careers Dinners will take place in Singleton 1 May, Orange 22 May, Wollongong 5 June and Newcastle 12 June. Careers Advisers, students in Years 10-12 and parents, are invited to enjoy a free 2 course meal with local employers. Dinners commence at 6pm and conclude at 8.30pm. Registrations open on 4 March. For more information, please visit:
BiG Day In Newcastle - 2 May 2024 Join the University of Newcastle, Callaghan Campus for BiG Day In Newcastle 2024. Hear from organisations such as Mudbath, Microsoft, Westpac, Wisetech Global, Galah Cyber and more about where a STEM career can lead. $10 per student, no charge for teachers
BiG Day In Port Macquarie - 8 May 2024 Join on 8 May at CSU for the 2024 BiG Day In. Hear from organisations including Woolworths, Birdon Marine, Essential Energy and more. Learn where a STEM career can lead. No charge to attend and lunch provided for all attendees
BiG Day In Parramatta - 15 May at WSU Parramatta CBD Campus Bring Year 9-12 students to the 2024 BiG Day In Parramatta at WSU. Hear from organisations like Wisetech, Microsoft, Westpac, Woolworths, Canstar, Google and more about where a STEM career can lead. $10 per student, no charge for teachers 9am-2.30pm
FAQ's of a Workplace-Based Cabinet Making Apprenticeship Have questions regarding how a Cabinet Making Apprenticeship works with ACFA's Workplace-Based Model? Then watch the recently released FAQ video, where the team unpacks what makes ACFA stand out and their commitment to one-on-one, hands-on training provided by Industry Specialised Trainers. To watch, visit
What Can I Study? Webinars The What Can I Study? live 2024 Webinar series will cover program-specific information as well as general topics about Western, applications, early offers and student life. These webinars are perfect for current and non-current school leavers looking to further their studies in tertiary education. Find out more:
Free UCAT Bootcamp For parents, aspiring Medical students and Careers Advisers. Dr Ray, Gastroenterologist at Monash Health offers UCAT mini test, discusses medical interviews, admission process, life as a medical student, and career as a doctor. Watch this two hour Bootcamp from the comfort, convenience and security of your home at any time.
Traineeships, Cadetships, Apprenticeships - Information & Opportunities
Priority Skills List has Been Updated The Australian Apprenticeships Priority List has been updated. This will provide additional financial support to apprentices, trainees (up to $5,000 over the apprenticeship) in order to boost apprentice numbers and support completions in priority occupations. Visit
Fast Track A Career with a Traineeship Due to the robust job market and the financial challenges associated with living costs, numerous high school graduates are opting for employment instead of pursuing a university education. Rather than accepting any available job, engage them in a traineeship, where individuals can both earn and learn. Apply at
1300apprentice Apprentice and Trainee Intake 2024 2024 Apprentice and Trainee intake is underway. Great choice of career roles for those wanting to learn while earning a good wage. Great pathways into rewarding careers. Apply today in 3 steps. 1. Have your resume ready 2. Choose an occupation 3. Submit online. Go to
and search for specific roles or explore the website for more information.
Scholarships, Early Entry, Alternative Pathways
UTS Bachelor of Accounting (BAcc) Co-op Scholarship Applications for 2025 Open Around 35 full scholarship places are available for the UTS Bachelor of Accounting in 2025. This includes a tax-free scholarship of more than $55,000 each, two internships with different industry partners, and a graduate role after completion of your 3 year degree. For more information, please visit:
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Information Evening These Information Evenings at Western are an opportunity to learn about what programs are on offer, the many different pathways to study, support services available, scholarships on offer and life on campus. For upcoming dates and to register visit here:
Investing in the Future of Australia’s Plumbing Industry through the Rheem Apprentice Plumber Grants The Rheem Apprentice Plumber Grants are back for 2024. Rheem is encouraging Australian apprentice plumbers and gas fitters to apply. 20 recipients will receive $2,000 to assist with their TAFE/RTO fees and textbooks, and $1,000 to help build their essential trade toolbox. Applications are open and close on Sunday 28 April 2024, 11:59pm. To apply visit:
Other News
What Matters? Writing Competition The Whitlam Institute's national What Matters? Writing Competition, now in its 20th anniversary year, is open to school students in Years 5 to 12. Entries can be fiction, non-fiction, poetry or prose of up to 600 words. Learn more about the competition, entry criteria and prizes here:
Each week there will be news about apprenticeships, traineeships, and jobs as they come to hand and of course other important Careers information. This information will be available in each Year Groups Career Team OneNote and in many cases emailed to students when relevant.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss anything related to careers or Vocational Education.
Karen McCann
Careers/VET Adviser