Careers Corner

Welcome back to Term 2 – we are well and truly into the swing of things!

This week the Year 11 Sports Coaching (on Monday 13 May) and PDHPE (on Tuesday 14 May) students completed their Provide First Aid course with Warren Keegan from Coastal First Aid.  This is a very valuable qualification to have.  For the Sports Coaching students, this is a compulsory part of the Certificate III in Sports Coaching and for the PDHPE students, it is a part of their course.  The students have gained some valuable knowledge and be able to feel confident when assisting in many different First Aid situations as well as satisfying one of the compulsory requirements for the Certificate III in Sports Coaching.  Thanks to Warren Keegan from Coastal First Aid for delivering the course.  He does an excellent job and has some very interesting videos and examples of injuries and conditions.

Last week the Year 12 VET Construction students completed their 70 hours of compulsory Work Placement.  From all reports, the students went very well.  Thanks to Mid Coast Connect and the numerous employers for allowing this to happen.  This is an excellent opportunity for the students to learn more of the world of work and often results in job opportunities for each of the students. 

Last Friday 10 May, Don from Learning Live delivered a White Card course for several students at St Clare’s.  This is a compulsory requirement for anyone wanting to work or do Work Experience in the Construction Industry.  There were 16 students in attendance, and we would like to thank Don and Learning Live for this. 

On Wednesday 8 May we were visited by Jonathon Billingham who is the Dean of Residents at “New College”.  This was to present information about New College at UNSW, and other university residential colleges which have an open admissions policy but share a similar Christian ethos and where the consumption of alcohol is not permitted within the student colleges. 

New College is a residential college on UNSW campus.  They are part of Living At University which represents several residential colleges based at universities across NSW.  University colleges are very different to other large-scale accommodation options.  Their primary purpose is not to merely provide a convenient place to live, but to foster an immersive community, built on academic excellence, social connection and pastoral care.  There is also a link for the Living At University Brochure,

This was open to all students who will be living away from home post school, including Trainees and Apprentices and of course University students.  Jonathon grew up in Taree and we would like to thank him for his time and information.  Several of the Year 12 students took brochures away with them.

Year 12 students who are interested in a university pathway post school are reminded to check each university’s website for early application and scholarship information.  UAC has opened.  All students should have received a PIN from UAC – please check your junk mail if you have not received this yet. Please email me if you do not receive a PIN even if you do not want to go to university post school.

UAC Information

Course Preferences

While applications are open, not all courses are available to select within their application.  However, they can still submit an application with at least one preference and then come back later to list additional courses when they become available. 

Universities have until 1 August to have all 2025 courses available for selection in the application. 

Starting an Application:  Essential Information 

This year, students need the following details to start their UAC application: 

Personal email address:  For security reasons, when students start their application, they will need to register with a personal email address and a password.  They will then be sent an email to validate their details.  Once they've done that, they will use their email address and password to log in to their application. 

Year 12 student number and UAC PIN:  Students were emailed UAC PINs to NSW and ACT students on 3 April using the email addresses NESA and ACT BSSS have on file.  If any students didn't receive this email, please call UAC.  Also please remember to register a personal email address in your NESA Students Online account. 

Students need to enter their Year 12 student number and UAC PIN early in the application.  These details identify them as a 2024 Year 12 student, which means they will be able to apply for an early offer through the Schools Recommendation Scheme. 

Unique Student Identifier (USI):  At the request of institutions, this is now a mandatory field for domestic applicants who are Australian citizens.  Students can quickly and easily create their USI or check if they already have one. 

Each student can put down five preferences.  It is worth noting that not all university courses are available at this stage and more will become available as the year progresses. 

If the students do NOT get an email, they need to contact UAC in one of the following ways. 

UAC Contact Numbers 

Livechat and email through our website also continue to be available.

From a landline:  1300 275 822
From a mobile: (02) 9752 0200 

If they are still having difficulty, then please contact me preferably via email so that I can assist. 

It is imperative that ALL STUDENTS have access to their NESA information and records.  This is where they can access their HSC timetables etc. 

All Year 12 students have been emailed with relevant information regarding UAC.  The information has also been placed in the Careers OneNote. 

The latest information available regarding SRS, EAS and Equity Scholarships is and will be posted on the UAC site

Please note that other states do not have their applications open yet (QTAC, VTAC, SATAC) and will open at various stages over the coming months. 

Undergraduate applications open for domestic students on Wednesday 3 April 2024.  UAC PINs will be emailed to NSW HSC and ACT Senior Secondary Certificate students on the same day. 

This year's UAC Guide will not be delivered to schools but will be available on the UAC site. 

Resources on the UAC website will be updated in April. 

There is a great deal of information in this booklet which can be accessed from the UAC site

Job Jump also has a great deal of information with regard to this, so don’t forget to check out the chapters in our Careers Team OneNote. 

We are continuing to have Industry visits on various Friday mornings this term, and today we were visited by a group of people from CatholicCare. 

Thanks again to Erin Lute (from RIEP) who is arranging these visits for our students. 

Students in Year 12 who might be considering careers in medicine or dentistry post school need to register for the “UCAT” (University Clinical Aptitude Test ANZ). 

IMPORTANT UCAT ANZ 2024 DATES 

Candidates taking the UCAT ANZ in 2024 for entry to universities in Australia and New Zealand in 2025 should note these key dates (deadline times are in AEST - Australian Eastern Standard Time):  

UCAT ANZ 2024 Key Dates 

PLEASE NOTE:  UCAT registration is only via the UCAT ANZ website - ucat.edu.au

Universities and the UCAT Requirements

UCAT Format 

Who is eligible to sit the UCAT? 

The UCAT ANZ test is only available to a candidate whose educational level at the time of sitting the test is that they are undertaking or have completed the final year of secondary schooling, or higher.  For example, candidates registering for UCAT ANZ 2024 should have completed, or plan to complete their final year of secondary schooling in 2024, that is, Year 12 in Australia or Year 13 in New Zealand. 

Candidates are eligible to sit UCAT ANZ if they have commenced or completed an undergraduate degree.  It is noted, however, that not all undergraduate degree programs for which UCAT ANZ is a prerequisite will offer places for non-school leavers. Candidates are advised to check the UCAT ANZ Consortium university websites for further information. 

Only a limited number of UCAT ANZ Consortium universities require international students to sit UCAT ANZ and, if so, it will only be required in specific circumstances.  Candidates are advised to check the UCAT ANZ Consortium university websites for further information.        (Reference: Pearson VUE, 2024) 

Please log on to the UCAT website for specific information.  There are free practice tests on this website to assist with preparation.

The latest information from the CAA is as follows:  

CAA News 

Courses & Workshops for Students

Next MedEntry UCAT Workshop by Dr Ray By Dr Ray, Gastroenterologist at Monash Health. The next UCAT Workshop is on 18-19 May, which covers all 5 UCAT subtests, interviews, entry process etc. Formal Instruction and Group Learning. The program has been carefully crafted to cover the strategies for UCAT success, in a fun, engaging and interactive environment. Visit:

Careers with Swiss Luxury Business Hotel Schools and French and Swiss Culinary Schools Explore 6 of the top 8 worldwide Hotel Schools including careers in luxury goods, experiences, business, entrepreneurship, real estate, hotel, hospitality, events, tourism, marketing, sports, cruise lines, golf management. Chefs Culinary or Pastry Courses: 9 weeks - 4 years. Summer (Australian Winter) Programs 1 - 2 weeks. Visit:

Free UTS Startups Entrepreneurship Workshops are Open for Term 2 (Years 9-10) UTS Startups are offering free 30-60min workshops for Year 9-10 students to inspire interest in entrepreneurship. Students will actively engage with young entrepreneurs who share relatable backgrounds, shedding light on their journeys, methods, identity, and how students can kickstart their own paths.

Campion College Winter Program | 9-12 July 2024 Experience college life and a taste of Campion's Bachelor of Arts in the Liberal Arts. Open to students aged 16 plus. Includes accommodation on campus, meals, social activities and sample lectures in history, literature, philosophy and theology. Free to attend but spaces are limited. Register at:

Paul Wade Employability Skills Paul will motivate students to take ownership of their futures. He started life after school as a Mechanical Daftsman then a Socceroo Captain and now working on TV and radio while running a business as a Keynote Speaker. Living with Epilepsy resulting in brain surgery adds a touch of resilience. For bookings contact Valerie at val@paulwade.com.au or 0408 219 482 or go to

Sydney Actors School - Applications for 2025 Open Now Applications to study at Sydney Actors School in 2025 are open. Study acting for stage and screen, taught by industry-working professionals. Learn how to write, direct, crew, and edit own films. Work on a number of stage productions and short films. Apply here:

Sydney Film School - Applications for July 2024 Open Now Applications to study at Sydney Film School in July 2024 are open. Classes in all aspects of filmmaking, ranging from screenwriting, to producing, to directing, to post-production classes. Build a portfolio with projects from a music video, to short films. Apply here:

1 Day Barista Course - Macarthur Enrol in an upcoming barista course held at Macarthur Centre for Sustainable Living: 1 Mount Annan Drive, Mount Annan NSW. Fully accredited and nationally recognised course. Upcoming date: 1 June. For more information and to enrol go to

Projects Abroad - Medical Experience in Cambodia For students keen to pursue further studies in medicine and healthcare, Projects Abroad has launched a new program in Cambodia. It combines hospital and community health experiences with workshops, cultural insight and sightseeing. Open to students aged 15 and over. Leaflet:

and for more details 08 7130 3970.

UCAT NIE - Attention Year 10, 11 and 12: UCAT Preparation Workshop A full-day UCAT Preparation Workshop on 15 June 2024 (in-person attendance in Chatswood). To register: visit

For further enquiries please contact NIE at enquiries@nie.edu.au or call (02) 4367 0404 / 0404 197 178 /

NIE Careers: Future Doctors Australia Program (Age: 14-18) 18 – 21 July and 10 - 13 October 2024: Future Doctors Australia Program is an engaging and high-impact 4-day program that provides young people (age: 14-18) with a unique opportunity to gain medical work experience in a safe and structured environment. Ph: 1300 974 187 or 0412 439 115 enquiries@nie.edu.au Details:

NIE Careers: Medicine, Engineering, Business, Creative Writing, Psychology, Veterinary Studies 11 Days Residential Career Experience will take place from 5 – 15 January 2025 at the University of Sydney, for students 13 - 18 years of age. Ph: 1300 974 187 or 0412 439 115 enquiries@nie.edu.au Details:

In Year 10, 11 or 12 Considering a Career in Medicine or Dentistry? Since 1999 NIE has been assisting students to get into medicine and dentistry. If preparing for UCAT and medical interviews, then please visit NIE website for available resources and training options. Ph: (02) 4367 0404 / 0404 197 178 /

enquiries@nie.edu.au.

Scholarships, Early Entry, Alternative Pathways

ACU Guarantee Opening Date Guarantee a place at ACU before Year 12 exams. ACU Guarantee offers eligible Year 12 students a place at ACU based on their Year 11 results. Applications open Monday 22 July 2024. Apply now:

Campion College Early Offer Scheme Now Open Campion College is now accepting Early Offer applications for its three-year Bachelor of Arts in the Liberal Arts and one-year Diploma of Liberal Arts. Successful applicants will receive a conditional offer before HSC exams begin and be automatically considered for Future Leaders Scholarship. Find out more at:

Applications close 30 September 2024.

The Women's College within The University of Sydney Make the transition to university easier being fully supported with academic assistance while enjoying a full calendar of sporting, cultural and social activities at College. Enrolment applications are now open for 2025. First Round offer applications close 17 July. Scholarship applications are now also open.

Other Information  

JMC Competitions There is still time to enter into JMC Academy’s 2024 High School Competitions. Canvas Art| Mocktails| Monologue | Songwriting. Industry prizes to be won. Submit here:

CreAIT High School Competition 2024 AIT is currently running CreAIT to provide students with the opportunity to showcase their creativity. NSW high school students in Years 9-12 are invited to submit their original artwork. This year’s theme is: Into the Future. Go in the running to win an amazing Wacom to start animating today. More information can be found:

Western’s Results in the Latest QS World University Rankings by Subject Western Sydney University has been named as one of the world’s top universities for the study of 23 subjects in the latest edition of the QS World University Rankings by Subject including being ranked in the top 50 for Nursing. Find out more:

I would also like to keep encouraging all students to have a draft ‘Cover Letter’ and resume which can be tailored for job applications both part-time and fulltime.  This can be saved in the OneNote and accessed/changed at any time. 

If any student is interested in doing Work Experience, please come and collect the necessary paperwork from me.  The Catholic Schools Office has set guidelines for Work Experience.  Year 9 and Year 10 students have to complete this during school hours; however, Year 11 and Year 12 students can do Work Experience during holiday time or on the weekend. 

Karen McCann
Careers/VET Adviser