Careers Corner

There is only one week to go before the end of a very busy term.  I hope that everyone is keeping safe and well. 

Year 12 

Year 12 are on the countdown to the end of their classes – of course everyone will remain focused and on track to optimise their learning. 

I would like to remind everyone to please check their emails.  I am receiving a great deal of information about job vacancies, apprenticeships and traineeships.  I have recently sent emails to Years 10, 11 and 12 with different vacancies and employment opportunities.  If you would like some help with any of these applications, please email me.  There are several positions across a wide range of careers.  The information is also available in your respective Career Team OneNote spaces in the Content Library under Apprenticeships and Traineeships. 

If you are interested in an Apprenticeship or Traineeship pathway, make sure that you look at the Youth Links, ATC and Mid Coast Connect information that is in the OneNote. 

There is an excellent Australian Apprenticeships Website.  The Federal Government has developed a new website to replace the Australian Apprenticeships Pathways site.  The new site is Australian Apprenticeships

The industry-based literacy and numeracy quizzes are still accessible in this new site. 

It has excellent information and practice aptitude tests to see where you would best fit in industry. 

Once again, I am reminding Year 12 students that there are several deadlines approaching especially for students who are considering a university pathway next year. 

The cut-off for UAC applications at $78 is 30 September.  After this date the cost of registering will rise to $220 so if you are thinking about a university pathway post school and you are in Year 12, please make sure that you have registered before 30 September.  SRS (Schools Recommendation Scheme) has now closed (16 September).  Offers will be forthcoming in November. 

For those students applying to UAC please see the important dates below: 

Early entry deadlines for many universities are also fast approaching.  UNE, Southern Cross, Wollongong and the Sunshine Coast University all offer these programs so please have a look at these.  Even if it is not your first choice, it can give you some options if you do not get into the course you want. 

Charles Sturt University also have more rounds of their Early Entry pathway as the year progresses.  Thanks to those who have let me know that they have received an offer. 

I would appreciate any student letting me know when they receive an Early Offer. 

It has been very pleasing to have had interviews with many of the Yr 12 students.  Please do not hesitate to contact me to arrange a meeting so that we can go through your options. 

Several universities are offering One-on-One mentoring sessions (virtually) with students.  The Year 12 students would be able to speak to a university student one-on-one and ask any questions they might have about any aspect of university life.  Please check on each University website.  There are also many Open Days – this is excellent as you can see what university life is like. 

Please check out scholarships at the various universities and TAFE.  There are several on offer including a regional TAFE scholarship.  The Teach Rural and CSO Teaching Scholarship are up for grabs so if you are considering a teaching pathway post school please apply.  You have to be in it to win it and have got nothing to lose by applying. 

If you are considering a TAFE pathway, get on to the TAFE NSW website and have a look at the many courses they offer from short courses through various Certificates and Diplomas and Bachelor Degrees.  You don’t need an ATAR for this pathway. 

Year 11 

Year 11 students are currently completing their final Preliminary Exams and Tasks.  After this time some of them may be able to discontinue a subject.  It is very important that if they are considering this, that they talk to their teachers, myself and Mrs Avery. 

I would like to remind everyone that Shane Hardcastle from Inspired has provided the Year 11 students with a link to helpful resources in six HSC subject areas.  This has been emailed to the students and is included below: 

For your Year 11 students, as discussed, we would like to provide additional premium academic support in six Year 11 subjects.  Please share this information below with them or the link that is:

Information for Students 

Year 11 students 

As part of the presentations you attended with InspirationED & Macquarie University, you have access to premium resources in the following subjects:  English (Standard & Advanced), Mathematics (Standard 2 & Advanced), Biology & Business Studies. 

They include practice questions and other resources to help you prepare for your exams at the end of the term. 

Just click here to access these resources. 

During the last week of term, the Construction and Hospitality students in Year 11 will be attending their compulsory Work Placement in various businesses throughout the Manning.  This is the first part (35 hours) of their compulsory 70 Work Placement hours to be completed over the two years of the course.  A huge thank you goes out to the many local businesses who take our students for this very valuable experience. 

CAA Latest News 

The latest news from the CAA is as follows: 

TAFE NSW | Bradfield Senior College Open Days For HSC students interested in preparation for the creative industries - filmmaking, a career in design or visual arts, production or performance, Bradfield’s project-based learning in Year 11 can build specialisations and industry connections. Find out more at an upcoming Open Day on 12 September, 22 October or 12 November. Register here:

Sydney Design School Information Session Thursday 3 October, 1pm. Want a creative career in design? Sydney Design School is running an on campus Information Session on Thursday 3 October at 1pm. Join them at their state of the art studios, Ground Floor, 65 Berry St, North Sydney. Register to attend in person or join online at

The next intake for their ASQA accredited career qualifications is February 2025. RTO91446.

Virtual Sessions Swiss and French Business Hotel & Culinary Schools | Wednesday 16 October at 4pm to 4.30pm NSW To join video meeting, click this link:

7 of top 8 Worldwide Hotel Schools. Luxury Brand Management/Experiences, Wealth Management, Entrepreneurship, Real Estate Hotel Development, Hotel Management, Hospitality, Events, Tourism, Marketing, Sports, Cruise Line, Golf Management. CHEFS Culinary or Pastry Courses Paris/Switzerland-Lucerne and Le Bouveret:

Virtual Session Swiss and French Business Hotel and Culinary Schools | Thursday 17 October at 10.00am to 10.45am To join video meeting, click this link:

Virtual Open Day | Charles Sturt University This new, completely online event is perfect for anyone eager to explore everything Charles Sturt has to offer. Monday 21 October, 11am to 2pm and Tuesday 22 October, 5pm to 8pm. Book a spot:

UTS Startups Summit 2024: AI In Action, Featuring Guest Speaker Cliff Obrecht, Co-Founder of Canva Showcasing the power of AI, thousands of high school students will gain first-hand experience with cutting-edge technology that will enable them to start their entrepreneurial journey straight away. Join UTS Startups and the ICC Sydney on 3 December for the 2024 Summit. Register schools at

Email Jane Oja jane.oja@uts.edu.au for more details.

Join The Hotel School on Campus at their Information Evening Event to Explore a Global Career. Wednesday, 13 November. Join on campus to explore how to start an exciting global career within the tourism and hospitality industry. Meet THSA team, explore diverse range of courses and find out about the application process. Discuss career opportunities with the WIL team and hear from Industry partners. When: Wednesday 13 November, 5.00pm to 6.30pm. Where: The Hotel School Sydney Campus. Register now:

Courses & Workshops for Students 

One Training | Fee Free Certificate IV in Fitness - Pathway for Year 12 SBAT Students One Training has been approved by the NSW Government to offer fee free fitness qualifications for eligible employees as an entitlement traineeship under Smart & Skilled funding. This means One Training can offer current Year 12 students who are completing their Fitness SBAT the opportunity to continue working within their current gym and undertake a Fee Free Certificate IV in Fitness Traineeship.

School Holiday Workshop | Saturday 28 September, JMC Academy Immerse in the creative industries this September school holidays with one-day courses in Acting, Animation, Audio Engineering and Sound Production, Design (Vis Comm), Entertainment Business Management, Film and Television, or Music. Apply Now:

University of Canberra Holiday Tech Day: Build Own App Join in a hands-on one-day workshop to learn Python and build an app. Develop real-world skills in one of the world's most popular and versatile coding languages, as expert instructors guide attendees through the basics of Python and app creation at the University of Canberra 2 October, 9am to 3pm. Register:

UNSW Experience Engineering Day UNSW invites Years 10-12 students to join in for their first ever Experience Engineering Day event in Western Sydney on Wednesday 9 October, 10am to 3.00pm. Take part in interactive and hands-on learning experiences. Choose workshops based on interests and passions, be inspired by leading academics and have all questions answered at UNSW. Register:

Master Builders Association of NSW is Here to Help School Leavers Become an Apprentice or Trainee The 3-week entry level Pre-Apprenticeship training program provides an introduction into both the industry and a carpentry trade prior to commencing an apprenticeship. For further information go to:

Scholarships, Early Entry, Alternative Pathways Information for Students  

University of Canberra Arts and Design Portfolio Entry At the University of Canberra, ATARs aren't everything. Whether passionate about the Arts, Design or the Creative Industries, showcase skills using creative portfolios to apply for entry into any of the Faculty of Arts and Design’s undergraduate degrees. Apply now:

Southern Cross University Early Offer Applications Closing on 30 September Southern Cross University's Early Offer program is closing soon. Students can receive an offer for their degree prior to the release of their results, taking the stress out of Year 12. Please let students know that applications close on 30 September.

CQUniversity | Early Offer (PRS) Applications Closing Soon CQU's Principal's Recommendation Scheme (PRS) offers Year 12 students the opportunity to apply for eligible CQU undergraduate courses based on their high school principal's recommendation, instead of ATAR. Ideal for those passionate, talented and highly motivated students. Applications close on 2 December 2024. Visit

for details.

Southern Cross University - Early Offer applications Closing on 30 September Southern Cross University - Early Offer closing 30 September. Students can receive an offer for their chosen degree prior to the release of their results, taking the stress out of Year 12. Apply now to avoid the deadline.

Jobs & Work Experience for Students 

Green by Nature Apprenticeships Green by Nature offers Apprenticeships in Horticulture, Parks and Gardens, Sports Turf Management and Landscape Construction. These courses are offered in each state and territory. To see what jobs are on offer please head to the website

Feel free to send an email at Careers@Greenbynature.com.au to find out more.

Master Builders Association is taking Applications for Apprenticeship, SBAT Opportunities in Sydney. Master Builders have opportunities within multiple trades for all ages and entry levels. Suitable for those who have the commitment and drive to commence and complete an apprenticeship in the building and construction industry. For more information, please visit

Resources for Students

UC Creative Competition Now Open The UC Creative Competition celebrates the creativity of Year 11 and 12 students nationwide. Whether a school project submission or students own personal work, this is the chance to show off creative work, with major prizes to be won including study grants towards FAD degrees, Adobe products, and cash. Find out more:

Preparing Students for Employment with a Digital, Live, Visual profile using RESUPIX a Free App. Resupix can deliver to students the new way employers are recruiting, helping students showcase themselves digitally and visually, via a free app that replaces the resume and brings to life all the abilities often hidden in young people that shape who they are. Resupix can also help them find jobs. It is free. Visit

for more information for students and teachers. 

Year 10 

The Year 10 students have now made their subject selections for 2025 and the process of working out the lines and classes is well under way.  Thanks to Mrs Avery and Mr McKee for their work on this. 

If a student is interested in completing an SBAT in Years 11 and 12, now is the time to get the paperwork started.  Please come and see me if you wish to do this.  Please also remember that if you choose this pathway then you are responsible for catching up on any work that you have missed while at work or at TAFE.  Once the SBAT/TVET is started then this can count as at least two of your units for Preliminary and HSC work. 

Thanks to those Year 10 students who have submitted an EOI for TVET in 2025.  They have now been submitted onto the EVET site and we are waiting to see whether or not the courses will run in 2025. 

Please remember that there is usually more than one pathway into a preferred career and talk to your teachers and parents about your choices.  I am happy to meet with anyone who would like some help with this. 

White Card Course 

I will be organising another White Card course at the end of the year.  In order to complete the White Card course a student has to have turned 14 by the time the course is run.  If you are thinking about doing this course, you will also need to have a USI number.  This takes about five minutes to complete and has no cost involved. 

Work Experience 

If anyone would like to do Work Experience, please come and get the paperwork from me.  We have had many students doing this over the past nine months and it is an excellent way to introduce yourself to a prospective employer. 

I am happy to meet with anyone to discuss anything to do with post school pathways. 

Karen McCann
Careers/VET Adviser