Careers Corner 

Welcome back to Term 4 - the final term for the year.  We have all done well to traverse the many obstacles which have popped up along the way so far.  What is that old saying?  “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger”. 

I would like to start off this edition of Careers Corner by wishing the Year 12 students the very best of luck with their HSC exams which began on Tuesday 15 October and will continue for the next week.  I would also like to encourage the students to think about their post school pathways if they have not already done so.  I am happy to help with anything that I can regarding this.  Students and/or parents can contact me by phone (65523300) or by email (karen.mccann@mn.catholic.edu.au) to arrange a suitable time to meet. 

Over the past weeks I have received quite a few emails from employers looking for students to fill positions.  Mid Coast Connect sends me information about apprenticeships and traineeships in our area.  I have emailed all the information to the students in Years 10, 11 and 12.  So please CHECK YOUR EMAILS. 

I also put the information in the relevant Year Group Careers OneNote which all the students should have access to.  There is a newsletter (CL) which is in the Year 10, 11 and 12 Careers OneNote.  This is in the Content Library, in the Apprenticeships and Traineeships section - titled Careers Links.  This has 50 plus pages of apprenticeships, traineeships and vacancies in the Hunter region. 

Regarding some of the emailed positions, students need to come and see me for further information.  That is in the email if relevant. 

There are a couple of positions available in various locations.  Wynter Street Medical Centre are looking for a new trainee in the reception area of the practice.  An email was sent to the students with details.

Wynter Street Medical Centre is a privately owned General Practice located in Taree. 

We are seeking a fulltime junior/trainee medical receptionist to join our team. 

This position is a 12-month traineeship, gaining a Certificate III in Business while at work. 

The duties for this role include, but are not limited to: 

• Greeting patients face to face and over the phone
• Reception skills and support for doctors
• Scheduling appointments
• Open and distribute incoming mail
• Scan patient correspondence
• Issue patient invoices/receipts and bulk bill as required
• Maintain reception area in a tidy and welcoming manner.
• General housekeeping.
• Undertake other duties as required from time to time as directed by the practice manager, nurses and doctors. 

The ideal candidate will: 

• Be compassionate and professional
• Enjoy interacting with people on the phone and in person
• Well presented in an office setting
• Work well in a team but also able work independently
• Have great time management skills
• Be able to follow protocol
• Be competent with Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
• Have enthusiasm to learn new skills
• Hold a drivers licence 

An immediate start is available but not necessary. 

If you are interested in joining our team, please forward your CV and a cover letter via email to om@wsmc.com.au by 1 November 2024. 

Eddie’s Fresh Chickens also has a couple of Gap Year Traineeship positions.  If anyone in Year 12 is thinking of taking a Gap Year, this position involves completing a 12-month Traineeship and a Certificate III in Retail.  It involves 38 hours of work per week.  Please come and see me or email me for more details if you are interested. 

There are also a couple of positions through Mid Coast Connect – an email was sent to the students with this information. 

Students are still able to register for UAC if they wish to consider a university pathway next year, however the cost is now $220 to do this.  Most Early Entry pathways are closed, however there are several universities which allow applications direct to the university with no application fee. 

Thanks Erin Lute from RIEP who continues to arrange local industry career information visits for the Year 11/12 students.  These will continue this term.  More information to come. 

There are a great deal of different career pathways available post-school, and it is wonderful to be able to get some first-hand information about some of these.

Careers Association of Australia 

Below is a wealth of information for parents and students regarding numerous post school pathways, courtesy of the Careers Association of Australia.  There are links to many different short courses and Traineeship opportunities as well as university and TAFE information.

Courses & Workshops for Students 

La Trobe University Sydney Campus now Offering a Bachelor of Cybersecurity La Trobe University Sydney is excited to announce the launch of its Bachelor of Cybersecurity program, offering students cutting-edge skills in cyber defence and digital security. Enrol now to secure a future in this fast-growing industry. For more details, visit La Trobe University Sydney website:

or contact sydney@latrobe.edu.au.

Enter the World of Le Cordon Bleu Careers Residential Le Cordon Bleu Sydney is opening the doors to high school students in Years 10-12, to experience a day in the life at one of the world’s leading culinary and hospitality institutions. The two-day residential will provide students with a taste of what a career in hospitality looks like.

UNSW | Indigenous Australian Engineering High School Program (IAES) The Indigenous Australian Engineering School (IAES) is a six-day Engineering program hosted by the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Sydney.

Water Wise Energy Smart Program (WWESP) Partner with the Water Wise Energy Smart Program (WWESP) and inspire the next generation of sustainability champions. This dynamic program, funded and supported by UNSW Engineering, empowers Years 10 or 11 students to tackle real-world challenges related to clean water and affordable energy (SDGs 6 & 7). Sign up here:

Macquarie University - Free HSC Preparation Seminars - Students and Parents Sunday 3 November 9.30am-12.15pm - Learn the secrets of success from Senior HSC markers and counsellors. Designed specifically for students and parents currently in Years 10-12, these free sessions cover a range of topics to help students achieve their best in 2024. Space is strictly limited so book a place here:

InspirEd Free Kickstart Seminar - Hosted at Macquarie Uni This free day of HSC sessions is for students entering Years 11 and Year 12 in 2025, and their parents to learn all about: How to manage stress during the year | Secrets to HSC success | Understanding the ATAR | English tips and tricks | Strategies for parents: communication and emotional support. Sunday 3 November, 9am – 12.15pm. Register at

UTS - Free HSC Prep Seminars for Students and Parents Sunday 10 November 9.30am-12.15pm at UTS. Learn the secrets of success from Senior HSC markers and counsellors. Designed specifically for students and parents currently in Years 10-12, these free sessions cover a range of topics to help students achieve their best in 2024. Space is strictly limited so book a place here:

Campion College Summer Program Years 7-10 | 14-17 Jan 2025 Registration is now open for Summer Program, a unique opportunity for students interested in pursuing a liberal arts education at Campion College. Over four days, participants will reside on campus and take part in a series of samples lectures, information sessions and social activities. Years 11 and 12 students are encouraged to attend. Visit

to register.

Year 11 and 12 Students Medical School Entry Interview Preparation Considering a career in Medicine or Dentistry? Medical interviews preparation November workshop dates are nearly full. To register please visit

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

NIE CAREERS: Medicine, Engineering, Business, Creative Writing, Psychology, Veterinary Studies A unique opportunity to experience 11 Days of Residential Career Program, 5 – 15 January 2025 at the University of Sydney, for students 13-18 years of age. TEL. 1300 974 187 or 0412 439 115 enquiries@nie.edu.au Details via the link:

NIE CAREERS: Future Doctors Australia Program (Age: 14-18) 10 – 13 July 2025: A high-impact 4-day program that provides young people (Age: 14-18) with a unique opportunity to explore medicine as a career. TEL. 1300 974 187 or 0412 439 115 enquiries@nie.edu.au Program details via the link:

Scholarships, Early Entry, Alternative Pathways Information for Students  

UOW Liverpool - Early Admission Applications Extended - Close 1 November The University of Wollongong has announced three new degrees for 2025 at their Liverpool campus: B. Primary Education |B. Technology (Data Science) | B. Criminology / Bachelor of Law double. These courses weren’t available in the first round of Early Admission, so they've reopened applications for courses offered at UOW Liverpool. Head to

for more information.

Scholarships for Quantity Surveying Students Have Year 12 students interested in a career in Quantity Surveying, the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (AIQS) have scholarships on offer. The scholarships provide successful applicants with cash payments throughout their studies, as well as complimentary AIQS membership. For further details please visit

JMC Academy - 2025 Early Entry Why wait? Get an offer to study at JMC in February 2025. JMC’s early entry program is open for Year 12 students to secure their conditional offer for 2025. Apply Now:

CQUniversity | Scholarships Open Applications for 2025 scholarships are open now. The financial boost can ease the pressure of paying for study materials like textbooks, uniforms, laptops, as well as relocation and living expenses, allowing students to put more energy into their studies. CQU offers scholarships for every study area, study level and citizenship. Check out what scholarships are available at

WSU | Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pathway Program Assessment – November Round The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pathway Entry Program is an alternative entry pathway opportunity for Indigenous people wishing to receive an early offer for study in 2025. The next assessment round commences from 11-15 November. Visit here for dates and details:

WSU | Aspire Program The Aspire Program supports Indigenous undergraduates in Engineering, Architecture, Industrial Design, Building Management and Construction Management. It offers paid part-time internships, allowing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to gain work experience during their studies. Find out more:

WSU| HSC True Reward Early Offer Program HSC True Reward provides offers based on students' Year 11 or Year 12 results. Students can explore the HSC True Reward webpage for more information on important dates, subject requirements and how to apply for study in 2025. Apply by 6 November to be considered for the HSC True Reward offer round.

Jobs & Work Experience for Students

Productivity Bootcamp - 8 Weeks of Hands on Construction Skills The Benefits: All practical, hands-on learning from Tradesmen in the construction yard. Gain basic skills in electrical, carpentry, formwork, concreting, steel fixing, bricklaying, paving, power tools, plumbing, landscaping, scaffolding and more. Support from site Coach to assist with all documents and preparation to gain successful employment upon completion. Contact 1300 350 867 to apply.

American Summers Camp Job Fair | Meet, Interview and Get Hired on the Spot – Sunday 8 December, 11.30am- 3pm IENA - a US Department of State Visa sponsor facilitates 10,000+ internationals to work at summer camps yearly. On Sunday 8 December at The Grace Hotel. A number of these Summer Camps will be interviewing in person and hiring Aussies 18 yrs & over to work for a minimum of 9 weeks from June to August 2025 at their camps. Learn more/Apply:

Apprenticeships – Long Track Pantry 2025 Commercial Cookery Apprenticeship Applications are open

or email careers@longtrackpantry.com.au for more information.

Master Builders Association is Taking Applications for Apprenticeship Opportunities in Sydney Master Builders have opportunities within multiple trades in apprenticeship and traineeship and SBAT 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 

How to Calculate University Fees and Estimate HECS Debts

is a new, completely free website to help students search and compare tuition fees, HECS and FEE-HELP costs. Working out tuition fees, loans and HECS debt can sometimes be difficult but

makes it easy. Over 3,200 courses are currently listed at 20 Australian universities, and more data is being added constantly.

Master Builders Association can Help Apprentices or Trainees Become their Best. With Master Builders, there is full support every step of the way with entry level skills and safety training before starting work. Students will be placed with a fully screened host employer; paid weekly and get mentoring and support. With an Apprenticeship, earn and learn, gain a nationally recognised qualification. Visit

Arrive & Thrive | Free Elevator Pitch Module For High School Students Communicating skills, experience, and future focus is vital for high school students moving into casual work and pathways. Use Arrive & Thrive’s free elevator pitch module to help students create an elevator pitch that lands them opportunities. The module lasts 15-20 minutes and is perfect for home groups and career education classes. To get started, go to

If anyone is interested in Work Experience, please come and see me to get the paperwork. 

If anyone would like to come and talk to me about anything to do with Careers, they can email me or put their names down on the sheets attached to my office door. 

Karen McCann
Careers/VET Adviser