Careers Corner 

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

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 One Note.

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 $80 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 (5 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 Year 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 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 10/ 11 and 12 students with a link to helpful resources in HSC subject areas.  This has been emailed to the students and is included below:

Year 12:  HSC September Masterclasses

Dates:  Monday 29 September – Friday 3 October 2025
Location: University of Sydney & Macquarie University
Cost: Per subject day attended

These are full day, small-group classes with senior HSC teachers to help students prepare for their final exams. Students will:

• Review all syllabus content in depth
• Practise a wide range of possible HSC questions
• Receive personalised feedback from expert teachers

Subjects:  English (Adv & Std), Maths (Ext1, Adv & Std), Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Economics, Legal Studies, Modern History, PDHPE, Physics & Studies of Religion.

Please click here for more information and registration (flyer attached for distribution).

Year 10–11 Kickstart Seminars (FREE)

Dates: Sunday 2 November & Sunday 16 November 2025
Location: Macquarie University & University of Newcastle
Cost: Free

These free seminars are designed for Year 10-12 students and parents to get a head start for 2026. Presented by senior HSC teachers and qualified counsellors, the sessions cover:

• Managing stress across senior school
• Secrets to HSC success
• Understanding the ATAR
• English tips and tricks
• Strategies for parents: communication & emotional support

Please click here for more info & registration (flyer attached for distribution)

inspired.edu.au

During the last week of term, the Construction 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.

Our local councils have run information sessions for anyone interested in an apprenticeship or traineeship with their local council.

I will be organising a White Card course for Term 4.  Any student who is hoping to do Construction in Year 11 must complete this course and any student who wishes to do Work Experience in the Construction industry will need a White Card.  In order to complete the White Card course a student must have turned 14 by the time the course is run.  Stay tuned for more details.

Careers Association of Australia 

The latest information from the Careers Association of Australia (CAA) is as follows:

Information Sessions for Students & Parents, Open Days, Expos for Students

Paul Wade Employability Skills Paul’s 45-60 minute presentation with an option of activities will remind all your students that ownership of their lives begins now. Visit:

Steel Industry Tour | Monday 15 September - Half Day InfraBuild Circular Steel Journey – Sydney Steel Mill. Discover InfraBuild’s complete circular steel lifecycle—from scrap metal recycling to electric arc furnace production. A must-see for those interested in the learning about the career options in sustainable steelmaking. Register your interest at the Australian Steel Institute: annel@steel.org.au

Australian Academy of Beauty Dermal and Laser Information Sessions and Open Night Join the Australian Academy of Beauty Dermal and Laser Open Nights across our 4 Sydney campuses. Tour their facilities, meet expert trainers, and explore courses in Beauty, Spa Management, Laser, and Dermal Therapies. With new courses starting September 2025 and February 2026, it is the perfect time to begin your career. Register:

Turn Your CIT Study in a UC Degree? If you're a student, parent or Career Adviser, this free webinar will help you understand how studying at Canberra Institute of technology (CIT) can unlock opportunities at University of Canberra (UC) and why it might be right for you. This session will explain how combining CIT’s hands-on, practical learning with UC’s academic opportunities can open up a flexible and achievable pathway to your dream career. Register:

Sydney Design School Open Day Saturday 13 September 2025 10.00am to 12.00pm Don't miss the Sydney Design School Open Day and find out more about a creative qualification in interior design. Explore their studios, meet students and educators and get creative making a mood board or 3D model. No ATAR needed and pathways to university. Ground Floor, 65 Berry St, North Sydney. Register:

RTO91446.

ACU Canberra Campus Open Day - Saturday 13 September Check out Nursing, Paramedicine, Occupational Therapy, Speech Pathology, Social Work, Theology, Philosophy, Teaching, Western Civilisation and more at ACU’s Canberra Campus Open Day on Saturday 13 September 2025, 11.00am to 2.00pm. Meet staff and students, tour the campus, attend information sessions, and join in hands-on activities. Free entry, food, and prizes. Register:

Interested in Space Careers? Come chat with a Space Expert The Australian Space Discovery Centre delivers free monthly digital Q&A sessions with a Space Expert. Learn about different space careers and have your questions answered by people in the space industry. Book:

Contact: info@discover.space.gov.au.

Indigenous Futures at Sydney Webinar: Academic and Cultural Support at the University of Sydney This yarn explores the Gadigal Centre’s role in supporting Indigenous students at Sydney. Learn how it offers a home away from home and access to resources that empower academic success. Register now:

Courses & Workshops for Students

SAT Practice Test - Internationally Educated is Offering an Online SAT Practice Test Students in Years 9-11 on Saturday 13 September at 9am. Registration is essential, and further details can be found at

The practice exam includes a personal score report and score review session with a test prep expert.

Registrations Now Open for the University of Sydney’s Year 11 Gadalung Program Open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in Year 11 (entering Year 12 in 2026), this program offers a taste of university life, skill-building workshops, and the chance to connect with students and staff. Register:

Mindflight7 VR Career Incursions Mindflight7 VR incursions provide students with immersive career experiences, enabling them to try different careers from building & construction, hospitality, business services, through to VR game design, climate science, AI engineer, virtual and augmented reality designer, renewable energy engineering, laboratory geneticist, cyber security, automation and robotics engineer, or health informatics. Visit:

ACAP Calm & Conquer Workshops - Managing Exam Stress ACAP University College invite students, parents and Career Advisers to take part in their free series of online workshops, featuring two dedicated sessions – one for Year 12 students and another for parents and loved ones. Calm and Conquer is a virtual toolkit for navigating the challenges of Year 12 exams with confidence and composure. Register:

National Fashion College | High School Fashion Masterclass National Fashion College’s free fashion Masterclass gives Year 10–12 students the chance to explore careers in fashion. From 28 October – 29 November, students join four online evening sessions plus an in-person Styling Masterclass in Sydney with Tiffany & Co. stylist Emma Read. One student per school, nominated by a teacher or Careers Adviser. Email hello@nationalfashioncollege.com to find out more.

SAE | Create for a Day Back by popular demand, SAE University College are running their Create for a Day event on the October School Holidays. SAE invites future creators to Create for a Day, a one-day, hands-on workshop designed to expand skills and get students working on inspiring creative projects in the fields of Animation, Audio, Film, Games, Music, Design, VFX. Register:

Quantum Tech Camp 2025 | 1-3 October 2025 Join Sydney Quantum Academy's 3-day Quantum Tech Camp for Years 9–12. Tackle coding challenges, run live simulations, explore mind-bending concepts like superposition, entanglement and more. Cost: $300. Limited scholarships available. At Xavier Catholic College, North Albury, 2640 or online via Zoom. Register:

WSU’s Bachelor of Business Course Update Western's School of Business has enhanced the Bachelor of Business program which now includes two new majors: Applied Finance and Fintech and Marketing and Martech. The updates focuses on: Future-Focused Curriculum, Embedded Employability, Global Learning Opportunities and Facilities and Teaching.

Macquarie University’s new Bachelor of History The new Bachelor of History offers a dynamic exploration of the human experience, from ancient civilisations to contemporary global societies. The course is built around a multidisciplinary core and four majors: Ancient History | Archaeology | Modern History | Public History and Heritage. Visit:

Macquarie University’s Bachelor of Psychology - new Majors The Bachelor of Psychology will now offer students the choice of three majors: Applied Psychological Science | Cognitive and Brain Science | Mental Health and Counselling* For more information on the course structure visit:

*Becoming a counsellor requires further study.

NSW Health Invites Year 7-10 Students to Enter the Future Health Worldbuilding Competition The competition explores what health care might look like in 2040. Students will hear about health careers from a range of staff. Student submissions can be any format meaningful to them. The workbook is available now, and submissions are due 25/09. Finalists win a health experience tour and are invited to present at the Future Health Symposium in Term 4. Visit:

Scholarships, Early Entry, Alternate Pathways

Western’s Scholarships Applications open for 2026 Western offers $20 million in scholarships each year recognising academic excellence, community involvement and leadership skills. Scholarships available for study in 2026 are open which include a generous range of university and donor-funded opportunities. Visit the scholarship pages for eligibility criteria and important dates

Scholarships at the University of Sydney (Webinar) The University of Sydney offers over $135 million in scholarships each year to support domestic undergraduate students. Learn about available scholarships, eligibility, tips for strong applications, and how to apply through one simple form. Register:

ACU Indigenous Code and Data Scholarship | Applications Now Open The scholarship supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students commencing full-time study in the Bachelor of Computer Science/Master of Data Science at ACU North Sydney in 2026. Valued at $3,000 (one-off), to assist with study costs. Up to five scholarships available. Applicants must show financial hardship and commitment to community service. Apply by 26 October. Apply:

Applications for the NSW Department of Education's Future Teacher Scholarships are Closing Soon Applications for the NSW Department of Education’s future teacher scholarships are closing Friday 12 September 2025, 11:59 pm (AEST). For Year 12 student who would make a fantastic teacher, don’t let them miss out on this exciting opportunity to be financially supported while they study to become a teacher. To find out more, visit:

Financial and Mentoring Support for High School Students Students facing financial challenges can apply for A Start in Life’s Learning for Success program. The program provides financial support, mentoring and resources to help create learning-rich environments, grow confidence, encourage self-discovery and build vital 21st century skills. For more information or to apply, contact studentassist@astartinlife.org.au or 9264 3017.

ACU Guarantee Early Offer Program- Last Weeks to Apply- Applications Close 15 September Year 12 students can apply for the ACU Guarantee program for an early university offer based on Year 11 results. Applications close in just over 2 weeks, on Monday 15 September. Up to three optional 200-word personal statements can boost selection rank by up to 10. Apply or learn more:

Get Ahead with SUN – Apply by 20 October for CQUniversity Term 3 Want to experience university while still in high school? CQUniversity’s SUN program lets you study real university units online or on campus in Term 3 starting 10 November. Complete SUN and gain direct entry to most courses (excluding quota). Apply by 20 October. Learn more:

National Fashion College Intake Limited Spaces Left for February 2026 Early Entry for National Fashion College’s February 2026 intake is open. Lock in your spot to guarantee entry, gain personalised support from an expert fashion team, and get a head start on your fashion career. Places are filling fast. Visit:

Jobs & Work Experiences for Students

Apply Now for the 2026 Career Starter Program with Australian Government Department of Finance The 2026 Australian Government Career Starter Program offers Year 12 graduates a chance to begin a full-time career in the APS while completing a Certificate IV in Government or Human Resource Management. Applications are open now. For further details and to register for an upcoming information session visit:

1300apprentice – An Employer of Choice – Registrations for 2026 Now Open 1300apprentice is not an agency, they are an employer of apprentices and trainees in a variety of vocations. They partner with leading employers who provide valuable hands-on experience, while their dedicated 1300apprentice mentors offer ongoing guidance and support throughout the apprenticeship. Register for 2026 intake now:

Help Your Students Gain Real-World Finance Experience with the FAAA The Financial Advice Association Australia (FAAA) is offering to arrange work experience opportunities for students interested in finance and financial advice careers. Students who are passionate about finance and eager to explore career options are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity. For more information or to arrange a placement, please contact: students@faaa.au.

Resources for Students

University of Newcastle | New Academic Calendar in 2026 The University of Newcastle is introducing a new Academic Calendar for 2026. The calendar offers greater flexibility and balance than ever before. This change will help students juggle the demands of work, life and study, making it easier to achieve their goals and enjoy their time at university. Semester 1 2026 starts 27 January. For more information, visit:

TAFE NSW 2026 Career Guide is Now Available With a diverse range of courses, strong industry connections and approaches to learning that suit all needs, TAFE NSW will help students to get the job they want. Download the 2026 Career Guide:

Other Information

New Campus for the Central Coast The University of Newcastle will be opening the new Mann St campus located in Gosford on the Central Coast in Semester 1, 2026. Located just 450 metres from the Central Coast Clinical School and near Gosford train station. Programs have been prioritised to meet the needs of the region and provide strong career pathways. Further information can be found at

New Suburban Study Hub Opens at Macquarie Fields, Supporting Success in Higher Education TAFE NSW has launched one of 15 new Study Hubs, helping students (18 years and older) pursue tertiary education locally. The Suburban Study Hub offers dedicated study spaces, academic and administration support to boost student success. Supported by the Australian Government through the Suburban University Study Hubs Program. Eligibility applies.

Thanks to those Year 10 students who have submitted an EOI for TVET in 2026.  They have been approved, and I have submitted them into the EVET site.  There will be more information in the coming weeks.

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

If anyone would like to do Work Experience, please come and get the paperwork from Mrs Lovern.

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

Karen McCann
Careers/VET Adviser