Careers Corner 

We have reached the end of a very busy Term 3.  I hope that everyone is keeping safe and well. 

Year 12 are done and dusted with regard to their classes and are heading into their HSC exams.  We would like to wish them the very best of luck. 

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 $82 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 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 have just completed 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. 

Inspired – Year 11 

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 

Dear 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 this 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 thankyou goes out to the many local businesses who take our students for this very valuable experience.

Careers Association of Australia (CAA)

The latest news from the CAA is as follows:

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

Sydney Design School Information Session Wednesday 1 October 1.00pm Early entry is now open for Sydney Design School with no ATAR and a pathway to university. Find out more about a career in interior design at their Info Session, Wednesday 1 October 1.00pm. Join Sydney Design School on campus or online. Register:

myfuture Webinar: Navigating your Post-school Plans with Confidence, 15 October 6.00pm In this webinar, Dr Michael Healy, myfuture's National Career Education Manager, will share six simple ideas that will help you think about your future with confidence, including why the ATAR might not be as important as you think, why it’s okay if you don’t know what you want to do, how to research your options, and who to talk to for help. Visit:

TAFE NSW | Bradfield Senior College Open Day – Tuesday 21 October Calling all HSC students interested in preparation for the creative industries or completing Year 12 through pathways. Whether pursuing ATAR or vocational options, explore creative opportunities in art, music, design, performance, animation or filmmaking. Join Bradfield Senior College at their Open Day on Tuesday 21 October. Register here:

Charles Sturt University Virtual Parent Information Evening ‘Thinking Ahead: Supporting your Teen's Journey to University’ The Online Parent Information Session on Wednesday 22 October 2025 (6.30pm to 7.30pm) offers expert guidance to help parents support their teens exploring university options at Charles Sturt. It will cover early offers, scholarships, accommodation, and include insights from current students and their parents. Register here:

myfuture webinar: Discover your Future in Cyber Security, 22 October 6.00pm If you're a student who enjoys solving puzzles, thinking critically, or exploring technology software and hardware, cyber security could make for an exciting future career. Whether you're just curious or ready to dive in, this session will help you understand what it takes to have a meaningful tech career in cyber security.

AIBI Webinar - How Artificial Intelligence is Shaping Digital Transformation in Organisations AIBI Higher Education’s Senior Lecturer and AI expert, Mr Arda Tezcan, presents this Zoom webinar on Thursday 23 October at 1.00pm. Whether you’re exploring career options or ready to take your first step into business or artificial intelligence, this session will equip you with the knowledge and inspiration to get started. Register:

The University of Sydney’s Ngara Future Focus Program Join USYD on campus 24 October for a fun and informative day exploring the University of Sydney’s history, study pathways, and student support services. This event is open to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Year 11 students in metropolitan Sydney who will be entering Year 12 in 2026. Register here:

myfuture Webinar: Coping with Emotional Challenges in Career Development - ASK RU OK? 28 October 12.00pm Young people face uncertain employment pathways in their futures and often feel enormous pressure to make the ‘right’ career decisions to ensure success. The panel of guest presenters will offer practical tips and advice for helping young people cope with the emotional challenges that are so central to career development learning.

Australian Academy of Beauty Dermal Laser Information Evenings Join the Australian Academy of Beauty Dermal at the AABT Information Evenings and discover why they are one of Australia’s most prestigious Beauty, Spa, Laser & Dermal Academies. Learn about their 2026 Diploma courses, tour luxury student spas, and secure your place. 4 Sydney locations: Bella Vista, Rockdale, North Strathfield and Sydney CBD. Visit:

Canberra Institute of Technology Open Day 2025 - Friday 14 November 2025 Join CIT Open Day 2025 and experience what it’s like to study at one of Canberra’s leading vocational education providers. Whether you're finishing school, upskilling or ready for a career change, this is your chance to explore your options, meet expert teachers and see their state-of-the-art facilities in action. Friday 14 November 2025 CIT Woden and CIT Bruce 1.00pm to 6.00pm. Visit:

The University of Sydney’s Indigenous Futures Webinar: Last Chance for Scholarship Applications As the scholarship application deadline approaches, this yarn will offer a final opportunity for you to ask any remaining questions about scholarship applications. Don’t miss this chance to ensure you’re fully prepared. Register here:

Courses & Workshops for Students

Australian Community Education College | Certificate III in Early Childhood Education - SBAT Start your career in childcare with the CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at Australian Community Education College. Get real skills, workplace experience, and a nationally recognised qualification. A rewarding future starts here. Email: mark@acec.edu.au to learn more.

CQU Applications Now Open | Start November 2025 or March 2026 CQU applications are now open for Term 3 (November 2025) and Term 1 (March 2026). Students can explore flexible study options across a wide range of degrees and pathways. Visit

to apply or learn more.

ACAP Calm & Conquer Online Workshop | Preparation for Exams Calm and Conquer is a virtual toolkit for navigating the challenges of Year 12 exams with confidence and composure. This free online workshop series equips students with practical tools for exam success. September 30 at 3pm. To register:

HSC Exam Preparation Masterclasses (Year 12) @ University of Sydney & Macquarie University During the holidays (Monday 29 September – Friday 3 October), InspirationED is running small-group, subject-specific Masterclasses led by senior HSC teachers. Students will practise exam questions, review top-band exemplars, and receive live, targeted feedback to maximise marks. Limited places.

JMC Academy | High School Workshops & Competitions School Holiday Workshops for all courses are running between 27 September and 4 October. Less than two weeks until High School Competitions Closes. Exciting Prizes to be won. (Head to the JMC website

for details for both initiatives). *JMC music alumni, Liam Doyle, is set to represent at the Careers Advisers Association's 50^th Anniversary in October 2025 at the Sheraton Grand.*

SAE Create for a Day | School Holiday Workshop 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. Head to

Arrive & Thrive | Career Development Workshops in Term 4 Arrive & Thrive is a career education company that helps high school students thrive in their careers. They have pockets of availability in Term 4 in Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, Week 7, Week 9, and Week 10. Ideal workshops for Term 4 include: Curious Careers, Applying for Work and Goal Setting & Habits Workshop for Year 11. Download their workshop brochure at

The Lemon Car Road Safety Program Attention to PDHD or whoever runs road safety. The Lemon Car (TLC) is starting to receive bookings for presentations for Year 10-11 students for road safety for October, November and December. Unlike other programs TLC brings a car to your school and students come outside to walk around TLC and check the car for roadworthiness. Contact Mark, email: mark@thelemoncar.com.au One hour show, 50-80 students per hour.

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 & augmented reality designer, renewable energy engineering, laboratory geneticist, cyber security, automation & robotics engineer, or health informatics. Visit:

Enter the World of Le Cordon Bleu Careers Residential High school students in Years 11 and 12 can join Le Cordon Bleu Sydney’s Careers Residential on 25–26 Nov 2025 ($500, redeemable on enrolment). Experience hands-on culinary and hospitality workshops, meet lecturers and industry experts. Le Cordon Bleu- 250 Blaxland Rd, Ryde NSW. Enquiries: Joan Kim, jkim@cordonbleu.edu.

Expressions of Interest for the University of Sydney’s Year 11 Gadalung Program Now Open 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 here:

Scholarships, Early Entry, Alternate Pathways

UNSW Indigenous Australian Engineering School Apply for UNSW Indigenous Australian Engineering School (IAES). This one-week residential program is designed for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students who will be in Years 10, 11, or 12 in 2026. Dates: 11-17 January 2026. Cost: Completely free for students, including travel, accommodation, and meals. Apply:

S P Jain School of Global Management - Scholarships for Bachelor of Data Science SP Jain Sydney Campus is proud to offer merit-based scholarships for domestic students enrolling in the Bachelor of Data Science. Students achieving an ATAR of 70 will receive an 80% scholarship, those with 80+ ATAR will get 90%, and a 90 ATAR will secure 100%. Scholarships are maintained through strong academic performance and require a Mathematics entrance exam as part of the selection process. Apply now to advance your data science career with a world-class education at SP Jain Sydney Campus.

Financial Support to Help Students Discover their Strengths and Direction A Start in Life supports students who are doing it tough by providing practical help to explore goals, fund activities that build confidence, and develop essential life and career skills. The program complements in-school efforts and is especially valuable for students with limited home support. For referral info, contact studentassist@astartinlife.org.au or 9264 3017.

Westpac | Young Technologists Scholarship The Westpac Young Technologists Scholarship is tailored for high school graduates eager to enhance their technology skills, foster innovation, and make a positive impact in STEM. Applications for the 2026 Westpac Young Technologists scholarship are now open. Visit the page to find out more on eligibility criteria:

Western Sydney University Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Entry Program November Assessments 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 2026. The next assessment round commences from 18-15 November. Visit here for dates and details:

WSU Design Portfolio and Music Auditions Western offers a range of alternative ways to get into university which consider additional factors besides academic results. Find out about Music audition, and Industrial Design and Visual Communications portfolios pathways, and more:

Katrina Dawson Foundation Scholarship at the Women's College within The University of Sydney KDF Scholarships provide exceptional students with financial support to live at Women's College while studying at university and to have benefits of its vibrant and supportive community. Academic merit, proven leadership and a record of outstanding engagement are key criteria for consideration. Applications close 5.00pm 7 October 2025. Apply:

Jobs & Work Experiences for Students

Councils Now Recruiting Apprentices Local councils across NSW are now recruiting apprentices to start in 2026, with around 300 roles on offer. The roles are funded through the NSW Government’s Fresh Start program which aims to provide genuine career opportunities while helping councils to build strong, skilled and sustainable workforces. To learn more, contact your council or go to

Master Builders Association of NSW 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. Starts 5 January 2026. For further information go to:

APM Futures Update APM Futures offer both School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) and Employment Support Services, including group and 1:1 supports, vocational assessments, skills development and capacity building and psycho-social recovery coaching. They are a registered NDIS provider focused on helping participants aged 15–22 transition from school to employment. Please contact: William.Ortiz@apm.net.au.  

Resources for Students

Agriculture, Food and AFAM ITAB - New Manufacturing Careers Website for Career Attraction Program. The Manufacturing Industry Skills Alliance (MISA) Jobs and Skills Council has produced a new careers website to address workforce shortages and attraction to industry. Please share with students

Overseas Medical Experience Webinar Recording Projects Abroad recently recorded a webinar on their overseas medical experience projects for high school students. The recording is here

More details on the programs are on their website -

There are program dates this summer in Cambodia, Nepal and Spain with spaces available.

What Can I Study? Playlist Western has created a video series titled What Can I Study? — a helpful resource showcasing the diverse range of courses available at Western. This YouTube playlist is designed to give students a clear and engaging overview of potential study paths, helping them feel more confident in their choices.

AI Explores Creers and Courses that Match your Unique Personality AI at your command. Students who complete the MyCareerMatch quiz can now chat with MyCareerMatch AI to explore careers, study options and pathways that match their personality strengths. By uploading their report, they can ask questions, discover courses, clarify requirements and receive instant personalised guidance anytime. Find out:

The Year 10 students have now made their subject selections for 2026 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 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. 

I will be organising another White Card course on 28 October this year.  In order to complete the White Card course a student must 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.  The cost for this is $150 and the course is run by Learning Live. 

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