Careers Corner

We are certainly back into the full swing of things here at School.

If you are interested in a Career in medicine or dentistry post school, you will more than likely need to sit the UCAT ANZ (University Clinical Aptitude Test for Australia and New Zealand).  You should visit the UCAT website for information:

Important UCAT ANZ 2022 Dates

Candidates taking the UCAT ANZ in 2022 for entry to universities in Australia and New Zealand in 2023 should note these key dates (deadline times are in AEST - Australian Eastern Standard Time):

Test fees

All fees are charged in Australian dollars.

The additional late fee of $85 applies to all bookings made during the late booking window.  The late fee is non-refundable.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask me.

Careers Day

On Friday, 18 February, Year 12 had their first and only full Careers Day at school.  They were asked to check their NESA information, listen to our guest speakers, look at starting a resume and think about how they can help themselves through the challenges of the coming year.

We were very lucky to have three guest speakers from three very different industry backgrounds, who informed the students about some of the many different post-school pathways available in our local area.

Sophia from the HR department of the MidCoast Council spoke about the many different careers on offer at MCC, from apprenticeships and traineeships through to university graduate opportunities.

Erin spoke about the career opportunities available through Community Services – again from apprenticeships and traineeships through to university graduate positions.

Sophia (HR at MCC), Denise (R&R Property Management) and Erin (RIEP) 

Finally, Denise (R & R Property Managing Director), spoke to the students about the many career pathways in Real Estate.

They all stressed how important it is to have a good resume and cover letter.  They all agreed that showing your skills through volunteer work or Work Experience is invaluable and encouraged the students to consider doing this.

It is extremely important that all students have up-to-date resumes and a specific cover letter for at least two different choices of career.  This can be done via Job Jump, My Future, My Future Finder (UNE) and “Word”.  We will continue to develop these in the coming weeks in our Careers sessions on Fridays during Period 1 and I am encouraging the students to save these in their Careers OneNote.

A special thank you also to Mrs Rowsell who spoke about Trade pathways.  The information she shared was excellent and the students were very impressed with this.

Finlay O’Connell (Year 12, 2021) came to talk to the students about her post school pathway through Minerva University and had many words of wisdom for the current Year 12 cohort.  Thanks so much Finlay for giving up your time to be with us.

I will be asking the students over the coming weeks if they have “made their bed” in the mornings.  Please ask them what this means!

A huge thanks to Mrs Avery and Mr Curtis for their assistance on the day.  It was lovely to have you there.

I have also included some information regarding coping and dealing with stress over the coming year.  The students will also be taking part in a course specifically aimed at this.  Mr Curtis will be giving more details this week.

University Pathways/Early Entry Information

Over the coming weeks we will be spending quite a bit of time during our Careers sessions with Year 12 looking at the various university pathways and the information needed to follow this pathway, as well as Early Entry information.

Speaking of which, Charles Sturt University has already opened their Early Entry pathway.  Please see below:

Charles Sturt Advantage Early Offer Program 2022

After making almost 4000 offers in 2021, Charles Sturt Advantage is back and looking a little different in 2022!

Key updates include:

• Students need to upload their own Year 11 results and we will arrange for verification. 
• Applications are open already, with applications open all the way through to August. In order for students to receive an offer in early May for Round 1, they will need to apply by 31 March.

What stays the same:

• Students will be required to complete Year 12 to gain a place in our exclusive early offer program.
• The assessment questions – focusing on resilience, empathy and motivation to create a world worth living in.
• Most courses are still on offer, and much like last year we expect popular courses to be filled in Round 1. After Advantage, those courses can be applied for via standard UAC/VTAC process.
• There will be online Charles Sturt Advantage information sessions for students and parents, with the first being held on the evening of Tuesday, 1 March.  Book your spot now.   

Finally, thanks to all the students for your input and great behaviour on the day.

It was a little disappointing that a significant number of students left after the NESA information session.  They missed out on important careers information.  I have students asking for information about post-school pathways all the time and this is always a great opportunity to find out more about Apprenticeships, Traineeships, Universities and other post-school pathways.  We also touched on coping strategies and the importance of working together as the year progresses.

It is very important that all the students gain as much information as possible about the many post-school pathways on offer so that they have options at the end of their schooling.

Please remember to check the Careers section of the school website and the Careers OneNote for information about university days, apprenticeship and traineeship information and the latest information from Job Jump.

We are also very fortunate to be having more guest speakers from other industries.  I look forward to hearing from James Turnham, Head Lifeguard Port Macquarie Region – Australian Lifeguard Service; Valley Industries; Dillon Rural; Local Land Services and Mavin Trucks.  Thanks to Erin Lute (RIEP) for sourcing this.  We are hoping to arrange a time for them to come in and/or Zoom the students.

The Year 10, 11 and 12 students have access to their own Careers OneNote, and I am encouraging them to keep PINs, passwords, resumes etc. here.  This will help me to help the students.

The latest information and news from the Careers Association of Australia (CAA).

Courses & Workshops for Students

Engineers Australia Discover Engineering 14 March registration open for groups of Year 7-10.   Full day incl design & build a plane; a floating house; a water filtration system.  Facilitators zoom into your classroom, Engineers on school grounds if possible.  Vouchers for tech equipment provided: register:

Engineers Australia 2022 Schools Engagement Calendar available for download.  Incl:Regular full day programs based on design thinking & project based learning for Years 7-10; Engineering your Future 2022 for Years 10-12; new Winter school for Year 11 & Engineering Summer School for Year 12. Download:

SAE Creative Media Institute SAE is excited to engage with Careers Advisers to discuss opportunities available for school based learning and pathways to creative arts education for students post school. Contact your local SAE Schools Engagement Officer today

Western Sydney University Registrations for Western’s Undergraduate Certificate online courses are open to the community. With the short courses in Health, Information Technology, and Environmental Sustainability potential to lead to a Diploma and even an undergraduate degree the choice is yours. Find out more at:

iCanMed Book a Free Medical Entry Webinar/Workshop for Your School: iCanMed is running free, school-specific webinars in Term 1 to help Year 11-12 students interested in medicine/dentistry. These 2-hr webinars focus on UCAT, but also cover interviews and selection processes for med/dent schools. To book a free webinar for your school (minimum 20 interested students), please email ray.cho@icanmed.com.au

Information Sessions for Students & Parents

Engineers Australia For Year 10-12 students - Engineering your Future 2022 will be a series of small group, live video chats with Uni Students, Grads & Professional Engineers. Sessions will guided by your questions; topic areas eg: which Uni; which discipline; future tech etc based on your interests & ideas. Register & tell us!

- Parents, Teachers & Advisors encouraged!

Macquarie University Year 12 Information Session (Online) 3 May 2022 - A series of short talks given by Macquarie university representatives and current students. We’ll cover everything students will need to know to prepare them for university study including important dates and early entry. Register to receive updates on upcoming events here:

Macquarie University Year 10 Subject Selection session (Online) 4 May 2022 - A series of short talks on the importance of informed subject selection, how choice of subjects can help at university, and how admission to Macquarie works. Register to receive updates on upcoming events here:

Macquarie University Open Day 13 August 2022 - Students can learn how Macquarie's industry connections, passion for collaboration, and appetite for unconventional thinking will help them achieve remarkable things. Register to receive updates on upcoming events here:

NSW Police Force – Recruitment Information Session - How to join the NSW Police Force Information & Practice PCT Sessions - NSW Police Recruitment

TAFE NSW Launch your Career in Cyber Security Event. Tuesday 15 March 2022, 10am-11am. Give your students insight into a dynamic industry where they can develop skills to identify potential security threats, monitor cyber-attacks risks and defend the virtual world against breaches. Register your students for this online event which will take a deeper dive into the world of cyber security.

UAC Year 12 Conference Registration is now open to attend this important information session for students and parents. Listen to 20 institutions speak on many topics such as early entry, scholarships, accommodation and what's on offer to students for the 2023 academic year. When: Tuesday 26 April 2022 at 6 PM Register your attendance at

Sydney Design School Curious about a creative career in interior design? Australia's award winning school is hosting an Info Session Thursday 17 March at 5.30pm. Join them at Sydney Design School 2/40 Oxley St, St Leonards. Register to attend on campus or online via Zoom at

The next intake for their accredited career courses is July 2022.

Ella Baché College of Skin & Beauty Therapy For the month of February, Ella Baché College of Skin and Beauty Therapy will be holding weekly Virtual Opens Days on Thursdays at 1:30pm. Secure your place through the below link.

To learn more, please contact Course & Careers Advisor Camilla Galagher on 02 8423 5615 or

William Angliss Institute If you missed the 2022 February intake, you will still have a chance to enrol for the next available intake in March 28. The admission process is simple, and all the courses that do not require an ATAR for entry are listed on the official website:

Jobs & Work Experience for Students

Careers at Council is the go-to site for information about jobs in local government -

Search councils by location -

and look for information about Entry Level Opportunities -

Work experience will need to be arranged directly with your local council.

Academy of Interactive Entertainment Experience a Career in Games & Film, Work Experience at Academy of Interactive Entertainment Learn about digital industries and experience working in games and film development. Activities include 3D Animation, Programming and QA Testing in a hands-on studio environment.  Applications for 2022 are open! Places limited.

Resources for Students

Study Medicine provides information for all 56 medicine degree paths. The monthly listing gives offers, interviews and deadline info (join the mailing list) and quiz assesses a student’s chance to be accepted into medicine

Subscribe to Study Medicine for all detailed degree pathway information

https://www.studymedicine.com.au/

TAFE Pathways Brochures – Find a large range of occupational pathway brochures on this link. If you have not already seen them they are very useful to provide to students and parents.

Scholarships, Early Entry, Alternative Pathways

Just launched, the Tech for Good Hub, is a physical and digital incubator for founders working on solutions addressing sustainable development goals. With support from the City of Sydney, the Tech for Good Hub provides a resource-rich learning and collaborative knowledge-sharing environment for founders who are working on ventures that are creating ambitious solutions for sustainable development. They are offering 30 Scholarships (no fee and no equity) for early-stage ventures, based in the City of Sydney LGA, to participate in a nine-month program. Learn more here

Ultimo College TAFE NSW Tertiary Preparation Course : Alternative Pathway to University please click here for more information.

Other News

Torrens University Australia Thinking of going to uni this year? It’s not too late to apply; you can still score a spot at Torrens University Australia. For most courses, all you need is your Year 12 Certificate. Torrens University also offers alternative pathways to entry into courses. Apply now:

Western Sydney University Western's Women of the West Awards is an annual initiative to honour women in Western Sydney and formally recognise their contribution to the development of the region. Nominations for this year’s three categories (Business, Community and Young Woman) are open until Sunday 27 March.

Western Sydney University Westmead Innovation Quarter is officially opening in March. A world-class health, medical and education research centre in Westmead will deliver health, social and economic benefits for Western Sydney.

There is a copy of my timetable up on my office door with blank spots when I can talk to students, so please, everyone, check it out and come and see me at some stage.

White Card

On Wednesday, 9 March, there will be a White Card Course being run at St Clare’s.  “Men At Work” will deliver the course to the students.  These courses have to be delivered face-to-face in NSW for the card to be valid and all students who wish to work or do Work Experience in the Construction industry must have a valid White Card.  It is also compulsory for al Construction students to have completed this.  The cost will be $125, and we have to have 12 students for the course to run.  I have emailed all students in Years 10, 11 and 12 asking for an expression of interest.

Health Careers Forum

We are once again able to go to the Health Careers Forum at the Manning Rural Health Centre which is being held on Tuesday, 8 March.  There will be information about many different Health Careers, and it is wonderful that it is held in Taree.  At the moment I have a couple of spots left as we are only allowed to take 25 students – it is open to Year 11 and Year 12 students.  We will be attending the morning session and will leave St Clare’s at 9 am, returning at 11:30 am.

Year 11 Sports Coaching

It was my very great pleasure to accompany our Year 11 Sports Coaching class to Gloucester on Thursday, 10 February, where they assisted at the Manning Regional Primary School Swimming Carnival.  St Joseph’s Taree provided the transport – thanks to Lisa Bourke for organising this.

The students were amazing, and everyone has sung their praises!  Thank you for being such wonderful ambassadors for St Clare’s.  It was a pleasure to be with you on the day.  Many of the students have also helped at the school swimming carnival.  Most of the students have now completed 12 hours of their 70 compulsory Work Placement hours which is excellent.

Work Experience

I would like to remind everyone about Work Experience.  It is available again!  Please come and see me if you would like to do this.  I now have the current insurance documents, so we are good to go.

Year 11 and Year 12 students may complete this during school time or school holidays; however, Years 9 and 10 students have to complete this during school time.

Karen McCann
Careers/VET Adviser