Careers Corner

We are over halfway through Term 2 and there is a great deal of information available on the many different post-school pathways.  The Year 12 students are hopefully looking at their post-school options and are being urged to complete resumes and cover letters as well as applying for as many different courses as possible.

Over the coming weeks I will be attending information days on various post-school pathways.  I have already attended a presentation on industry pathways and a couple of tertiary education pathways.  I am looking forward to passing on this information to the students and have already put some of this into the Careers Team OneNote for each Year Group (10, 11, 12).

I would like to encourage students and parents to check the relevant Year Group Careers Team OneNote each week for updated information on Apprenticeships, Traineeships, Scholarships and University Open days.  The JobJump section has a wealth of information about all things Careers as well.  Please make it a regular weekly occurrence to check the information here.

I will be bombarding students with emails.  So please check your emails carefully so that you don’t miss out on an opportunity if and when it becomes available.  I am constantly being made aware of job vacancies in many different areas and email these out to the students as soon as I receive them.

Next term on Thursday, 27 July there will be a “Careers Quip” here in Taree.  I am hoping that all of Years 10, 11 and 12 will go to this.  There will be many different exhibitors at this event, all with post-school employment information.  It will be an excellent opportunity to see what is available.  Details will be forthcoming in the next few weeks.  Last year was a very successful day.

Several universities are now open for early entry and several of these universities have their early entry separate from UAC.  UNE, Southern Cross, Charles Sturt and Newcastle University have various pathways and are worth considering.  Please make sure that you have a Plan A, Plan B and Plan C!

There is a PowerPoint with information about this in the Year 12 Careers OneNote with a summary of Early Entry 2024 for Year 12 2023 students.

University scholarships will begin to open over the coming months, and some have already, so if you want to choose that pathway it is very important to keep checking university websites.

APPLY, APPLY APPLY!

Many scholarships go “untaken”.  You have to be in it to win it and have nothing to lose by applying.

There are also quite a few TAFE scholarships available in different areas.  I can’t stress enough the importance of looking on the appropriate websites.

Alex from Newcastle University came to speak with the Year 12 students on Wednesday, 24 May and had a great deal of useful information for them.  Everyone received a copy of the 2024 Undergraduate Guide for Newcastle University.  If anyone was away and would like a copy of this, I have some in my office.

Those who have registered for the UCAT can access practice papers either on the UCAT website or other websites such as NIE.  Be aware that most of these other websites charge money for the papers and workshops.

If anyone needs assistance with this, please come and see me.

I would also like to encourage those Year 12 students who are applying for university to register with UAC ($78 before 30 September and $200 after this date).  Once you have done this you can apply for SRS (Schools Recommendation Scheme).  As students of St Clare’s, you automatically get the EAS consideration for being a student at a disadvantaged school and don’t have to apply for this.  There are also various other forms of disadvantage so if you think you qualify for any of these come and see me and we will go through the application process.

We have been very lucky to be included in the Trade Readiness program this year which is organised by RIEP and involves students spending two days at school looking at various trade pathways post-school.  At the moment, we have 15 Year 10 students who have expressed an interest in this.  There is no cost, and I will be handing out a permission note to those students.  This must be handed back in by the end of next week so that I can consider those on the waiting list.  Erin Lute (from RIEP) has let me know that we may be able to run another TR Program late Term 3 or early Term 4 so hopefully all those who are interested will be able to take part in this.

Year 10 students will be beginning their subject selection process and have been given access to their Year 10 Careers OneNote through their Year 10 Team.  It is very important that each student look at their strengths, passions and what they like when considering subject choices and to this end work through the booklet which they will be given a hard copy of during some of their Period 1 sessions each week.  It will also be in the Content Library of the OneNote.  Students can copy this into their own section of the OneNote and fill it in or keep using the hard copy.  There will also be a UAC guide in the Content Library which shows various university courses and their requirements as well as a link to a “subject compass” to help in making choices for Year 11.  Information about TAFE and other pathways will also be provided.  If any student is unable to access this OneNote, please come and see me.

The mentoring sessions will begin soon and of course there will be an information evening for the students and parents regarding 2024 and beyond.  The Year 11 2024 Information Evening will be held on Tuesday, 25 July.

If any Year 10 student would like to do a “TVET” course throughout 2024 and 2025, they will need to come and see me to get an expression of interest form once I have received these from TAFE.  This should happen within the next couple of weeks.  Next year TAFE are offering several online TVET subjects, and I will be providing more information regarding this in the coming weeks.  I will put a booklet in the Team OneNote which outlines the courses available for next year.  Students attend TAFE one day a week and school four days a week.  This usually occurs on a Friday, however over the past couple of years Electrotechnology has run on a Wednesday.

There is a cost associated with these courses.  Most of the courses cost up to $3500 depending on the course.  The Catholic Schools Office will subsidise these courses, however parents are expected to contribute $300 per unit per year.

Most of the courses are 2 units per year which means parent contribution is $600 per year. 

Things to remember when thinking about TVET/VET: 

1. Some EVET courses are 4 units x 1 year. This means there is a bigger workload over the year and a parent contribution of $1200 for the year.
2. Some courses have the option of an HSC Exam, others don’t.  This is written on the information sheets available for each course.
3. If a student wishes to gain an ATAR, then only 2 units can be Category B Board Developed. Only one subject can be done in this area (EVET/VET).
4. If a student does not wish to gain an ATAR, then more than one Category B (Board Developed) or Board Endorsed subject can be done.
5. Work missed at school must be caught up.
6. Compulsory Work Placement means a week out of school (35 hours per year) each year for each 2 units. If the first year is missed, then the 70 hours have to be made up in the second year.  If the course is 4 units x 1 Year, then 70 hours of Work Placement is necessary.
7. If a student does an EVET course and a VET course that means 70 hrs per year Work Placement.

The latest information from the CAA is as follows:

Courses & Workshops for Students

Academy of Interactive Technology (AIT) Workshops Book a 60-minute workshop in one of the following study streams: 2D Animation, 3D Animation, Film, Game Design or IT. A representative from the Academy of Interactive Technology will facilitate the workshop at school, workshops are designed for students in Years 9-12. Book here:

or contact juline.harb@ait.edu.au

AGrade Education and Training AGrade offer high school pathway opportunities for students in Years 11 and 12 in Certificate III Early Childhood Education and Care, Certificate III Individual Support, Certificate IV Ageing Support and a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care. For more information visit:

or contact Director, Joan Stone 0412 615 728 for more information.

Australian Academy of Beauty Dermal and Laser RTO 90094 For aspiring Beauty therapists, start a career in Beauty, Makeup, Laser and Spa management. Courses commence every 3 months and run full time, part-time or through blended learning. Register for an information session at one of 3 Sydney locations. Contact amy@aabt.com.au or 0493 450 900

Australian Pacific College | Barista Skills Training Course Master the art of coffee-making and gain valuable cafe expertise in a two-day course. Acquire practical skills essential for a hospitality career, including proper use of cafe terminology, crafting diverse coffee types, maintaining coffee machines, perfecting milk foam and texture, and even creating captivating coffee art. Discover more:

ARTiculate Series: Support and Resources for HSC Students and Teachers | The University of Sydney An online talk series ARTiculate aims to support high school students undertaking the HSC to enrich their understanding in subjects related to arts, humanities and social sciences, and serve as a resource for teachers. Upcoming sessions include English (creative writing), Spanish continuers and extension, PDHPE and more. For more information and to register:

Interested in Performance and Music? Join Sydney Conservatorium of Music (SCM) Workshops The SCM has two exciting and informative workshops coming up for prospective students | Tertiary Jazz Pre-audition workshop, 5 August. Learn about and master the audition requirements and process. Register here:

Music Theatre Chorus course, July-September - An introductory musical theatre course for students 15-22 years. Register here:

JMC Academy | Free HSC Feedback Sessions – Industry Consultation HSC students focusing on performance; acting or music can combat anxiety, boost confidence and gather workshop ideas on campus or online. One (1) hour booking with an industry professional available during the school holidays, Monday 3rd July – Saturday 15th July. Bookings:

Journalism for Senior Students Curious about journalism? Like a head start in learning the news media basics? Selected introductory units from JSchool Journalism College’s Diploma of Journalism are available online to senior secondary students. For further information:

or text 0493 099 463.  

UCAT National Institute of Education (NIE) | Attention Year 10, 11 and 12: UCAT Preparation Workshop NIE is conducting a full-day UCAT Preparation Workshop on 10 June 2023 (live online interactive). To register:

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

Information Sessions for Students & Parents

UCAT National Institute of Education (NIE) | FREE Webinar | UCAT, Interviews, Pathways into Medicine & Dentistry | 5 June 2023 The National Institute of Education will be presenting a webinar about UCAT, interviews, pathways into medicine and dentistry. Register here:

or contact: enquiries@nie.edu.au or call (02) 4367 0404 / 0412 439 115 / 0404 197 178

Australian Academy of Beauty Dermal and Laser RTO 90094 Weekly Information Evenings beginning 7 June, 7pm held at 3 Sydney locations: Bella Vista, Rockdale and North Strathfield. Please register for a tour and to hear about career opportunities studying Beauty Therapy Dermal and Laser. Careers Adviser Amy Valenti, amy@aabt.com.au or 0493 450 900

Komatsu Fairfield Apprentice Open Day | Wednesday 7 June 2023 Explore the world of apprenticeships at Komatsu’s Open Day. Witness live workshops, ask questions and kickstart a career in design and manufacture of industrial machinery at Komatsu. Register now:

Charles Sturt University | Charles Sturt Advantage Early Offer Program Information Session The first round of offers for the Charles Sturt Advantage early offer program have now been sent and round two is currently open. If students have questions or would like to learn more about the application process and benefits, Charles Sturt are holding a free online information session Wednesday 7 June at 6:30pm. Book here:

Charles Sturt University | EngFest 2023 EngFest is Charles Sturt University’s annual three-day celebration of civil engineering, with exhibitions and presentations of student works and research, school visits and information sessions, a careers expo, industry networking and professional development events. Held at Charles Sturt Bathurst campus, EngFest is on 6-8 June 2023. Book here:

The Hotel School Australia - Open Campus Experience life as a student at The Hotel School’s ‘Masterclass in Sustainable Business Practices’ during Open Campus on Saturday 17 June from 10:00am-1:00pm. Learn about The Hotel School’s courses and have questions answered. Limited spots available, parents and friends welcome. Register:

For more information contact: anne.mccrory@scu.edu.au

Charles Sturt University | Open Day 2023 Held at all 6 Charles Sturt University campuses, attendees will be inspired by Charles Sturt academics, explore the state-of-the-art facilities and chat to current Charles Sturt students. For dates and campus’ visit:

Grandshake | Upskilling Week 19 – 23 June 2023 Supporting the United Nations' World Youth Skills Day is a week-long event recognising the importance of equipping young people with the necessary skills to succeed in their careers and lives. Celebrate skilling with prizes and awards for students while also gaining real skills.

Study at Australian Catholic University (ACU) | Regional and Remote Student Information Session Learn about ACU entry programs, student accommodation and scholarships as well as hear from current students about their experiences living in accommodation. Join online Tuesday 20 June, 6–6.30pm. Register now:

Woolworths Behind the Scenes Plant Room Tour to Celebrate World Refrigeration Day On 26 June, Woolworths will be opening the plantroom doors to showcase the latest technology in sustainable commercial refrigeration. This is an opportunity for students curious about a career in refrigeration and the Woolworths apprenticeship program. Register here:

Bedford College Open Day August 5, 2023 | Save the Date Bedford College Open Day, August 5, 10am-4pm at 2 Columbia Court, Norwest. Free food and coffee, as well as prizes and giveaways. Meet college trainers and get a feel for what it's like to study at Bedford College with a campus tour. Entry is free. Call 1300 174 174 or email for more information: enquire@bedford.edu.au

Upcoming Events for Prospective Students - June Edition | The University of Sydney In-person and online events in June: Sydney Conservatorium of Music Portfolio Evening, Thursday 1 June | Year 12 Indigenous Pathways Information Night, Thursday 15 June | Webinars on: the MySydney entry and scholarship scheme, entry schemes and admission pathways, interaction design, nursing, law, agricultural science, dentistry | For more information and to register:

Scholarships, Early Entry, Alternative Pathways

Australian Catholic University (ACU) Guarantee Opening Date Guarantee a place at ACU before Year 12 exams. ACU Guarantee offers eligible Year 12 students a place at ACU based on their Year 11 results. Applications open Monday 24 July. Apply here:

Crown Institute of Higher Education Scholarships Gold, Silver, Dean's and Indigenous Pathways Scholarships available for students studying at Crown Institute of Higher Education. Scholarships valued up to $34,000.

Job & Work Experience for Students

AGrade Education and Training AGrade’s objective is to have happy high school students who ‘Want to Study and Become the Best Ever in Their Chosen Career Path’. AGrade courses offer paid work experience at one of their many Long Day Centres or Out of School Hours (OOSH) Centres.

or contact Director Joan Stone 0412 615 728.

YouthXP Jobs and Courses Platform for Youth between 15-24 Years YouthXP jobs and courses platform is designed with features such as the ability to add availability, recognition of achievements in school and sports, and much more to fit in with each lifestyle. To sign up visit

Long Track Pantry | Jugiong NSW Gap Year Programme Wanting an adventure as well as learning hospitality skills along the way?  Long Track Pantry are in search of enthusiastic and energetic people to join the team. Long Track Pantry offer 6 and 12 month gap year placements. Accommodation available with flexible workdays and hours. For more information and to apply:

or careers@longtrackpanty.com.au

Australian Pacific College | Work integrated Learning APC's work-integrated learning programs boost employability skills, aligning students with their desired professions. Work Placement is mandatory for select courses, providing invaluable industry experience. ProjectBase offers students extracurricular involvement in real-world projects. Discover more at:

Traineeships, Cadetships, Apprenticeships - Information & Opportunities

Apprenticeships Are Us | Automotive Apprenticeships Multiple apprenticeships available across NSW. Contact: careers@apprus.com.au

Autosports Group (ASG) A large, listed, national retail automotive group representing prestige and luxury automotive brands. ASG have opportunities for automotive and parts apprenticeships and sale trainees. Also offering school-based apprenticeships. Email: careers@autosportsgroup.com.au

A reminder to those students who might be interested in Work Experience to come and see me and collect the necessary paperwork.

I am happy to meet with anyone who has questions regarding Careers and/or TVET.  The students can write their names in one of the “white spaces” on the timetable on my office door and I can be contacted by phone (6552 3300) or email karen.mccann@mn.catholic.edu.au.

Karen McCann
Careers/VET Adviser