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 last Wednesday.  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 (6552 3300) or by email (karen.mccann@mn.catholic.edu.au) to arrange a suitable time to meet. 

To this end, I have been contacted by Newcastle University regarding an upcoming event aimed at helping students and parents navigate the stresses associated with the Higher School Certificate. 

Please see below information regarding the partnership between InspirationED and University of Newcastle to register for upcoming HSC seminars to relieve stress and anxiety for students starting Year 10, 11 and 12. 

We know how overwhelming the HSC can be at all stages, which is why we have partnered with InspirationED to present a set of free seminars designed to handle stress and motivate students in the lead up to their studies.   

Here’s what’s on the agenda: 

• Practical tips to handle stress & motivation 
• Tried-and-true strategies to nail your HSC 
• A straightforward guide to understanding the ATAR 
• An English seminar on the common module & how to write better essays. 

For parents, we also have practical tips on how to support your child through the HSC. 

Why your students will love these sessions:   

• Real Insights: Direct, actionable advice. In these 45-min sessions, we’ll share the best study strategies, exam techniques, and ways to stay on track during your HSC year/s.  
• Wisdom from the Experts: Our seminars feature expert HSC Markers and qualified counsellors ready to share their tips and years of experience.  

Register now for this half-day event from 9:30 am to 12:15 pm on Saturday 18 November. 

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.  There is an SBAT in Horticulture at one of the local Aged Care facilities (this applies to students in Year 10 now going into Year 11 in 2024), work at a couple of local dentist practices (Junior Dental Assistant – for students who wish to leave school) and casual work at a local burger café for students who would like part-time casual work. 

Please come and see me or email me if you are interested. 

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. 

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. 

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

Student Experience Opportunity | 3-day Agricultural Camp Feed the world' camp is a three-day experience for Year 11 and Year 12 students interested in finding out more about agricultural science and career pathways stemming from an agricultural science degree. This event is held in Northwest Tasmania. Applications close on 27 October 2023. Registrations:

Sydney Actors School | Applications Open for 2024 Applications to study at Sydney Actors School in 2024 are now open. Study acting for stage and screen, taught by industry-working professionals. Learn how to write, direct, crew, and edit own films. Work on a number of stage productions and short films. Apply here:

Sydney Film School | Applications Open for 2024 Applications to study at Sydney Film School in 2024 are now open. Classes in all aspects of film making, ranging from screenwriting, to producing, directing, to post-production classes. Build a portfolio with projects from a music video, to short films. Apply here:

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 at:

Information Sessions for Students & Parents

Projects Abroad - Overseas Service Programs Webinar Projects Abroad has 2023/24 dates for overseas service and volunteer programs for Year 10-12 students; practical, safe and insightful. Students can join as individuals or with friends and have 24/7 support from Projects Abroad's local team. This webinar recording

explains how the program works and looks options and destinations.

Information Sessions at TAFE NSW Offered online or at a participating campus, information sessions allow students to discover how TAFE NSW can help them to get the skills they need for the careers they want. Register:

Australian Pacific College | Take a Virtual Tour of APC's Campuses Australian Pacific College (APC) believes that every student should love where they learn. That’s why they have established campuses in some of Australia’s most beautiful and iconic locations. Visit

to explore the state-of-the-art facilities via the virtual tour.

University of Sydney | Upcoming Events for Prospective Students Discover the journey to university, 29 November | Webinars on: Studying science, Designing students futures with a Bachelor of Arts, Studying design at Sydney, Pathways to studying law, Careers in early education, Exercise and sport science, Studying business. For more information and to register:

Charles Sturt University | Change of Preference If Year 12 students need assistance ordering their preferences in UAC, Charles Sturt has made it easier for them. Visit Charles Sturt's dedicated page for Year 12 students where they'll find helpful guidance around preferences, FAQ's and information on how offers work. See the site here:

Charles Sturt University | ATAR Advice Days To coincide with ATARs being released, Charles Sturt will be holding ATAR Advice Days on 14 and 15 December 2023. These days are designed for Year 12 students to come to campus and chat with the Charles Sturt team about their preferences, course information, pathway options and more. Charles Sturt can also show students around campus. More details to come, please save the date.

Invitation to The Hotel School Information Evening | Wednesday 8 November, 5pm Students interested in embarking on a journey that will take them around the world? Invite the students to THS Information Evening on Wednesday, 8 November, 5pm at THS Sydney Campus. Learn about THS courses, meet the team, and more. Limited spots available. Register:

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

Australian Pacific College | What are the Principles of Design Thinking?  Learn how design thinking can ignite creativity and problem-solving in APC’s latest blog. Follow the design thinking process, from problem-solving and inspiration to ideation, design development, experimentation, and refinement. Discover how design thinking empowers everyone to tackle challenges and create innovative solutions. Read more at:

Career Options in Allied Health Understand a career in Allied Health. Watch the NSW Health YouTube video at:

Free Career Tool and Report In 45 minutes, students create their own ‘careers report’. The tool can be accessed using any Wi-Fi enabled smart device. Students create a list that suits them, and that they’ve self-selected. There is also a paid option to view the individual reports online, along with software that ranks the career interests of all students. Register:

Scholarships, Early Entry, Alternative Pathways

AIQS Scholarships for Construction Management Available 2023 AIQS, the peak body for Quantity Surveying offers scholarships for Year 12 students who qualify for entry into a quantity surveying or construction management course accredited by AIQS. The scholarship is valued at $5,000 and includes $4,000 cash, AIQS published textbooks, student membership, and one year of graduate membership. Applications close 31 October, Contact: education@aiqs.com.au or 02 8234 4000.

NSW Health Scholarships | Aboriginal Rural Allied Health University Student Scholarship NSW Health offering a scholarship of $10,000 to assist with training costs. Inviting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students who are enrolled in an Allied Health degree and are from a rural background to apply. Inquiries:

Visit:   

Applications close 20 October.

AIQS Scholarship Applications Closing 31 October For those who are interested in a career in the construction industry, please head to the AIQS Donald Napier Scholarship page to learn more about how to apply for a scholarship that will grant $5,000 in assistance to complete university studies. Visit:

Applications close 31 October.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pathway Program Assessment – November Round The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pathway Program is an alternative entry pathway opportunity for Indigenous people wishing to receive an early offer for study in 2024. The next assessment round commences from 13-21 November. For dates and details:

HSC True Reward Application Deadline for Next Offer Round HSC True Reward provides Year 12 students completing the HSC an early offer into Western based on Year 11 or 12 results, instead of a scaled ATAR. Applications for 2024 entry are open, with the next offer round based on Year 11 results released on 16 November. Find out more:

CQUniversity | Scholarships Open CQU scholarship applications are now open. The pressure of paying for study materials, relocation and living expenses can be eased by applying for a scholarship. The application process is easy, with three categories to choose from: Donor-Funded, HEPPP-Funded, and Dare to Be Deadly Scholarships. Explore all options at

University of Sydney | Admission Pathways for Undergraduate Entry Entry schemes help students make the most of their qualifications by recognising circumstances, special achievements and other abilities and activities. These include various backgrounds, educational disadvantage/disruption, academic achievement and students in leadership positions. Applications vary between schemes. For more information:

Job & Work Experience for Students

Expressions Of Interest for 2024 Apprenticeships Autosports Group are now taking applications for apprentice mechanics to start late 2023, early 2024. Locations all over Sydney working with some of the best brands in the world. Email: Trish Tyler at ttyler@autosportsgroup.com.au to register interest.

NSW 2024 Traineeship Intake AFL SportsReady is seeking expressions of interest from school-leavers looking to secure a traineeship, commencing in 2024. Full time paid traineeship with national training wage award plus 11% superannuation. A free qualification ranging from a Certificate II, III, IV with no HECS debt. Apply:

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