Careers Corner

This week sees the end of Week 4 Term 4.

The Year 12 students completed their HSC exams yesterday– woohoo!  Well done to everyone on your efforts.  Don’t forget, Year 12, to bring back your textbooks and complete your pink sign-out form. 

The Year 12 Graduation ceremony begins at 5:00 pm on Friday, 10 November.  It will be wonderful to celebrate with the students the culmination of their school years. 

I would like to remind anyone that is applying for EAS via UAC that the due date for all this information is Midnight Thursday, 23 November 2023 to ensure you receive your eligibility letter in time to change your preferences for Round 2. 

I have already worked with quite a few students regarding this and I am happy to help with anything else that I can.  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.  This can be via Zoom if necessary. 

Regarding SRS offers, I have included information directly from the UAC website as follows: 

Offers 

Participating institutions can use a range of criteria when making SRS offers, including your: − school’s rating of your aptitudes − Year 11 studies − Educational Access Scheme (EAS) application (if applicable). 

Each institution has its own policies on determining SRS eligibility and making offers. If your application is successful, you will receive your offer by email in November. 

There are two types of SRS offers: − unconditional offers (which have no further criteria for you to meet) − conditional offers (which require you to meet additional criteria). 

In November, you can receive one unconditional offer and one or more conditional offers. 

Unconditional offers:  Accept your unconditional offer, even if it’s for your lowest course preference.  You will automatically be considered for your higher preferences in later rounds.  If you receive an unconditional offer to one of your higher preferences and want to be considered for all your other preferences in later rounds: − accept the offer − log in to your UAC undergraduate application, go to ‘Update Course Preferences’ and move that course down to the bottom of your course preference list or remove it entirely (as long as you have accepted the offer, you can’t lose it). 

Key dates Schools Recommendation Scheme 2023 – 18 September SRS applications close: 

10 November - First SRS conditional and unconditional offers released
21 December - Conditional SRS offers converted to unconditional offers
11 January 2024 - Conditional SRS offers converted to unconditional offers 

Schools Recommendation Scheme 03 If you then receive an offer to a course in your new list, you can decide whether to accept it and withdraw from your original course, or not accept the new offer and keep your place in your original course. 

Conditional offers:  To convert your conditional offer to an unconditional offer, you must − meet the condition/s stipulated in the offer − meet all other institution requirements for that course − include the course in your list of preferences by midnight 16 December 2023 (closing date of change of preference for December Round 2). 

Unsuccessful Applicants 

UAC won’t advise applicants who do not receive an offer through SRS.  An unsuccessful SRS application has no effect on your UAC undergraduate application 

Careers Association of Australia Conference 

Last Thursday and Friday I attended the annual Careers Association of Australia conference in Sydney.  As usual it was exceptionally well run and there was a great deal of information on hand as well as the opportunity to network with fellow Careers Advisers.  I have returned to St Clare’s with renewed energy and enthusiasm about the many post school pathways. 

Commonwealth Supported Places 

I visited Notre Dame University and was very pleased to hear that all their undergraduate courses for 2024 will be Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP).  This means that the cost of each unit in the degree is significantly reduced.  For example, if the normal price of the unit is $3000 then it would be reduced to around $800.  This is a huge saving. 

It is worth checking with each university if they offer CSPs.  Quite a few do, depending on the degree. 

The Academy of Interactive Entertainment 

I was also able to visit AIE (The Academy of Interactive Entertainment) in Sydney.  They specialise in Online Games, Film and Visual Effects.  They have courses ranging from Diplomas to Bachelor-Degrees and provide a huge range of courses.  There are scholarships available as well.  You need to provide a portfolio and attend an interview to be considered for a place at the Academy.  I have the information in my office if anyone is interested. 

SBATs/Apprenticeships/Traineeships 

I was also impressed by the range of “Water” careers across Australia.  Again, the range of qualifications required start at Certificate II and go up to an Engineering Degree.  There are going to be a range of SBATs available from 2024 on. 

Over the past weeks I have received quite a few emails from employers looking for students to fill positions.  Mid Coast Connect and VERTO send me information about apprenticeships and traineeships in our area and MidCoast Council have advertised several positions for 2024.  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 Year Group Careers OneNote which all the students should have access to. 

Regarding some of these positions, the student needs to come and see me for further information.  That information is in the email if relevant. 

Latest Information from the Careers Association of Australia 

Below is a wealth of information for parents and students regarding numerous post school pathways, courtesy of the Careers Association of Australia.

Courses & Workshops for Students 

Australian Pacific College | Design Courses APC’s design courses focus on creativity, communication and problem-solving and help students to develop the skills required to give them a head start on their career in the creative industry. APC design courses include Graphic Design, Interior Design and User Experience Design. Follow the link to learn more:

Western Sydney University Japanese Speech Contest Western’s School of Humanities and Communication Arts invites Year 11 and Year 12 students to the inaugural Japanese Speech Contest on Saturday 25 November. Students will demonstrate Japanese-language speaking skills before a panel of judges. Prizes will be awarded on the day. Register:

Term 4 Bookings Available for Free UTS Startups Entrepreneurship Workshops UTS Startups are offering free 30-60min workshops for Year 9-10 students that inspire interest in entrepreneurship. Students will hear from young entrepreneurs with backgrounds like their own, sharing what they’re doing, how they’re doing it, who they are and how students can take their first steps. Visit:

Information Sessions for Students & Parents

University of Sydney | Camden Campus Open Day - Friday 10 November Engage Year 10-11 classes for an interactive visit to the university's Camden Campus to explore study and career pathways in real and applied agricultural sciences. The day will include a visit to John Bruce Pye Farm to experience cutting-edge precision agriculture, three interactive workshops, and more. Find out more and register:

Parent Information Evening - Thursday 23 November Get insights on UAC preferences, 2024 entry requirements, tuition options, and ICMS teaching methods. Discover the Work Integrated Learning program, student experiences, and more. Register via the link for in-person or live-streamed attendance:

Degree Taster Day 2024 Explore bachelor's degree specialisations at ICMS Degree Taster Day, 19 January 2024. Try before committing to fields like Business, Fashion, Sports, Hospitality, Property, or Event Management. Come to the beautiful "Castle on the Hill" campus in Manly, NSW, 10am to 3pm. Free parking, lunch, and insights await. Register here:

CQUniversity I Online Chat Session - Wednesday 22 November, 4pm (ADST) Year 12 students looking to plan their academic future can gain valuable insights at CQU's Online Chat Session 22 November, 4pm ADST. Interact with CQU staff for real-time answers to course-related queries, find out about scholarships, support services and more. This is a great opportunity for students to receive expert guidance when making decisions about TAFE or university options.

University of Sydney | Save the date for Information Day - Friday 15 December Students attending will have the opportunity to get personalised course advice before finalising their UAC preferences, along with information sessions and campus tours. This is their chance to experience Sydney.

CIT Open Day 2023 - Friday 17 November, 2-7pm The Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) Open Day 2023 is on Friday 17 November. This year Open Day activities are being held across three campuses (Bruce, Fyshwick and Reid). Come along to explore the teaching and learning facilities and speak directly with CIT teachers and support staff to learn more about courses and career pathways. Register:

ATAR Info Day 2023 | University of Newcastle University of Newcastle is hosting ATAR Information Day on Thursday 14 December. If students have questions about studying in 2024 or didn’t quite get the marks, ATAR Information Day is a chance to chat with admissions and pathways teams to help understand adjusted ATAR and entry options. For more information visit:

Law Insights Evening | University of Newcastle The University of Newcastle’s School of Law and Justice invites all to attend their Law Insights Evening on 15 November. Speak with academic staff and current students with this opportunity to ask questions about the Bachelor of Laws (Honours). Register here:

Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) Q&A Webinar | University of Newcastle Future students and parents, please join Program Convenor Dr David Newby, Current Pharmacy Student Angus Barnes and Alumnus Ryan Lacy to learn all about the Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours). The webinar will run on Wednesday 15 November. Register here:

Invitation to The Hotel School Information Evening | Wednesday 8 November, 5pm Thrilled to invite students to an upcoming event that will greatly benefit those who are looking to pursue careers in the hospitality, tourism and events industry. Learn about THS courses, meet the team, and more. Limited spots available. Register:

or for more information, contact anne.mccrory@scu.edu.au

Macquarie University | Year 12: Get Ready With Us Webinar Join Macquarie University's webinar for new Year 12 students, Wednesday 15 November, 6pm to 7pm. 'Year 12: Get Ready With Us' is an experienced tailored specifically for Year 12 students, and designed to change how they approach their senior year. It will be fun, engaging and, most importantly, useful. Register:

Australian Pacific College | What Does a UX Designer Do? UX Designers craft optimal conditions for positive user experiences by creating practical, valuable, functional, accessible, and usable digital/physical products. They influence design, colour, and material to shape user interactions. Want to learn more? Visit:

University of Sydney | Upcoming Webinars for Prospective Undergraduate Students Term 4 webinars: Discover the journey to university, Why study business at Sydney, Software engineering at Sydney, Mechanical and mechatronic engineering at Sydney, Pathways to studying law, Exercise and sport science, Diagnostic radiography, Your career in early education, and Life in the field: chemistry in action. Find out more and register:

Master Builders Association of NSW at Orange Careers Expo & Trade Experience 2023 This is the perfect opportunity for students, parents, and job seekers to speak with Master Builders about career pathways in the Building and Construction Industry. Wednesday 8 November, 9am-2pm. Venue: Orange Function Centre. Address: Elyes Street, Orange NSW 2800. This is a free event. Kick start a career with an apprenticeship.

Scholarships, Early Entry, Alternative Pathways

Australian Pacific College | Design Scholarships APC offers Scholarships into their Design courses, covering 20% of the tuition fees. Candidates with a passion for design and academic excellence can apply. To apply applicants must have a Design Portfolio with 5-8 works and answer some short questions. Apply by 31 December 2023 for studies starting in Term 1, 2024. To learn more:

Scholarships - Important Dates Western offers $25 million in scholarships each year recognising academic excellence, community involvement and leadership skills. Scholarships available for 2024 are open. Please refer to the individual scholarship pages for eligibility criteria that may apply and important dates:

Portfolio and Audition Pathways 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:

JMC Academy Accepting 2024 Applications No need to wait for exams or ATAR to be released. Year 12 students can apply now to secure a conditional offer in the February 2024 intake. Diploma and Degrees in Creative Industries. Start a creative career at the JMC Academy.

Rural Scholarships | Allied Health Rural Generalist Diploma Rural Practice (Level 2) Scholarship Apply for $35,000 to assist with studies of the Allied Health Rural Generalist Graduate Diploma of Rural Generalist Practice. This Scholarship provides financial assistance for NSW Health allied health professionals currently working in a rural area to complete the diploma through James Cook University. Applications close Friday 23 November 2023. Apply:

for more information email MOH-RuralSchoalrships@health.nsw.gov.au.

Master Builders Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program Master Builders Association of NSW is here to help school leavers become an apprentice or trainee. A 3-week entry level Pre-Apprenticeship training program provides an introduction into both the industry and a carpentry trade prior to commencing an apprenticeship. For further information visit:

Job & Work Experience for Students

Year 11 & 12 Students | Get Paid To Code and Teach Children Excited to offer Year 11 and Year 12 students the opportunity to become teaching assistants for school holiday camps. Gain valuable experience, be part of a dynamic team, and enjoy flexible, paid work. Apply now for Summer season, applications closing in late November. For more information visit:

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