Careers & VET Information
Careers Corner
Here we are at the end of Week 6 – before we know it, it will be Christmas time!
Year 12 Graduation
Last Friday, 10 November saw the 2023 Year 12 Cohort graduate, with a wonderful Award Ceremony at school followed by the Graduation Dinner at the Wining Post Function Centre at the Manning Valley Race Club. The students looked magnificent and enjoyed the evening. Thanks to our special guests for taking the time to present some of our special awards.
A huge thanks to Callam Howard who worked tirelessly from the early afternoon with photos on the riverbank all the way through to the end of the dinner at the Winning Post Function Centre. Everyone should have access to the photos by now. Thank you Cal!
Each of the graduands were recognised and received their portfolio with their report, reference and certificates as appropriate.
Thanks also to Lisa Ruprecht for her organisation, and to Johnathon (Head Chef) for the wonderful meal.
The tables looked wonderful thanks to Bronwen Davidson (Year 12 Leader of Wellbeing & Engagement).
St Clare's Staff - Year 12 Graduation
University Early Offers/SRS Offers
There are several Year 12 students who have received early offers for university already with more rounds of offers to come over the next few months.
I would like to remind anyone that is applying for EAS via UAC that the due date for all this information is:
Midnight Thursday 21 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. 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) and
- 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
- September 18 SRS applications closed
- November 10 First SRS conditional and unconditional offers released
- December 21 Conditional SRS offers converted to unconditional offers
- 2024 January 11 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 and include the course in your list of preferences by midnight 15 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.
Year 12 Results and ATAR Dates
2023 NSW HSC students
Thursday 14 December 2023
HSC results released by NESA from 6 am
ATARs released on UAC website from 9 am Thursday, 14 December 2023
Apprenticeships & Traineeships
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 2023. 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, any interested students need to come and see me for further information. That information is in the email if relevant.
CAA Latest News
Courses & Workshops for Students
Do Year 11 Differently - Childcare and Sport GOAL College offers a non-ATAR HSC for students interested in sport and/or childcare (new stream in 2024). There are a few spaces left for Year 11 2024 at the Olympic Park Campus in Basketball, Netball and Childcare. Apply now:
Skillsroad - Career Advice and Free Workshops Skillsroad is the digital space where students get career advice and resources for free. It is a careers platform that helps students discover their inherent skills and choose the career path that is right for them. Check out the "Educators and Advisors" tab at
or have the Skillsroad team visit school. Email Geraldine.Luu@businessnsw.com.
Free Acting Audition Workshop in December Saturday 9 December, 9am to 3pm (BYO lunch) at Drama Studio, JMC Academy, Level 2, 561 Harris Street, Ultimo NSW 2007. Free but must register as places are limited. RSVP to: smclean@jmc.edu.au.
NSW Police Recruitment for 2024 Basic requirements for becoming a Police Officer; 18 years of age and over, hold a current NSW Drivers Licence – 6 months on Red P’s, Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident, no adult criminal offences or charges and successful completion of the University Certificate in Workforce Essentials (UCWE) course through Charles Sturt University. This 4-week online course is a mandatory academic requirement for all NSW Police Force applicants. The UCWE costs $700 and qualifies for FEE HELP from the Australian Government. Those looking to become a police officer in NSW will receive a financial boost of $30,000 while studying from March 2024. Learn more:
or follow us on social media: Facebook:
Instagram: @nswpf_recruitment_branch or email recruiting@police.nsw.gov.au.
Resource to Discover Rail Industry Career Pathways The Work in Rail website
features a job matching tool for career suggestions, information on 80 careers in the rail industry, including pay scale, work environment and training and pathways, and more insights on the rail industry overall. For more information contact workinrail@ara.net.au.
Sydney Actors School - Applications for 2024 Now Open Applications to study at Sydney Actors School in 2024 are 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 for 2024 Now Open Applications to study at Sydney Film School in 2024 are open. Classes in all aspects of filmmaking, ranging from screenwriting, to producing, directing, to post-production classes. Build a portfolio with projects from a music video to short films. Apply here:
Beauty Laser and Spa Management Careers in 2024 Start a career in Beauty, Makeup, Laser and Spa Management in 2024. Courses commence every January, April, July and September. Courses run full time, part time or through blended learning options. Register to attend an information session here:
Contact our Careers Adviser amy@aabt.com.au or 0493 450 900.
Australian Pacific College | Diploma of Social Media Marketing Build an exciting career in Social Media Marketing. Learn from experts at APC, gaining skills in strategy, content creation, stakeholder negotiation, managing engagement, and more. Available in Sydney under the smart and skilled program. Apply now:
Medical Interview Training Interview Strategy Day. Learn the strategies needed to succeed in a daylong session with Dr Ray, Consultant Gastroenterologist with over 20 years’ experience in medical interview training. Dates: 19 November, 17 December and 19 February. Second part is the tailored mock interview which is university specific, with feedback.
Engineers Australia Programs | Start Planning 2024 Engineers Australia's high school programs kick off on 1 March 2024 with Discover Engineering, celebrating World Engineering Day. Details regarding all programs available to July 2024, submit an expression of interest; share with students; share with Maths, Science and TAS teachers.
Jump Start a Career in Early Childhood at GOAL College GOAL College has a new Early Childhood Education stream at Olympic Park, starting with Year 11 in 2024. Gain the full Certificate 3 (Early Childhood Education and Care) as part of the HSC. Non-ATAR. Apply now, limited places:
Free UTS Startups Entrepreneurship Workshops Still Open for Weeks 10 and 11 of Term 4 Free 30-60min workshops for Weeks 10 and 11 are still available. These workshops are designed for Year 9-10 students, aiming to spark an interest in entrepreneurship. Participants will engage with young entrepreneurs who share relatable backgrounds, shedding light on their journeys, methods, identity, and how students can kickstart their own paths.
JMC Academy’s Stage Management 1-year Diploma Passionate about theatre, live production, behind the scenes, teamwork and collaboration? heck out JMC Academy’s Stage Management 1-year Diploma. Enrolments being accepted in Sydney now for 2024.
Information Sessions for Students & Parents
Career Conversations at Home | Parent Workshop Arrive & Thrive run parent webinars to support career conversations at home and foster a supportive environment. The webinar includes an introduction to the Chaos Theory, GROW coaching model and Free Career Conversation Dinner Menu, available on the website. To organise a workshop email hello@arrivethive.com.au.
University of Newcastle | Free HSC Seminars for Students and Parents Saturday 18 November, 9:30am to 12:15pm. Learn the secrets of success from Senior HSC markers and counsellors. Designed specifically for students and parents currently in Year 10,11 and 12, these free sessions cover a range of topics to help students achieve their best in 2024. Space is strictly limited so book here:
Beauty Information Evenings Weekly Information evenings held at four Sydney locations at 7pm. Bella Vista, Rockdale, North Strathfield and Sydney CBD. Please register below to come for a tour and to hear all about career opportunities studying Beauty Therapy Dermal and Laser. Contact AABT Careers Adviser: Amy Valenti at amy@aabt.com.au or 0493 450 900.
ATAR Advice Days | Charles Sturt University 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. To RSVP book here:
CIT Open Day 2023 - Friday 17 November, 2pm to 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 now:
CQUniversity | Change of Preference Online Chat - Friday 15 December, 9am to 11am (AEST) For Year 12 students who didn’t receive the ATAR they were hoping for or have changed their mind about the course they want to study, CQU is here to help. Students can join the Online Chat and receive guidance on how to change their preferences, alternative entry pathways and find the study options that will lead them to their dream course. Message the team at
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.
University of Sydney | Upcoming Webinars for Prospective Undergraduate Students Term 4 webinars: Discover the journey to university, Software engineering at Sydney, Mechanical and mechatronic engineering at Sydney, Pathways to studying law, Diagnostic radiography, and Life in the field: chemistry in action. Find out more and register:
Overseas Service and Internships - 2024 Dates Projects Abroad have finalised 2024 dates for their range of overseas service and experiential learning programs. Placements are for Year 10-12 students, taking place in emerging countries such as Nepal, Cambodia, Tanzania and Peru. Students participate in education, construction, conservation and human rights projects. Details:
Scholarships, Early Entry, Alternative Pathways
First Nations Student Scholarship 2024 Year 11 GOAL College has a full scholarship available for a First Nations student interested in a place in the new Early Childhood Education stream at Olympic Park, starting Year 11 in 2024. Gain the full Certificate III (ECE) as part of the HSC. Apply now limited places:
Government Subsidised Courses Under Smart and Skilled Program APC has Government subsidised courses available under the Smart and Skilled Program in NSW including the Diploma of Social Media Marketing, The Certificate III in Design Fundamentals, The Certificate II in Apparel, Fashion and textiles and the Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping. For more information follow the link:
Worried About an ATAR or Interest in a Pathway to UOW in 2024? Know a student who may be worried about their ATAR? Help them discover their pathway to the University of Wollongong in 2024 through UOW College. Reach out to expert advisers for personalised guidance via email at uowca-future@uow.edu.au or via phone on (02) 42 392 330.
Enabling Courses | Charles Sturt University From 2024, Charles Sturt are making the journey to university that bit easier. CSU have introduced two new enabling courses to get students ready to study an undergraduate degree. The Access Charles Sturt Entry course and the Undergraduate Certificate in University Preparation are ideal options for building the confidence and skills needed. Learn more:
CQUniversity | Scholarships Open Applications for 2024 scholarships are now open. The financial boost can ease the pressure of paying for study materials like textbooks, uniforms, laptops, as well as relocation and living expenses, allowing students to put more energy into their studies. CQU offers scholarships for every study area, study level and citizenship. Check out what scholarships are available at
Bedford College is Now Accepting Scholarship Applications for 2024 Business, early childhood education, aged care, disability, community services. School-based Traineeships available in Certificate III Early Childhood Education and Care. Minimum entry requirement is completion of Year 10, no ATAR required. Fees increase 1/12/23, apply before 30 November and pay 2023 prices. Submit application now. Visit
enquire@bedford.edu.au, 1300 174 174.
Job & Work Experience for Students
Work Experience Available in Beauty Work Experience available for aspiring Therapists at four Sydney Academies located in Bella Vista, Rockdale, North Strathfield and Sydney CBD. Enjoy a week of learning about what it is like being a Beauty therapist, makeup artist, or a Laser and Dermal specialist. Contact - Careers Adviser: Amy Valenti at amy@aabt.com.au 0493 450 900.
Cafe Long Track Pantry Jugiong NSW 2024 Gap Year Applications Open. Looking for an adventure in regional NSW? Offering 6 and 12 month gap year placements. Accommodation available with flexible workdays and hours. Apply:
or email careers@longtrackpanty.com.au for more information.
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:
Work and Travel in the USA with Camp America. Camp America allows students to spend 9 -12 weeks working at a summer camp teaching a skill, sport or hobby to children. It is a unique cultural exchange opportunity where students gain skills to add to their CV, including leadership and teamwork. Students can attend Camp America 2024 Job Fairs in January to find out more, meet camps in-person and get hired on the spot. Visit:
Cabinet Making Work Experience ACFA is a registered training organisation providing Certificate III in Cabinet Making (MSF31113) to NSW Apprentices with workplace-based training. Many businesses in the industry are open to hosting work experience so the next generation can get a feel of a career in the cabinet-making industry. Contact
Change of Preference | Charles Sturt University If Year 12 students need some assistance when it comes to ordering their preferences in UAC, Charles Sturt has made it even 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:
Bachelor of Communication Drop-In Sessions | Charles Sturt University If students are interested in a Bachelor of Communication at Charles Sturt and would like to learn more, the Course Director (Roslyn Cox) will be available for drop-in sessions every Thursday from now until 14 December 2023. Students, parents and Career Advisers are welcome to log into the Zoom room between 6-7pm. Find the link here:
Resources for Students
TAFE NSW On-demand Webinars and Podcasts Browse through videos to find out what it is like to study at TAFE NSW and listen to podcasts to hear real life experiences from past and current students. Visit:
Free Career Tool and Report In 45 minutes students create their own Careers Report. The tool can be done using any wifi enabled smart device. Students create a list that suits them, and that they have 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 at:
White Card Course
On Wednesday, 6 December we will be hosting a White Card Course here at St Clare’s. We have two trainers coming from Learning Live to deliver this and at this stage there are 27 students who have expressed an interest in completing this course. The cost is $139 and we have a couple of spots spare if you would like to do this.
EVET Courses/SBATs and Work Experience
We have several students who will be doing EVET courses and SBATs next year. These provide a great opportunity to discover more about the world of work and get a “leg-in” to work possibilities post school.
There are still several students doing Work Experience. If you are interested, please see me to get the paperwork.
If anyone would like to come and talk about anything to do with post school pathways, please call or email so that we can arrange a time to discuss this.
Karen McCann
Careers/VET Adviser