Pathways Update

Earlier this week I had the opportunity to attend the Guidance Professionals Summit presented by James Cook University at their Smithfield campus. JCU offered the free, 2-day program to staff working in schools with young people in the area of career and pathway transitions the chance to be updated on JCU course and pathway options along with contemporary career development and counselling strategies and programs. My key takeaways included:  

• JCU continues to offer amazing up-to-date facilities, courses and support in very pleasant surroundings.
• It’s important for students to be exploring JCU courses, entry options and available support even from Yr 10, engaging with their JCU support staff.
• Staff appear to be very willing to assist students (of all ages) to be successful with their studies.
• A greater variety of entry pathways and options are available to begin a university course (having an ATAR is not the only option for university entrance.)

(Images: Top; L-R) Walkway view throughout Smithfield campus; Dentistry teaching lab; Dentistry vending machine - bring your own teeth!!; Ideas Lab workshop; modern lecture theatres; view from student accommodation. 

JCU Heroes Programs (Sport, Veterinary Science, Health, Business, Science, Engineering).

Students in Years 11 and 12 were recently updated with information around James Cook University’s Heroes Programs.  Heroes Programs offer students from all over North Queensland the opportunity to attend programs throughout the school year to gain practical skills and real career experience. To help with your future goals, JCU Advisors are always on hand to provide information about JCU and the courses of interest. JCU works with their industry partners including the Mater Hospital, North West Hospital and Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service, Glencore, Daintree Rainforest Observatory, Queensland Country Bank and the North Queensland Cowboys to give students a chance to meet the experts and experience a day in their lives. Please visit JCU Heroes Programs for more information and to register your interest. 

Careers In Manufacturing Breakfast – for interested Yr 10 students.

A reminder to students who were accepted to this Term 1 event, this has been rescheduled to Wednesday 22nd April, 2026.  A new Parent Slip has been released. This event was rescheduled due to Cyclone Narelle’s presence. Relevant students and Parents/Carers are encouraged to ensure the Parent Slip has been completed for the 22nd April.     

Remember to stay up to date with the “Pathway and Career Information Noticeboard.”

A reminder to stay up to date with Career and Pathway information through the college Pathway and Career Information Noticeboard.  Available through the college website under “Links”.   

NB - Select information is also available at the entrance to the Innovation Centre. 

Career decisions - a simple activity to get started

Parents/Carers, take some time over the coming weeks to help your young person reflect on the following questions. Encourage them to write down their thoughts in a notebook:  

• What am I naturally good at?Think beyond school subjects. Perhaps you're skilled at explaining ideas, solving problems, bringing people together or working with your hands. 
• What activities absorb my attention? Whether it's coding, creating art, playing sport or building things, these moments reveal your genuine interests. 
• What do I value? Consider what's important to you: creativity, helping others, independence, job security, innovation or making a difference. 
• What environments suit me? Do you prefer working independently or as part of a team? Indoors or outdoors? Structured routines or variety and flexibility? 

Look for patterns in the answers. These insights can help you understand what kinds of careers and study pathways could work for you. Discuss with a parent/carer or share with Mr MacCallum. 

Casual and short-term work can build your employability skills

Think your casual job isn’t a “real” job or won’t help your future career? Think again! Even short-term or part-time work while you’re at school can give you a big advantage when applying for jobs later. It shows employers you already have real-world experience and the skills they’re looking for. These are called employability skills — things like teamwork, communication and problem solving — and they matter just as much as your qualifications. Click here to read Job Jumpstart's ideas on how to make the most of a part-time job.

All the best for a great Easter break!  

Paul MacCallum | Pathways Officer

pmaccallum@cns.catholic.edu.au

Melissa Tresidder (Wed) | Transition Officer

mtresidder@cns.catholic.edu.au