Careers News
Mrs Yvette Kennedy
August, 2026 - FACT: Those who have goals are 10 times more likely to succeed than those without goals.
National Skills Week is on 24 - 30th August. Celebrating its 16th year of showcasing the power of Vocational Education and Training (VET), this year’s theme is “Life Changing”. This theme celebrates how vocational education and training transforms individual careers, strengthens local industries, and builds stronger communities across Australia. With skills shortages affecting many sectors, National Skills Week highlights the crucial role of VET in equipping people with practical, hands-on skills that fuel Australia’s economy and prepare students for the jobs of today and the future.
At St Aloysius College we proudly support the goals of National Skills Week by bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world industry experience. This term our students have participated in many meaningful work experiences, including participating in the Flight Simulator Experience, learning about careers in Aviation, discovering the power of Artificial Intelligence Technologies and Robotics, along with a number of Year 12 students participating in a work experience program. Recently, 60 of our Yr 12 students completed their RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) training, providing formal qualifications for employment in the Hospitality industry.
Another amazing experience for our students was at Bankstown Airport. A small group of Year 9 & 11 students participated in a flight simulation experience. Students explored the use of FMX Redbird Simulation, a professional grade training simulator used by pilots. Here they practiced flying a plane, practicing maneuvers and flight take off and landing.
This week we were fortunate to have three ex-students attend our College who are studying Engineering at university. Boua Tiaree (UNSW), Cooper Gillard (UOW) and Harry McDonnell (UOW) spoke of their journey to tertiary education and life as first year Engineering students. All three of our alumni were powerful speakers who have inspired our own students to reach their goals of a career in Engineering in the future.
During National Skills week, parents and carers are invited to attend the webinar - Career Conversations @ Home: Helping parents have positive career conversations. Delivered by Arrive & Thrive, an award-winning careers education provider, this short, practical session will give parents the confidence and tools to support their child as they explore their future pathways. Places are free and available to all families. Register here:
UAC News
With deadlines fast approaching, Year 12 students need to be aware of the following key dates for university applications:
30 September - Early Bird Deadline - Significant increase to application fee after this date
19 November - Educational Access Scheme (EAS) application and documentation deadline
16 December - ATARs released
18 December - UAC closes for December Round 1
23 December - UAC Offers released
University Updates
This time of the year is a big time for Open Days and Early Admission applications. Students need to be aware of closing dates to meet deadlines.
Open Days
University of Sydney - August 29, 9.00 - 4.00pm
UTS - August 29, 9.00 - 2.00pm
University Notre Dame - August 29, 10.00 - 3.00pm
Torrens University - August 29, 10.30 - 1.00pm
Australian Catholic University (North Sydney) - September 5, 10.00 - 2.00pm
UNSW - September 5, 9.00 - 4.00pm
University of Sydney - Discover Webinars
Study Law at USYD, September 1, 5.00pm
Study Biomedical Engineering at USYD, September 2, 4.00pm
Study Medicine at USYD, September 2, 4.00pm
Study Oral Health at USYD, September 9, 4.00pm
Study Bachelor Arts at USYD, September 16, 4.00pm
UTS Elite Athlete Program - Information Evening, UTS Moore Park Campus, September 3, 6.30pm. Learn about the UTS Elite Athlete Program, meet current athletes, and explore your sporting pathway. Find out more here:
UTS Sport and Exercise - Campus Tour, UTS Moore Park Campus, September 22, 5.30pm. Discover where a degree in sport and exercise can take you. Hear from leading academics and current students, explore exciting study pathways and career opportunities, and experience the cutting-edge facilities shaping the next generation of sport professionals. Register here:
UNSW Aviation Open Day, Bankstown Airport, 19 September, 10.00 - 1.00pm
Join the Aviation briefing at 11:00 AM to learn more about studying aviation at UNSW and the pathways available to you. Learn more here:
UNSW Elite Athlete Program, Closes 29 November
The Elite Athletes, Performers and Leaders (EAPL) Program supports students with a flexible entry process that considers both academic and elite achievements and recognises these by awarding adjustment factors (up to five points). Learn more here:
https://www.unsw.edu.au/sport/unsw-elite-athlete-program
University of Wollongong - EmpowerHER STEM Summit, 29 & 30 September
This hands-on, two-day event, taking place during the Spring school holidays, is designed for fierce female students in Years 7, 8 & 9. Students will journey through UOW’s Campus and Bluescope site to witness STEM in action. Learn more here:
University Scholarships/Cadetships
In my last newsletter, I spoke about the value of spending time researching scholarships on offer at a number of universities. Many of these scholarships go unclaimed, so my advice is to research, research, research. Put in an application and see what happens!
Elevate Scholarships - Women in STEM
Applications Close 1 September
Elevate: Boosting women in STEM program will award up to 500 undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships to women in STEM. Learn more here:
UTS Women in Engineering and IT Cooperative Scholarship, closes 6 September. The scholarship will identify high achieving female students that have a passion and interest to pursue a career in Engineering or IT. Value is $66,000 + 3 internship placements. Learn more here:
UTS Industry Degree Academy Cadetship - Computer Science and Cybersecurity, closes 13 September. The Industry Degree Academy (IDeA) is a three year program, available only at UTS. Students work at some of Australia’s leading companies while they study. Learn more here:
UTS Bachelor of Information Technology Co-operative Scholarship, closes 6 Sept.
This program will give you hands-on experience, allowing you to complete two six-month
industry-based sessions with UTS partner organisations. The scholarship is worth $49,500 to support you throughout your learning journey. Learn more here:
TAFE/Colleges
TAFE NSW Fashion Design Studio
The TAFE NSW Fashion Design Studio (FDS) in Ultimo is a “fashion school of excellence.” Consistently ranked in the top 20 fashion design schools worldwide, FDS has over 60 years of creating fashion design excellence. Learn more here:
TAFE NSW Scholarships - Support Students to Study
Every year TAFE awards hundreds of scholarships to students. Learn more here:
Sydney Design School Open Day, September 19, 2026, 9.30 - 12.30pm. Find out more here:
NIDA, Applications close 28 September
Discover degrees in costume, cultural leadership, design, directing, make-up, musical theatre, props, scenic construction, stage management, technical theatre, and writing. Apply here:
ACPE - Early Entry Pathway
Apply here:
SAE - Create for a Day, 3 October
This October school holidays, SAE University College is opening its doors for Create for a Day: a one-day, hands-on experience where you’ll step into the studio, lab or production space and start creating. Learn more here:
AFTRS Bachelor of Arts Screen - Production, closes 7 October
This course is designed for students with a passion and commitment to creating stories that are powerful and distinctively Australian. Learn more here:
Apprenticeships, Traineeships
Transport for NSW Apprenticeship and Traineeship Programs
Apply now for apprenticeships and traineeships across the state.
Sutherland Shire Apprenticeship/Traineeship & Jobs Expo, Gymea Tradies, September 1, 3.00 - 7.00pm. The Expo provides job seekers, business and industry, education providers and employers with the opportunities to all come together under the one roof. Exhibitors also get the chance to collect resumes and promote their organisation for upcoming recruitment drives. Register here:
Master Builders, Become an Apprentice
Apply here to become a Master Builder Apprentice or Trainee by completing the online application
NECA Electrical Apprenticeships Expression of Interest
Apprenticeships in all electrical fields are available. Express your interest here:
Automotive Apprenticeships - Apprenticeships R Us
Apprenticeships R Us provides a simple way for automotive businesses across New South Wales to hire apprentices and trainees. Light Vehicle - Heavy Vehicle - Motor Cycle - Spray Painting - Panel Beating - Auto Electrical - Tyre Fitting - Steering and Suspension - Radiator Repairs - Car Detailing - Parts Sales - Automotive Administration. Apply here:
My Trade Start Automotive Pre-Apprenticeship Courses
For apprenticeships in the Automotive Industry. The course offered by My Trade will be free of charge for all students. Learn more here:
Qantas Cabin Crew
As cabin crew, you’ll join a passionate team committed to exceptional customer service and safety. https://careers.qantas.com/teams-cabin-crew
Positions Vacant
Apprentice Greenkeeper
Sutherland Council
Apprentice Greenkeeper | Sutherland Shire Council
Closes 30 August
Apprenticeship
SMEG Service Technician
Contact: Chris Pike
0420 360 073
As you can see there are many opportunities for our students at St Aloysius College Cronulla. I can be contacted if any students need career advice as they enter into their senior studies or transition from school.
Mrs Yvette Kennedy
Instructional Leader Pathways and Planning
8522 1500