Careers

Bairnsdale Secondary College is committed to delivering high quality career development services. We are active participants in our local community and have strong links with local industry, education providers and the Gippsland East Local Learning and Employment Network. Our dedicated Career Practitioners are qualified members of the Australian Centre for Career Education and actively support our students in exploring their future career options through a range of tailored services, programs and activities:

Career Counselling                                                                   Career Action Plans

OHS Programs                                                                            Work Experience Program

Structured Workplace Learning                                            Vocational Education and Training

School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships           My Career Insights Program

Guest Speakers                                                                          Incursions

Excursions                                                                                   Newsletters

Career Lessons                                                                          Resume Writing

Job Applications                                                                         VTAC Support

Senior Careers:

Angela Wren - angela.wren@education.vic.gov.au - 8.30am-4.00pm (Mon-Thurs)

Liz Stevens - liz.stevens@education.vic.gov.au - 8:30am-4.00pm (Mon-Fri)

Junior Careers:

Jaclyn Powell - jaclyn.powell@education.vic.gov.au - 8.30am-4.00pm (Mon-Wed)

Compass and Careers Website Newsfeeds

Student communication about careers and opportunities are updated via the Compass newsfeed pages, and the Bairnsdale Secondary College Careers Website (through Study Work Grow).

Career events, excursions, apprenticeship/traineeship opportunities, guest speakers, etc. are shared with students via these alerts, so please keep an eye out for the latest opportunities.

Bairnsdale Secondary College – Study Work Grow Education

Job Opportunities

Events

Boating Industry Immersion Day

On Monday we took some of our students on a fantastic day out to learn more about the local boating industry. We visited Gippsland RV & Marine and heard all about marine retail operations and the various careers within the boating industry. We then headed to Paynesville where we toured the Gippsland Ports boat yard. Students learnt about maritime infrastructure, observed vessel maintenance and found out about local employment and training opportunities within the boating sector. 

TAFE Taster Day

On Tuesday our year 10 students had the opportunity to try out some of the courses on offer at TAFE. Students got involved in many courses including, Community Services, Hair and Beauty, Plumbing, Automotive, Civil Construction and many more. This is a fantastic opportunity for students and supports their decision making for their VCE/VCE VM program.

RAAF Base Tour

On Wednesday our students toured the RAAF Base at Sale. They were provided with an insight into Air Force roles, training pathways and career opportunities within Defence. Students experienced real-world environments and heard directly from industry professionals. 

The following events are not Bairnsdale Secondary College events. 

The Hotel School | Tourism Insights - Year 12 Student Experience, Melbourne - 30th May

An exclusive opportunity for Year 12 students to experience CentrePiece at Melbourne Park, one of Melbourne’s most innovative conference and events venue, and explore exciting career pathways within the tourism and hospitality industry.

Key takeaways include:

• Hear from industry experts and leaders in tourism and hospitality
• Participate in an interactive tourism workshop and receive a completion certificate
• Experience an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of CentrePiece Melbourne
• Get all your questions answered by the THS team
• Network with industry leaders and current THS students
• Morning tea and lunch provided

Tourism Insights Melbourne 2026 – The Hotel School

Swinburne 

Study Expos

Hawthorn - 2nd June

Croydon - 10th June

If you’re thinking about studying at Swinburne, their Study Expo is your chance to explore courses, get expert advice and find the right path for you.

Browse options across all study levels – undergraduate to postgraduate to TAFE and UniLink – and talk one-on-one with the people who know them best.

What you can do at the expo:

• Chat one-on-one with academics and teaching staff about your plans and career outcomes 
• Tour the campuses and facilities 
• Find out what your first semester looks like – course content, subjects, majors and electives 
• Get prerequisites and application steps for your situation, including if you’re transferring from another uni 
• Learn about fees, scholarships, Free TAFE, Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs), and full degree costs 
• See how your course fits around your life with a sample timetable
• Speak with international student support staff about applying or transferring to Swinburne 
• Grab a free snack and drink while you explore

Swinburne Study Expo | Swinburne

Design & Fashion Info Session

Join Swinburne on campus to get all the need-to-know details on studying design and fashion at Swinburne. 

You’ll get a breakdown of their different courses and majors, hear insights on entry requirements and scholarships, and learn about the state-of-the-art ProtoLAB facilities used by Swinburne design students. They’ll also cover expert career tips, like how to build a portfolio and gain real industry experience while you study.

This info session will include:

• a 60-minute presentation on Swinburne’s design courses and majors, including a Q&A 
• networking with Swinburne staff, students and industry partners
• complimentary light refreshments. 

Design and Fashion Info Session | Swinburne

Screen and Media Info Session - 24th June

Join Swinburne on campus to get all the need-to-know details on studying at Swinburne, whether you’re interested in film and TV or media and communication. 

You’ll get a breakdown of their different courses and majors, learn about entry requirements and scholarships, and get expert career tips. They’ll also cover how to gain real industry experience while you study, including their global study tour opportunities.

This info session will include:

• a 60-minute presentation on Swinburne’s courses and majors, including a Q&A 
• networking with Swinburne staff and students
• complimentary light refreshments. 

Screen and Media Info Session | Swinburne

2027 Sport & Business Programs

SEDA have now launched their Sport & Business Programs for 2027. In Victoria, these include offerings with the Collingwood Magpies, Melbourne United, Melbourne Victory and Netball Victoria. 

The University of Queensland 

Ramsay Undergraduate Scholarship Information Webinar - 12th June

The UQ Ramsay Undergraduate Scholarship provides up to 30 full-time enrolled students approximately $20,000 per year for the first 3 years of the Western Civilisation program.

Students from an Australian state or territory other than Queensland, or from a non-metropolitan region of Queensland may be eligible to receive an additional $12,000 per year for 3 years.

Learn about the UQ Ramsay Undergraduate Scholarship's benefits and eligibility requirements. Join UQ for a webinar to:

• learn more about the scholarship requirements and application dates
• explore UQ's programs in Western Civilisation.

UQ Ramsay Undergraduate Scholarship information webinar - Study - The University of Queensland

Engineering, Design and Computing School Holiday Program - 30th June - 30th July

Looking for a way to engage your children in the school holidays? UQ is hosting a 4-day program for high school students in Year 9 and 10 in the June / July school holidays.

Engineering, Design and Computing School Holiday Program - Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology - University of Queensland

Australian Federal Police | Becoming a Protective Service Officer with the AFP - Online Information Session - 16th June & 28th July

Gain insights into the role of a protective service officer (PSO), hear first-hand experiences, and discover what it means to do legendary work in the Australian Federal Police (AFP).

Online Information Session Registration Form - 16th June

Online Information Session Registration Form - 28th July

William Angliss Institute | Discovery Day - 19th June

If you weren't available for the first Discovery Day, don't worry! The next Discovery Day is on Friday 19 June from 4 - 6 pm at the Melbourne campus. Meet the experts, learn more about course offerings from Certificates to Postgraduate degrees.

It's a great opportunity to ask questions and understand where an Angliss qualification will lead you.

REGISTER NOW - 19 JUNE - Registration

Screen Careers | You Can Get In: How to job hunt for entry level roles in the screen industry, online webinar - 20th June

The screen industry recruits through friends and recommendations. The good news about this is that everyone, initially, doesn’t know anyone. They’ll cover how to create a screen ready CV, the role of crew agencies, credits and how to find work.

You Can Get In: How to job hunt for the screen industry | Screen Careers - 20th June

Whitehouse Institute of Design  

Studio Lighting and Fashion Photography Workshop, Melbourne - 29th June

This is a hands-on 1-day workshop designed for aspiring photographers eager to learn the fundamentals of camera settings, studio lighting, and fashion photography.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to strengthen your technical foundation, this workshop will guide you through the essentials—from mastering manual mode to setting up professional lighting and capturing dynamic fashion portraits.

Perfect for beginners looking to expand into the world of studio and fashion photography.

Studio Lighting and Fashion Photography - Melbourne Campus

Fashion Illustration Workshop, Melbourne - 4th July

In this 1-day workshop, you will gain an understanding of how to complete Fashion Illustrations. At the end of this workshop, you will have covered illustration content ready for an application to study a creative degree and receive a certificate of completion.

The workshop focuses on the following areas of skill development:

• Fashion illustration techniques and methods
• Application of pencils, professional markers, and felt-tip pens for professional rendering
• Fabric texture and surface rendering
• Exploring an individual design aesthetic.

This workshop is for aspiring designers as a starting point for those wishing to develop their illustration skills.

Fashion Illustration Workshop - Melbourne Campus

La Trobe University | Experience La Trobe, Melbourne - 30th June

Save the date for the upcoming Experience La Trobe event on Tuesday 30 June. Students will explore study options, tour campus, join workshops and hear from current students.

More details coming soon.

Australian Catholic University (ACU) 

Discover ACU Melbourne

Join ACU for their free Discover ACU Melbourne events, designed especially for Year 10 – 12 students. Guests are welcome to stay back at the end of the event for an optional campus tour.

• Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine – 30th June

  Step into the ambulance simulator, nursing wards and maternity labs and work with expert academics in an interactive workshop. Discover ACU Melbourne – Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine

• Allied Health, Biomedical Science and Sports Science - 7th July

  Explore life as an ACU Melbourne student and participate in hands-on workshops led by academic staff. Discover ACU Melbourne - Allied Health, Biomedical Science and Sports Science

• Teaching and Education - 8th July

  Take part in hands-on workshops, meet education experts, talk to current students about their experience and find out how you can step into the classroom and make a difference in the lives of others. Discover ACU Melbourne - Teaching and Education

• Law, Criminology and Business - 8th July

  Dive into hands-on workshops, explore the campus, experience the facilities, and hear from current students about how they’re studying to become ethical lawyers, strategic business leaders, and change-makers in criminal justice. Discover ACU Melbourne - Law, Criminology and Business

   

ACU Guarantee Early Offer and Pathways Webinar - 23rd July

Learn about ACU’s entry and pathway options, including the ACU Guarantee early offer program, key dates and how to apply. Plus, hear from current students about their journeys.

This webinar is for Victorian Year 12 students and their parents.

Study at ACU webinar series

University of New South Wales (UNSW) 

BlakHack program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Year 12 Students - 12th-18th July

BlakHack is an immersive week-long innovation program with hands-on workshops, a fast-paced hackathon, and social and cultural activities. Students develop creative solutions to real-world challenges while building confidence, leadership, collaboration, and critical thinking skills. They’ll also gain insight into future study opportunities and career pathways. The program is completely free, with all travel, accommodation, and meals covered. Applications close on Friday, 12 June. 

Indigenous Blak Hack Program - Nura Gili | UNSW Sydney

Future Creators Day - 7th July

Years 10 & 11 students are invited to explore creative careers and uni life through immersive, hands-on workshops from UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture. These engaging workshops led by academics and industry professions will cover Game Design, Animation, Fashion, Graphic Design, Jewellery and more. 

UNSW Future Creators' Day Tickets, Tuesday, July 7  •  10 AM - 2 PM | Eventbrite

RMIT University | Tech and Trades Experience Day - 8th July

Get hands on with the tech and tools of the future at RMIT's Tech and Trades Experience Day in July.

Join RMIT for a hands on day where you'll explore what life at uni student could look like and discover which path is right for you.

Experience RMIT first-hand with practical tasters from our tech and trades courses. On the day, you'll enjoy:

• In-person workshops led by RMIT teachers, using the same tools and facilities our students train with
• Opportunities to chat with teachers and current students and ask questions about studying at RMIT
• Catered lunch, with options to suit all dietary requirements
• Fun prizes and giveaways along the way

Tech & Trades Experience Day - RMIT University

Melbourne Career Expo - 17th-19th July

The Melbourne Career Expo is the most comprehensive and exciting careers event in Australia. This expo encompasses all career opportunities from employment to education and training in the trades, corporate and professional sectors along with major Universities, TAFEs and Training providers.

Home | Melbourne Career Expo

ADHD Webinars for Students & Parents

Hosted by Claire Pech, CICA-Accredited Careers Practitioner, and Amanda Krulis, endorsed Organisational Psychologist.

View the full series of webinars for the ADHD community on all things careers, schooling and the workforce.

ATAR, Bonus Points, & Uni Entry Explained with ADHD - Webinar for Year 12 Students & Parents - 30th July

Join the webinar designed for Yr 12 students and parents, navigating university admissions with ADHD, which can impact these processes.

They’ll cover:

• The ATAR - explained
• What the Educational Access Scheme (EAS) is and who qualifies
• How to apply for EAS and what you will need
• Other bonus points (adjustment factors) on offer
• Important dates and deadlines
• University preference strategies that work
• Early entry options and their benefits

ATAR, Bonus Points, & Uni Entry Explained with ADHD

Future Doctors Australia

The Future Doctors Australia Program provides a unique, hands-on opportunity for students aged 14-18 who are passionate about a future in medicine. Over the course of 4 days, participants will engage in dynamic sessions led by experienced medical specialists, take part in practical learning activities, and gain valuable insights into the medical admissions process. This program is designed to inspire and equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed on their path to a medical career. Don’t miss this chance to gain first-hand knowledge and mentorship from medical professionals who are shaping the future of healthcare.

2026 & 2027 dates:

NIE Careers | Future Doctors Australia

Open Days

Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE) 

Online - 6th June Online Campus Day | Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE)

Discover the courses designed to get you started in game development, 3D animation, film and visual effects at the AIE Open Day.

AIE's Open Day is a great opportunity to meet teachers, staff and students. The day will cover everything you need to know about the:

• careers in games and VFX that they train students for;
• studios and industries that they work with;
• courses they offer - from beginners to professional mastery, and;
• the software, skills and knowledge they teach.

AIE's Open Day will also include presentations on entry requirements and how to apply. Find out how AIE can get you into a creative career.

James Cook University (JCU)

Mackay | 7th June

Townsville | 21st June

Cairns | 24th July

CDW Studios - 13th June

This is your chance to go down and explore the CDW creative space, meet staff and students, and learn more about their programs!

Whether you’re an aspiring entertainment design artist or just curious about the world of games, movies and animation, this is the perfect opportunity to kickstart your career at CDW Studios.

CDW Studios Open Day 2026 | CDW Studios

Swinburne University of Technology - 26th July

Open Day is your chance to see what’s possible at Swinburne and find where you fit in.

• Experience Swinburne up-close through hundreds of activations across campus
• Get the scoop on brand new courses that combine your passion with a purpose
• Explore projects from their Work Integrated Learning students and learn about their industry experience guarantee
• Catch talks from Swinburne researchers that will expand your knowledge – and horizons

Open Day

Monash

Peninsula - 1st August

Caulfield - 1st August

Clayton - 2nd August

If you’re considering studying at uni, going to the Monash Open Day is one of the best decisions you can make. You’ll be able to discover key course information, explore campuses, meet current students and staff, and get a taste of Monash life, firsthand. Whether you want to get a feel for what you’ll be studying, make sure you're on the right track, or simply picture yourself in one of the learning spaces, here’s why you should join Monash at Open Day:

• Chat with current students
• Hear from inspiring academics
• Get all your questions answered in the one place
• Get involved
• Enjoy the vibe

Home - Open Day

University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSc) 

2nd August

Open Day | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

Deakin University

Deakin are opening up their campuses again in August 2026! Experience first-hand why Deakin is the #1 Victorian university for course satisfaction and graduate employment. Go to Open Day to find out how studying at Deakin lets you gain practical experience, make industry connections and build career confidence – everything you need to land the job you want.

Warrnambool, Sunday 2 August, 9am–12.30pm

Geelong Waterfront, Sunday 16 August, 9am–3pm 

Geelong Waurn Ponds, Sunday 16 August, 9am–3pm

Melbourne Burwood, Sunday 23 August, 9am–3pm

Open Day at Deakin

RMIT University

Bundoora - Sunday 2 August

Brunswick - Sunday 9 August

City - Sunday 9 August

Point Cook - Sunday 16 August

Bendigo - Sunday 23 August

RMIT Open Day is your chance to experience what it's like to be an RMIT student. Get to know your surroundings, explore the campus, meet your future teachers, ask questions and make friends. It's your opportunity to learn all the tips and tricks from current students and alumni.

RMIT Open Day - RMIT University

La Trobe University 

Melbourne (Bundoora) | Sunday 2 August

Shepparton | Sunday 9 August

Mildura | Wednesday 12 August

Albury-Wodonga | Sunday 16 August

Bendigo | Sunday 23 August

Why attend Open Day at La Trobe?

• Chat with current students, alumni and teachers to get first-hand advice about your dream course, or just about the best places to eat on campus.
• Explore the campus by yourself or join a guided tour. See the world-class health facilities, leading IT and science labs, business trading room, accommodation and much more.
• Discover your options for placements, internships and work-based learning, and get all your questions answered about your dream course.
• Get a taste of what it's really like to be at uni. Join events and activities or kick back and enjoy the campus – Open Day is the place to see it all.

University Open Days Melbourne 2026 | La Trobe University

Charles Sturt University (CSU) 

Port Macquarie - 2nd August

Wagga Wagga - 9th August

Albury-Wodonga - 16th August

Bathurst - 23rd August

Orange - 30th August

Discover what uni life is like! Whether you’re in high school, looking to upskill, want to change careers, or are a parent, teacher or carer – there’s something for everyone.

• Jump on a campus tour – explore our facilities and accommodation.
• Get detailed info about courses.
• Chat to current students about Charles Sturt life.
• Be inspired by our expert teaching staff.
• Discover the social side of life at Charles Sturt.
• Enjoy live entertainment, giveaways, competitions and free food!

Plus, you can explore our expo, info, and career and skills hubs. Chat to our friendly teams about our support services, early offer programs and how to boost your hiring potential.

Open Day 2026 - Study

Federation University 

Gippsland - 9th August

Berwick - 16th August

Ballarat - 23rd August

Experience Open Day at Federation University. From campus tours to live music and hands-on experiences, there’s something for everyone.

Why go to Open Day?

• Tour the campus with current students
• Meet academics, students and industry partners
• Enjoy food stalls, live music, games and giveaways
• Attend info sessions with expert course advice

Open Day | Federation University | Federation University

Australian Catholic University

Melbourne - Sunday 9th August

Ballarat - 23rd August

Open Day gives you the opportunity to ask teaching staff any questions you might have about your dream course, the application process, pathway options, entry schemes and more.

Chat to current students and discover the facilities your new campus has to offer. And sit in on information sessions from each of the faculties to find out more about the courses you’re interested in. 

Open Day – Student life at ACU

Australian College of Applied Professions (ACAP) - 15th August

Ready to turn your passion into a purpose-driven career? ACAP Open Day is your opportunity to discover how their practical, people-focused courses can help you make a real difference – in your community and your life. Join in on campus this August and experience what makes ACAP different. Whether you’re considering counselling, psychology, social work, criminology, law or business, you’ll get a firsthand look at the learning, support, and outcomes that set students up for success. From expert-led masterclasses and career panels to course advice and campus tours, Open Day is designed to give you the insight and inspiration to take the next step.

Open Day Melbourne - ACAP

School of Audio Engineering (SAE) - 15th August

Whether you're still exploring your study options or you’re ready to apply, SAE Open Day is the perfect place to get inspired, get informed, and get hands-on with your creative future. Join in on campus this August to tour their studios, meet your future mentors, and experience what it’s like to study at SAE – the University College built for creators and tech innovators. Explore your study and career pathways across animation, audio, design, film, games, music, VFX and more. Connect with current students, industry-experienced lecturers, and alumni who’ve turned their ideas into careers.

Open Day at SAE Melbourne - SAE University College - Register now

ADFA - 15th August

ADFA Open Day is run each year in August. Join online or in person to:

• Explore world-class UNSW degrees, with information sessions about Business, Arts, Science, Engineering, Computing and Cyber Security.
• Learn about military training, studying and life on campus from current ADFA Trainee Officers.
• Watch a variety of exciting displays, take a virtual tour, and much more

Australian Defence Force Academy - ADF Careers

The University of Melbourne - 16 August

From robots and renewables to Renaissance art, Open Day is a chance to experience what it's really like to study, live and thrive at Melbourne. They look forward to welcoming you and your family to their campuses. What's on at Open Day:

• Chat to academics, Future Student teams and current students to learn more about your study options and the exciting careers they could lead to
• Get a feel for campus life by exploring the spaces you'll be learning in, including our labs, libraries, galleries and other specialist facilities
• Learn how the curriculum works, including how you can combine your passions and strengths to set yourself apart for whichever career you choose
• Explore the range of student accommodation facilities and the social activities and study support on offer

Open Day at the University of Melbourne

Victoria University

Footscray Park - Sunday 16 August

VU City Tower - Sunday 30 August

Open Day is your chance to explore everything unis like VU have to offer – in person. You can tour the campuses, explore the state-of-the-art facilities, chat with students and teachers, get course advice, attend hands-on workshops and demos, and experience what student life could look like for you! It’s a really valuable experience to getting the inside scoop on campus and life at uni or TAFE in general before you even finish school. It also gives you a great opportunity to apply on the spot for the Early Entry program, or even apply for a course right there and then!

Victoria University | VU Open Day - August 2026

Work Experience

Work Experience (WE)/Structured Workplace learning (SWL)/School Based Apprenticeships/Traineeships (SBAT)

Work experience is available to students that are 15+ years old. 

SWL is available to students doing a VET Course in their VCE/VM Pathway. 

SBAT’s are available to Year 10-12 students through our Headstart Program by application and availability only.

Work Experience Opportunities

Please ensure you have considered the travel time and distance to and from your home as well as accommodation BEFORE you apply for any work experience placements. Please let careers know if you will be applying for any opportunities listed.

Swinburne University Work Experience (ages 15+)

Swinburne University of Technology welcomes senior secondary students to participate in work experience at the university. These one-week placements give students the opportunity to work with their academics and professional staff and to:

• develop employability skills

• explore possible career options

• understand employer expectations

• build self-understanding, maturity, independence and self-confidence

Engineering

Program overview

Students will experience different disciplines of Engineering at Swinburne.

Students will have a chance to:

• Gain knowledge about different Engineering disciplines including Civil, Mechanical, Electrical & Electronics, Biomedical, Robotics & Mechatronics, and Software Engineering.

• Learn about relevant cutting-edge research and real-world engineering applications.

• Work in laboratories and gain exposure to emerging areas such as Renewable Energy Systems.

• Undertake a short project during their stay, encouraging independent learning and problem-solving skills.

• Spend time with current Swinburne engineering students on campus, including involvement with FSAE teams assisting with vehicle design, testing, and build activities.

• Inspect a Hybrid Electric Vehicle designed and built by Swinburne engineering students.

• Attend information sessions about Swinburne’s engineering offerings and future career pathways.

Applications for the Engineering program are now open and will close on 1 June 2026. The program will run on the following dates:

• Monday 22 June to Friday 26 June 2026

To apply, please complete this form and submit your resume. Places are limited, and candidates will be notified of their results via email by 16 June 2026. For inquiries, please email Assoc. Prof. Mehran Ektesabi at mektesabi@swinburne.edu.au.

ASD Cyber Security and Robotics Work Experience Program (year 11 & 12 students)

The ASD work experience program is for Year 11–12 students. The program focuses on students who are considering further studies in a STEM-related field.

The week-long program offers you an opportunity to extend your knowledge and skills through practical challenges. Scenarios could include:

• identifying security intrusions on a computer system
• learning how to identify email compromises
• learning to monitor network traffic to detect exploits
• learning how to conduct forensic examinations of hard drives
• learning about web application vulnerabilities
• learning modern encryption methods
• learning about different types of encryption and how they protect data
• using open-source software to recover keys and encrypt and decrypt data
• learning about geospatial analysis and how to use geospatial tools for imagery analysis
• engineering hardware and software solutions for security problems
• robotics programming using Arduinos
• construction of Arduino electrical circuits.

Students who enjoy discovering how technology works are considered favourably over those who use technology.

All placements are in Canberra. Students from interstate are encouraged to apply. Interstate students will receive assistance with travel (transportation) costs. Interstate students are responsible for their own accommodation.

Upcoming work experience program dates:

Session 1: 6 July 2026 – 10 July 2026

• Applications now open and will close Sunday 7 June 2026 11:30pm

I'm starting my career | Australian Signals Directorate

Bell Shakespeare (year 10 & 11 students)

Students in Year 10 and 11 are invited to apply for one week of Work Experience at Bell Shakespeare HQ in Sydney. Our Work Experience program is designed to give students insight into the entire process of making and producing theatre, not only what’s on stage.

Twelve students from across Australia will be selected to join the Company and go behind the scenes to discover how a working theatre company operates. Meet our team and learn about everything from production to casting, design, rehearsals, marketing, box office, fundraising, education and administration.

The 2026 program will focus on our national touring production of Macbeth directed by Artistic Director Peter Evans. Students will see live theatre, explore backstage, undertake group projects, listen to panel discussions, interview staff and participate in practical workshops.

Entry is by application. Students with interest in a range of aspects of theatre making are strongly encouraged to apply. 

Students in regional/interstate schools are encouraged to apply, however Bell Shakespeare is unable to cover travel and accommodation costs.

Applications now open and will close 30th June. 

Work experience | Bell Shakespeare

Defence Work Experience Programs (ages 15+)

The ADF are pleased to invite high school students aged 15–18 years to participate in Defence’s Work Experience Programs being delivered across Victoria in 2026. These youth‑focused programs introduce students to the wide range of career pathways available within the Australian Defence Force (ADF), including the Navy, Army and Air Force, as well as the Australian Public Service (APS).

All program information and links to apply online are available through their website Defence Careers - Jobs List - Defence Work Experience

Successful applicants will be notified via email. Students should read the details carefully so they understand what each program offers. They have more exciting programs planned for this year and will continually update their website as dates are confirmed. So, keep an eye on the website!

National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) - Work Experience 2027 (ages 15+)

The National Gallery of Victoria offers work experience placements for secondary school students. Placements are based with the NGV Learn Team and where possible with other Departments. 

Applications for 2027 Work Experience placements are now open and will close 5pm, 23 October 2026. All applicants will be notified by mid-November.

The NGV offers work experience during the following week in 2027: Monday 21 – Friday 25 June 2027.

Work Experience | NGV

Grandshake Virtual Work Experience (ages 14-19)

Grandshake offers a ton of awesome Virtual Work Experience programs for young people across Australia aged 14-19. These programs are a great way to get a taste of your dream career, all from your own home. And they help you learn some valuable skills along the way as well. The programs run all year, during school and the holidays, so you can sign up to start at any time. The programs typically run for four weeks, with a 2-4 hour commitment per week. Best of all, they’re totally free.

Grandshake: Connecting Students and Employers for Real-World Experiences