Careers News
Year 12 VTAC, Equity Scheme and Scholarship Applications
Applications for Courses and Equity Schemes in 2026 opened in VTAC on 4th August. Students have until 29th September at 5pm to apply. The cost of a timely application is $80. Please note that some of the equity categories require students to provide supporting documentation and this can be a time-consuming process. Therefore, we encourage students who are applying for these to action their applications as soon as possible.
The careers team are currently offering VTAC support sessions. Bookings for these can be made by calling into the Careers Centre. Students who would like individualised support are encouraged to call in and make a one-on-one appointment.
General Information on VTAC Course Applications can be found at: https://vtac.edu.au/
Equity Scheme information can be found at: https://vtac.edu.au/access/seas
Scholarship information can be found at: https://vtac.edu.au/access/scholarships
Defence Careers Australia - Ballarat: Pop Up ADF Careers Centre
Commencing Monday 1st September 2025
Join the Pop Up ADF Careers Centre (PACC) in Ballarat - next to the Skills and Jobs Centre and speak with current serving members to see which Australian Defence Force career is best suited to you. This is your opportunity to discover the range of roles available in the Navy, Army and Air Force, ranging from trades, transport, logistics, engineering, combat and more. Please note registration is not required.
Time: 09:00 AM - 03:00 PM (AEST)
Location: Ballarat Pop Up ADF Careers Centre
Details and Registration:
https://www.adfcareers.gov.au/events/events-detail/fmnym0p
Melbourne Polytechnic - Drama and Theatre Arts Information Session
Tuesday 2nd September 2025
Register for an information session.
Courses:
Diploma of Live Production and Technical Services - Costume CUA50420
Diploma of Live Production and Technical Services - Live Production CUA50420
Diploma of Screen and Media - Specialist Make-Up Services CUA51020
Diploma of Theatre Arts 22598VIC
Time: 4:30 PM
Location: Prahran Campus
Details and Registration:
Melbourne Polytechnic - Music and Sound Information Session
Thursday 4th September 2025
Register for an information session.
Courses:
Advanced Diploma of Music - Performance CUA60520
Advanced Diploma of Music - Sound Production CUA60520
Certificate IV in Music - Sound Production CUA40920
Diploma of Music CUA50820
Time: 4:00 PM
Location: Online
Details and Registration:
https://www.melbournepolytechnic.edu.au/information-sessions/music-and-sound-701oa00000cabmqiac
Melbourne Polytechnic - Visual Arts Information Session
Register for an information session.
Courses:
Certificate III in Visual Arts CUA31120
Certificate IV in Visual Arts CUA41320
Advanced Diploma of Creative Product Development CUA60420
Diploma of Visual Arts - Illustration CUA51120
Time: 4:00 PM
Location: Online
Details and Registration:
https://www.melbournepolytechnic.edu.au/information-sessions/visual-arts-701oa00000bejfeiai
Melbourne Polytechnic - Screen and Media Campus Tour Information Session
Register for an information session.
Courses:
Certificate IV in Screen and Media CUA41220
Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media CUA60620
Time: 4:00 PM
Location: Online
Details and Registration:
https://www.melbournepolytechnic.edu.au/information-sessions/screen-and-media-701oa00000calj7iak
Defence Careers Australia
Melbourne: Army Special Forces Information Session
Tuesday 9th September 2025
Wondering whether a job in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) is the right fit for you?
Come along to an upcoming info session where you'll have the opportunity to ask questions and learn everything you want to know regarding job roles in the Navy, Army and Air Force.
You'll have the chance to speak with current serving members to see if an ADF career is the one for you.
It is highly recommended you book as soon as possible to avoid missing out as places are strictly limited!
Time: 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM (AEST)
Location: Melbourne ADF Careers Centre
Details and Registration:
https://www.adfcareers.gov.au/events/events-detail/esd2jrn
Victoria University - Travel & Tourism Information Session
The sessions will cover:
Diploma of Travel and Tourism Management SIT50122 course structure and information industry connections placement opportunities pathways to further study facilities for your study, including a tour.
Sessions are hosted in-person at our Footscray Nicholson Campus, Building D, Room 145.
Time: 5:00 PM - 06:00 PM
Location: Corner of Nicholson St & Buckley St, Footscray, VIC 3011 AU
Details and Registration:
https://www.vu.edu.au/about-vu/news-events/events/travel-tourism-information-session
Victoria University - VU Walk & Talk series
Join us on a tour and learn more about our world-class facilities and vibrant campuses.
Walk and talk tours will run once month to give you a chance to explore what VU can offer you and hear about how we can support you on your education journey.
Time: 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM
Location: Sunshine
Details and Registration:
https://www.vu.edu.au/about-vu/news-events/events/vu-walk-talk-series
What Will Work Look Like in 2035?
The world of work is changing fast! Chances are, your future job doesn't even exist yet. From designing virtual worlds to solving climate problems or guiding how we use AI, new careers are emerging in every industry. Check out some of the most exciting "jobs of the future" below and see which ones might be your perfect fit!
AI Ethicist - For deep thinkers who enjoy big questions.
You will: Make sure AI is used safely and fairly.
Sustainability Consultant - For eco-minded problem solvers. You will: Help businesses go green and reduce waste.
VR Experience Designer - For creative tech lovers and gamers. You will: Build virtual worlds for work, play or learning.
Genetic Counsellor - For science lovers with strong people skills. You will: Help people understand their genetic health risks.
Career Spotlight - Youth Worker
You don’t need to have all the answers to be a Youth Worker.
What matters most is a caring attitude, being a good listener and genuinely wanting to support young people through life’s challenges.
What is a Youth Worker?
A Youth Worker supports young people facing challenges like mental health issues, family problems or trouble at school. They help teens build skills, set goals and connect with community resources. Youth Workers might run programs, provide one-on-one support or advocate for young people in schools or social services. The goal of a Youth Worker is to empower youth to make positive choices and thrive within their lives.
What skills and strengths are needed?
Strong communication and empathy are essential. Youth Workers need to listen carefully and build trust with young people. Problem-solving and patience help when working through complex issues. Good teamwork and understanding of social issues are important, along with being organised and adaptable. Cultural awareness is crucial and some roles also require basic counselling skills.
What are the pathways?
You can start by completing a Certificate IV in Youth Work or Community Services. Many Youth Workers also go on to study diplomas or degrees in social work, community services or youth work. Volunteering with youth groups, mentoring or working in community centres is a great way to gain experience. Building connections through placements or internships helps open doors into this rewarding career.
Defence Industry Virtual Work Experience
If you are interested in a career in the defence industry? Call in and see the team in the Careers Centre. We can provide you with a link to some virtual work experience via our Career Tools resource.
These Virtual Work Experiences have been created in collaboration with top defence industry organisations to give students a behind-the-scenes look at STEM, vocational and support roles in this in-demand sector.
Roles include:
Mechanical Engineer
Systems Engineer
Fabricator
Defence Project Manager
Machinist
Each VWE includes an overview of the role and the key qualities that could align users to specific roles, pathways to enter the role, interactive activities and resources to help users take the next step.
What is the defence industry?
The defence industry is the cluster of private and public organisations that provide goods and services to the Australian Defence Force.
Defence industry sub-categories include:
Operations, including logistics and procurement
Trades Operators and Engineers specialising in nuclear, mechanical, electronics, fabrication, combat systems and safety.
Digital and ICT services including cybersecurity, machine learning and automation.
Support services such as finance, project management and business analysis
Why is the defence industry unique?
Australia’s recent defence commitments represent multi-billion-dollar opportunities for
the defence industry, with thousands of new roles expected to be created over the next
decade.
Due to this high demand, future defence industry workers will have the opportunity to
work for some of the largest defence companies in the world, gain highly sought-
after skills and qualifications in critical areas, work on cutting-edge projects and contribute to Australia’s national interests.
Enterprise Kickstarter Challenge
What Is It?
The Kickstarter Challenge is one of Australia’s leading competitions for young women with creative business ideas. Run by the Accelerator for Enterprising Women, it’s designed to support female-led startups in areas like tech, sustainability, health and social impact.
Who Can Enter the Kickstarter Challenge 2025?
To be eligible, applicants must:
Be 18 years or older and identify as female
Live in Australia and have a registered business with an Australian Business Number (ABN)
Own and lead the business
Have started trading on or after January 1, 2023, or be in the process of starting
Have had total business revenue of under $75,000 in the last year (including grants)
Maintain a business bank account in the business name
Be prepared to pitch in person in Canberra if selected as a finalist.
Key Dates
Entries open: 1st July 2025
Entries close: 1st October 2025
Finalists announced: 31st October 2025
Pitch event in Canberra: 20th November 2025
What Can You Win?
Winners share in $60,000 of equity-free funding, plus receive mentoring, media training, professional support and the chance to pitch at a national showcase event in Canberra. It’s not just about the money, it’s about learning, growing and building connections that can launch your idea into the real world.
Why Get Involved?
Past winners say the experience changed everything. Just ask Hailey Brown, 2023 winner and founder of Vacayit, an accessible travel app:
“The funding, mentorship and community helped propel our business to new heights.”
Moonhack Coding Project
Ready to Code Like a Space Pro?
Moonhack 2025 is here! Moonhack is a global coding event run by Code Club Australia, where kids from all over the world take part in fun, free coding challenges for a whole week. The projects are linked to what you learn at school and are designed to spark creativity and build real tech skills. Over the past nine years, more than 270,000 young people have taken part - making it one of the biggest coding events on the planet!
What Will You Learn?
Participants can choose from projects that align with the Australian curriculum, covering topics such as space exploration, sustainability and technology.
Some example Moonhack 2025 Projects include:
In Deep Water - Guide a turtle through rising waters in this coding and climate change game.
Mission to Mars - Control a rover exploring Mars while learning programming basics.
Solar System Adventure - Make a space-themed story or game using Scratch or Python.
How to Get Involved
Getting started with Moonhack 2025 is easy:
Visit the Code Club Australia Website:
Go to www.codeclubau.org to explore available projects and resources.
Select a Project: Choose from a range of coding projects that suit your interests and skill level.
Start Coding: Follow the step-by-step instructions provided for each project to create your own digital solution.
Share Your Work: Once completed, share your project with the Moonhack community and showcase your skills.
Why Get Involved?
Participating in Moonhack 2025 is a fantastic opportunity to develop coding skills, engage
with a global community and contribute to meaningful projects. Whether you're a beginner or have some coding experience, Moonhack offers a platform to learn, create and innovate.
Kerry Hammond
Careers