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 Morrisby Assessment 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
Year 12 Results
Our Year 12 students received their exam results and ATARs yesterday. We are incredibly proud of our year 12s and whilst this can be an apprehensive time, all of our students ending their journey with the College are well supported in deciding on their future pathways.
Please find attached the change of preference guide 2025.
Job Opportunities
Western Health’s Patient Services Assistant (PSA) Traineeship
Not sure what comes after school? This could be your start.
If uni isn't speaking to you and you'd rather learn by actually doing the work, Western Health's Patient Services Assistant (PSA) Traineeship is a great way to break into healthcare.
You'll get paid, learn on the job, and work toward a nationally recognised qualification. No experience needed. Just a good attitude and a willingness to show up and learn.
What you’ll do: You spend your first week at Sunshine Hospital getting the basics down. After that, you move into paid mentor shifts across different wards where you shadow experienced staff, pick things up as you go, and slowly take on more responsibility. You’ll also complete training with Victoria University as part of your Certificate III in Health Services Assistance.
Where it can lead: A lot of trainees go on to study nursing or allied health, while others stay on at Western Health in ongoing PSA roles. It’s a pathway that opens doors, even if you’re still figuring things out.
Find out more about Western Health's PSA Traineeship - Start Your Career in Healthcare with Western Health
Clean Energy Trade - Powering Her Pathway
Rachel Sands (Workplace Gender & Diversity Specialist - Trades Women Australia) is leading Powering Her Pathway—a Gippsland-based initiative focused on supporting women’s participation in the clean energy transition: Powering Her Pathway Project
They are officially taking EOIs for the first round of FREE customised training for women who are interested in a career in clean energy (training brochure attached below).
- 6 weeks, 2 Feb – 13 Mar 2025
- FREE
- Delivered at the Morwell and Yallourn TAFE campuses
- Delivered during school hours
- 4 days per week
- 18+
Events
The following events are not Bairnsdale Secondary College events.
Sports Education and Development Australia (SEDA) | 2026 Sport & Business Programs
SEDA are thrilled to launch their Sport & Business Programs for 2026, including two exciting new offerings!
Students interested in an education option embedded in the real-world environment of the sport industry can now do so alongside Netball Victoria or the Cronulla Sharks.
Along with these additions, they're still proud to offer the same extensive pathways through their university and higher education partners.
They continue to offer the same great individual support to all students through a single, dedicated teacher in each program and their passionate Student Services Coordinator.
Virtual Information Sessions are available to interested students with registrations via Information Sessions - SEDA Group.
Webinars for Parents and Carers from the eSafety Commissioner
Social Media Age Restrictions Explained - 15th December 2025, 10th & 24th February 2026
From 10 December 2025, certain social media platforms won’t be allowed to let Australian children under 16 create or keep an account. Join the information session to understand the changes.
This 30-minute webinar will help parents and carers understand the upcoming changes to social media access for children under 16.
Join the information session to:
- understand the purpose of the new age restrictions and how they aim to protect young Australians
- understand which platforms will require users to be 16+ and what platforms they can still access
- get tips and resources to support your child’s online safety and wellbeing through the transition.
Parents and carers will gain:
- a clear understanding of the new rules and their implications
- confidence in guiding their child through these changes
- access to trusted resources to support safe and positive online engagement.
This webinar is offered more than once, so you can select the date and time that works best for you.
Supporting Healthy Tech Use as Your Child Transitions into Secondary School - 11th February
As your child moves into high school the influence of peers intensifies and online social connections become increasingly complex, but there is plenty you can do to support them.
This 45-minute webinar explores the social pressures, peer influences, and technological challenges young people face as they transition into secondary school. It also offers practical strategies for navigating online friendships and connections to help minimise negative experiences.
You'll learn:
- what social pressures they may be experiencing online
- how they can build digital resilience and critical reasoning
- how to talk to your young person about what they see and do online
- practical strategies for promoting positive peer interactions and help seeking behaviours.
This session is suitable for parents and carers of children in upper primary school (ages 11 to 12) and Year 7.
Understanding and Using Parental Controls to Help Protect Your Child Online - 5th March
Learn how parental controls can be used to prevent children accessing harmful content, manage time spent online and who they communicate with.
In this 45-minute webinar, we’ll explore how parental controls can be used alongside other online safety strategies to protect your child online.
You’ll learn:
- the types of parental controls available – including on smart devices, in gaming platforms and on apps
- how they can help prevent children accessing harmful content
- how to use them to complement other online safety strategies.
This session is suitable for parents and carers of young people in primary and secondary school.
Aviation Australia | Discover the Path to Becoming Cabin Crew: Free Online Info Session - 17th December
Are you curious about what it takes to work as cabin crew or flight attendant? Aviation Australia's 45-minute online information session (plus 15 minutes Q&A) will give you insider insight into the world of cabin crew, the training process, and how the course at Aviation Australia can set you up for success.
By the end of this session, you will:
- Understand the full structure of the Aviation Australia Cabin Crew Essential Course, and how it differs from other training options
- Learn the skills and certifications you will gain (e.g. first aid, customer service, emergency procedures)
- See real classroom and simulation facilities, and hear from instructors with industry experience
- Explore potential career pathways with major airlines
- Get your questions answered live during the Q&A
Who should attend?
- Aspiring cabin crew candidates aged 18+
- Recent school leavers looking for a unique career path
- Individuals wanting to pivot into aviation or customer service roles
- Anyone who wants a realistic view of what it takes to become cabin crew
- Anyone who wants to learn about their graduate outcomes
Whether you’re just exploring or ready to commit, this session is your opportunity to see if cabin crew training is for you.
Cabin Crew Essentials Online Information Session | Aviation Australia
University of New South Wales (UNSW) | Info Day - 18th December
Your ATAR isn't everything, it's one indication of how your next steps could look.
Get personalised advice at Info Day before you finalise your UAC preferences. Explore your study options, tour the campus, and chat with academics and current students, so you can feel confident in your choice.
Victoria University | Tourism, Events, Hospitality & Culinary Information Sessions - 12th & 19th January, 2026
Start your career in tourism, events, hospitality and culinary professions. Prepare to join one of the world’s largest and most dynamic industries.
Victoria University's courses are delivered by expert teachers who will teach you to put specialised theory into practice.
Find out about the course structure and information for:
- Diploma of Travel and Tourism Management SIT50122
- Diploma of Hospitality Management SIT50422
- Certificate III in Commercial Cookery SIT30821
- Certificate IV in Kitchen Management SIT40521
- Diploma of Hospitality Management SIT50422
- Certificate III in Patisserie SIT31021
- Diploma of Event Management SIT50322
The sessions will cover:
- industry connections
- placement opportunities
- pathways to further study
- facilities for your study, including a tour.
Tourism, events, hospitality & culinary information session | Victoria University
School of Audio Engineering (SAE) University College | Info Night in Melbourne - 15th January, 2026
Just make the first move in your dream career – join in at your local SAE campus this January for Info Night!
This is your chance to get a feel for the vibe at an SAE campus. Explore their creative and technology courses, meet industry experts and chat to the campus teams about student life. You can even take a tour of their facilities and check out some of the awesome student projects on display.
At Info Night, you'll have the opportunity to:
- Get the Full Lowdown: Dive into everything you need to know about SAE – from student support services and real-life experiences to industry placements and career pathways – all in a single, streamlined session.
- Go Behind-the-Scenes: Ever wondered what it’s like to work with professional, industry-standard software and equipment? Tour SAE’s state-of-the-art facilities and get a feel for the real-world tools and spaces you’ll use as a student.
- Meet Your Mentors: Chat with their dedicated teachers, each a master in their craft. Gain valuable insights into their courses – not only from their expert staff, but also their alumni, who have been exactly where you are and now work in their dream creative and technology fields.
- Chat 1:1 with SAE Experts: Have questions about courses, financial assistance, early entry programs or scholarships? Chat with the SAE Course Advisors about the type of career you’ve had your sights set on – and how they can help you get there.
- See What Can Create: Get inspired by the incredible projects and creative work of current SAE students. This is where your own talent and vision can take you when you let curiosity lead!
- Feel the SAE Vibes: Enjoy an environment that’s all about creativity and connection. This is your perfect chance to experience the SAE vibes up close and personal.
You're invited to SAE Melbourne's Info Night
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 dates:
| Melbourne | 15 - 18 Jan 2026 (1 Spot) |
| Sydney | 16 - 19 Apr 2026 (58% full) |
| Melbourne | 16 - 19 Apr 2026 (21% full) |
| Brisbane | 2 - 5 Jul 2026 (4% full) |
| Sydney | 9 - 12 Jul 2026 (8% full) |
| Perth | 16 - 19 Jul 2026 (8% full) |
| Melbourne | 24 - 27 Sep 2026 (21% full) |
| Sydney | 1 - 4 Oct 2026 (4% full) |
NIE Careers | Future Doctors Australia
Monash University | Robogals Engage Engineer: for 2026 Year 9/10 Students
Engage Engineer January 2026 Student Registration Form
Collarts | Online Information Session for Future Students - 20th January, 2026
Curious about studying online at Collarts? Join their Online Info Session to discover how you can turn your creative passion into a career, from anywhere in Australia.
At this live session, you’ll learn what makes Collarts’ online experience different. Hear from industry-connected teachers about how they bring real-world expertise into every class, explore flexible study options, and see how their creative community stays connected online through collaboration, mentorship, and hands-on projects.
Whether you’re balancing work, family, or just prefer the freedom of remote learning, you’ll find out how Collarts supports your goals through personalised learning, dedicated academic support, and industry-focused outcomes.
What you’ll gain from this session:
Insight into how Collarts’ online courses work across for design, social media, fashion design, interior design, photography, and more. A look into their digital classrooms and how they bring creativity to life online.
Event: Online Info Session - Collarts
Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE) | Information Evening for Future Students, Melbourne - 21st January, 2026
Discover the courses designed to get you started in game development, film, 3D animation and visual effects at the AIE Information Evening.
The evening will include presentations on different areas of industry to get into as well as information about AIE full-time and part-time courses and entry requirements. They will be showing off AIE student work, and their staff and teachers will be available to chat with you about their courses and how AIE can get you into a creative career.
Information Evening | Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE)
Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute (AMSI) | Careers Day 2026 For Tertiary Students - 22nd January
AMSI Careers Day connects Australia’s brightest mathematical sciences students with leading employers across a range of industry sectors including finance, technology, consulting, government, education, and beyond. Held in conjunction with AMSI Summer School, this annual event features employer presentations, industry stalls, and networking opportunities, giving students direct access to career pathways and future employers.
Students: talk to potential employers, hear how mathematical sciences skills are applied in industry, get your careers questions answered and be inspired by the endless opportunities awaiting mathematics, statistics and data science graduates!
Torrens University
Open Day 2026, Melbourne - 31st January
GO and meet Torrens academics and Future Student Advisors who will be able to answer all your questions about early entry, scholarships, entry pathways and the campus. Go and explore the campuses and see firsthand why studying at Torrens University is exciting.
Everyone is welcome to drop in at the Flinders St campus anytime between 10.30am and 1pm to attend one of the information sessions or take a tour.
Open Day in Melbourne | Torrens University
Virtual Open Day 2026, 3rd-4th February
Ready for the next step on your career journey? Join Torrens online as their academics talk you through the courses on offer and how you can get the most out of studying with them. Learn about scholarships, study pathways, industry partnerships with global brands and what sets them apart from other universities.
Virtual Open Day 2026 | Torrens University
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.
Year 12 & Beyond with ADHD - 26th February, 2026
Targeted to parents of students with ADHD in Year 12, this webinar will share insights and practical solutions for managing this critical year and beyond and making meaningful career decisions.
2026 - Year 12 & Beyond - With ADHD
Year 10 & Beyond with ADHD - 5th March, 2026
For parents of students with ADHD in Year 10, this webinar explores how to navigate the key decision points of the senior school years, support effective planning for post-school options, and help your teen build confidence in their future direction.
They’ll unpack the unique challenges ADHD can bring to this stage — from planning and procrastination to emotional regulation — and explore how to make study and career decisions that align with your child’s strengths, values, and readiness.
ATAR, Uni & Bonus Points with ADHD (for year 12 students & parents) - 19th March, 2026
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
- Plus: A Q&A session to address specific questions and concerns.
Note: The examples in this presentation will be NSW-based examples.
ATAR, Bonus Points, & Uni Entry Explained with ADHD - March 2026
Victorian Careers & Employment Expo 2026 - 19th-21st March
Victorian Careers & Employment Expo is open from March 19 to 21, 2026 at the Melbourne Showgrounds. The Expo will showcase over 130 organisations and employers with career opportunities for all ages. Entry is free.
The event is for school students, parents, teachers, graduates, job seekers, people looking for courses, and workers seeking new opportunities.
The Expo is packed with free advice, where you can:
- Talk with over 130 training organisations and employers
- Gain free career advice
- Discover jobs of the future
- Talk with leading organisations about training and apprenticeships
- Experience the free career seminars
- Enjoy the "Try a Skill" Zones
If you're looking for a job, career change, or course, or you're a school student looking for a career path, you can’t afford to miss the Expo.
Victorian Careers & Employment Expo
Australian National University (ANU)
Science & Medicine Offer Holder Webinar Series - 16th December, 2025 and 8th January, 2026
Are you holding an offer to the ANU Doctor of Medicine and Surgery (MChD) program but still weighing your options?This session provides a raw, honest, and direct perspective on what it’s really like to study medicine at one of Australia’s top research universities.
Hear from a current ANU medical student about the curriculum, clinical placements, student support and more.
Science & Medicine Offer Holder Webinar Series | The Australian National University
Open Day, 2026 - 28th March
This is a chance for you to tour ANU'S beautiful campus, learn about our courses and programs and hear about the student experience from current ANU students.
Students who register to attend ANU Open Day will go in the draw to win a trip for two to Canberra!
ANU Open Day | The Australian National University
Dairy Program Expression of Interest
Are you aged 15-17 and curious about the dairy industry? A Next Gen Dairy program is being planned. GippsDairy is exploring interest for a 3-day program during the April 2026 school holidays, designed for young people who want to gain a deeper understanding of the dairy sector — from farm to factory and beyond!
Participants will:
- Visit leading dairy farms and processors
- Learn about animal care, technology, and sustainability
- Meet people working across the industry
- Explore career and training pathways
Expressing interest will require parent/guardian contact details and basic information about the young person.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NexGenEOI
Please note this is not a Bairnsdale Secondary College Event and will be run and coordinated by Gipps Dairy.
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.
Parliament of Victoria Work Experience 2026 (ages 15+)
Expressions of interest to complete a work experience placement at the Parliament of Victoria in terms 1 & 2, 2026 are now open.
Whether you’re interested in politics, planting trees, law-making or baking, your work experience placement at the Parliament of Victoria will be an experience you’ll remember. This is a unique opportunity to undertake a week-long placement in either the Parliamentary Sitting or Parliamentary Services program. Placements run for 5 days: Monday-Friday, from 9am until 5pm each day.
Parliamentary Sitting placements provide the opportunity to see the law-making process up close. Students will go behind the scenes with the staff who directly support Parliament sittings, to get a deeper understanding of our democratic processes.
Parliamentary Services placements offer a variety of opportunities that can be matched with a broad range of student interests and career goals. Students will have the option to work with staff in one of the many professional service areas that support the day-to-day business of Parliament.
Expressions of interest for terms 1 & 2 will close at 5:00pm on Friday 30 January 2026. All students will be notified of the outcome of their expression of interest by Friday 20 February 2026.
Work experience at Parliament House
Melbourne Theatre Company Work Experience 2026 (years 10-12 students, 15+)
Work experience placements at Melbourne Theatre Company offer high school students the opportunity to observe one week of rehearsals at our Southbank headquarters.
Students shadow the Stage Management team to see how a professional rehearsal room operates. A typical week includes attending production meetings, notating blocking, sourcing props and assisting the stage manager as required.
Victorian high school students in Years 10–12 can apply for a placement. Preference will be given to Year 11 students.
2026 placement dates:
13 APR – 17 APR: Shoelace Chaser
20 APR – 24 APR: Retrograde
18 MAY – 22 MAY: Losing Face
22 JUN – 26 JUN: Uncle Vanya
24 AUG – 28 AUG: Eliza
21 SEP – 24 SEP: Before I Forget (This is an identified position for a First Nations student)
Applicants should be aware of the mature content of some productions. Please read the content warnings on each play page before applying for a placement.
Applications for the 2026 program are now open. Applications for placements close Fri 20 Feb 2026.
Work Experience | Melbourne Theatre Company
Nangak Tamboree Wildlife Sanctuary Work Experience 2026 (year 9 & 10 students, 15+)
Nangak's Work Experience Program is designed to foster new skills in young people, create an awareness and appreciation of the conservation and biodiversity management industry and demonstrate the breadth of career opportunities in environmental science, research and education.
Successful applicants may assist in the following areas of the Sanctuary:
- land management
- plant production
- education
- biodiversity
- marketing, promotion & interpretation
- office & administration
- workshops & tours
The Nangak Tamboree Wildlife Sanctuary cannot offer any opportunities to work with animals.
Work Experience placements run for one week from Monday to Friday on pre-selected dates throughout the year. Normal working hours are from 9.30am until 4.00pm. As part of your placement, you will be required to undertake some structured learning activities.
There are 4 places available for each of the placement weeks listed below. A maximum of two students can come from the same school for the same placement week.
Placement dates (these dates are subject to change based on other Sanctuary activities happening at the time):
| Term | Dates |
|---|---|
| 1 | 16th-20th March |
| 2 | 4th-8th May 1st-5th June |
| 3 | 27th-31st July 24th-28th August |
| 4 | 19th-23rd October |
Please ensure you have considered the travel time and distance to and from your home to Bundoora BEFORE you apply for a placement.
How to apply:
- Let careers know you will be applying
- Complete the below forms and have your parents/guardians sign them (do not need principals' signature at this stage)
- Click the following link and complete the online form - Work Experience Application Form, Nangak Tamboree Wildlife Sanctuary, Get involved, Secondary school students, La Trobe University
Secondary school students, Nangak Tamboree Wildlife Sanctuary, Get involved, La Trobe University
ASD Cyber Security & Robotics Work Experience 2026 (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: 13 April 2026 – 17 April 2026
- Applications Open Date: Friday 30 January 2026
- Applications Close Date: Sunday 1 March 2026 11:30pm
Session 2: 6 July 2026 – 10 July 2026
- Applications Open Date: Friday 8 May 2026
- Applications Close Date: Sunday 7 June 2026 11:30pm
Session 3: 28 September 2026 – 2 October 2026
- Applications Open Date: Friday 31 July
- Applications Close Date: Sunday 30 August 2026 11:30pm
To apply please visit Defence Work Experience once applications open.
I'm starting my career | Australian Signals Directorate
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
Job Spotlights - Legal Secretary, Speech Pathologist & Christmas Spotlights
How to become a Legal Secretary – Study Work Grow
How to become a Speech Pathologist – Study Work Grow
