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
Angela Wren - angela.wren@education.vic.gov.au- 8.30am-4.00pm (Monday-Friday)
Jaclyn Powell - jaclyn.powell@education.vic.gov.au - 8.30-4.00pm (Monday-Wednesday)
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
Bairnsdale Secondary College Events
Further information regarding these events will be shared via compass.
Public Events
The following events are not Bairnsdale Secondary College events.
Claire Pech Careers | Year 12 & Beyond - With ADHD - 18th & 27th February
Hosted by Claire Pech, CICA-Accredited Careers Practitioner, and Amanda Krulis, endorsed Organisational Psychologist. 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.
Topics covered:
- Understanding the characteristics of ADHD, debunking unhelpful myths
- Exploring the similarities & differences between ADHD at School vs. Tertiary
- Considerations for choosing further studies after Year 12
- Evaluating potential action plans & pathway options
- Understanding what adjustments/supports are available after 12 Year
- Creating insight & self-awareness around current ADHD status
- Essentials of Executive Functions, impact & creating a tailored toolkit for success
- Identifying & harnessing ADHD strengths
- Managing technology with ADHD
- Career planning with ADHD
- Strategies for parents to support their kids
- Q&A
Victoria Police | Victoria Police Reconnection Seminar - 27th February
Are you interested in a career with Victoria Police but are yet to complete your application? Or perhaps you have questions about the application process and want to ensure you're putting your best foot forward? Join Victoria Police for their Reconnection Seminar, designed specifically for individuals who have shown interest in Victoria Police but haven't completed their application, or need guidance on how to navigate the process.
What you’ll gain:
• Expert-led walkthroughs of the application process
• Insight into common mistakes applicants make and how to avoid them
• Helpful tips for making your application as strong as possible
• Clear answers to any lingering questions or concerns you may have about the process
• One-on-one time with recruiters and current members to receive tailored advice
Event details:
• When: Thursday 27th February 2025
• Where: Victoria Police Centre - 311 Spencer Street, Docklands, VIC 3008
• Arrival: Strictly between 5.00pm – 5:45pm, you cannot attend if you arrive after 5:45pm.
• Online: If you wish to attend online, please email Hayley.Bawden@police.vic.gov.au and she will send you an online link prior to the event starting (if you attend online there unfortunately won't be an opportunity to ask questions or chat one-on-one).
• Session Start: 6:00pm | Session Finish: 7:30pm - including Q&A session.
Secure your ticket today! There are limited seats for the in-person session, and they are selling out fast!!
Registration link: Victoria Police Reconnection Seminar Tickets, Thu, Feb 27, 2025 at 6:00 PM | Eventbrite
Infinity X Career Program (Regional) - March 2025
The Infinity X Career Program aims to empower individuals with diverse experiences and skills toward achieving their career dreams.
The Infinity X Career Program (Regional) will commence in March 2025. This intensive 6-week program will involve once weekly 2-hour sessions to equip, empower, and support participants in stepping into the careers and opportunities of their dreams. Sessions will be held online.
This program is free. However, an application process applies.
https://inclusionsolutions.org.au/application-infinityx-career-regional/
Discover ACU Ballarat: Arts and Humanities, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy and Teaching - 10 April 2025
Organisation: Australian Catholic University
Location: ACU Ballarat Campus
Date: April 10, 2025
Are you a current secondary student in year 10, 11 or 12?
Experience university life firsthand at the 2025 Discover ACU. This free event, tailored to your specific study interests, offers an in-depth look at what it is like to be a university student.
You'll have the choice of one of the following workshops:
- Arts and Humanities
- Occupational Therapy
- Physiotherapy
- Teaching
Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE) Open Day – 24th May
Discover the courses designed to get you started in game development, 3D animation, film and visual effects at the AIE Open Day. It is a great opportunity to meet their 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
- 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.
Open Day | Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE)
AIE - Online Campus Day - 7 June 2025
Organisation: Academy of Interactive Entertainment
Location: Online
Date: June 7, 2025
Discover the courses designed to get you started in game development, 3D animation, film and visual effects at the AIE Online Campus Day. AIE will be running this event for students interested in studying online. You will be able to meet our teachers, explore how classes will run, course options, career pathways and see our amazing student work.
We will be covering everything you need to know about the:
- careers in games and VFX that we train students for;
- studios and industries that we work with;
- courses we offer - from beginners to professional mastery, and;
- the software, skills and knowledge we teach.
Tech and Trades Experience Day 2025 - 10 July 2025
Organisation: RMIT University
Location: RMIT Melbourne City Campus
Date: July 10, 2025
Explore next-level workshops at RMIT's Tech and Trades Experience Day in the July school holidays. Walk in the shoes of a student for a day and experience what it's like to learn an IT, tech or trade course.
If you're a high school student in Year 10, 11 or 12, as well as parents/guardians, this event is for you. Not only is it free, it's also a great chance to get a glimpse of what tech and trade courses are really like at RMIT.
The workshops at the Experience Day will have tech something for everyone, no matter what IT tech course or trade course you're interested in. With everything from cyber security to carpentry, the event gives you a chance to explore your interests and passions.
ACAP University College Open Day 2025, Melbourne - 16 August 2025
Organisation: ACAP University College
Location: ACAP Melbourne Campus
Date: August 16, 2025
Open Day is your chance to experience the ACAP difference and find your path in the applied professions. Whether you’re interested in Counselling, Psychology, Social Work, Criminology, Law, or Business, ACAP is your pathway to making a difference.
Be part of a workshop, meet our industry-renowned facilitators, and hear all about life as an ACAP student. Join us for a day of exploration and inspiration!
SAE University College Open Day 2025, Melbourne - 16 August 2025
Organisation: SAE University College
Location: SAE Melbourne Campus
Date: August 16, 2025
We’re opening the doors to the campus for our biggest event of the year – Open Day!
Come and tour our facilities, speak to faculty members, meet current students, and find out everything you need to know about studying at SAE.
If you’re considering studying creative media, come along to SAE’s Open Day to speak to our experienced team and learn how you can pursue your passion in this dynamic and expanding industry.
Melbourne Cricket Education Academy (MCEA)
MCEA have reached out to invite any prospective students and their families to go along and visit the Melbourne Cricket Education Academy at the CitiPower Centre. This is a fantastic opportunity for students interested in studying business while pursuing a career in sport to learn more about their comprehensive program for 2025. As part of the Melbourne Cricket Education Academy Program for 2025, this tour offers a unique opportunity to explore their state-of-the-art facilities and learn more about the exceptional educational training and experiences they provide. During the tour, students will have the chance to:
• Tour the Elite High-Performance Cricket Facility
• Explore the opportunity to study a Dual Diploma in Business and Leadership & Development with RMIT University
• Learn about the comprehensive Cricket Performance Program
• Ask any questions you may have about the program.
This visit will give you a first-hand look at how MCEA can help aspiring students achieve their full potential.
Please find below a digital brochure and also links to their website to book in for a 1:1 tour.
Home – Melbourne Cricket Education Academy
Select a Date & Time – Calendly
Work Experience
Undertaking a Work Experience Placement is a fantastic way to explore different careers and industries. Placements can open up part time employment opportunities and support you to build self-confidence. You can learn what sort of work environment suits you and what employers expect from you.
To find out about Bairnsdale Secondary College's Work Experience Program follow the link to the video.
Work Experience Program Video
If you are interested in undertaking a work experience placement in the construction industry you will need to complete the Construction Induction Course. We currently have courses running on the 18th of February and the 8th of May at a cost of $80, please come to the careers office to secure your place.
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.
Melbourne Theatre Company Work Experience 2025 (year 10-12 students, 15+)
Work experience placements at Melbourne Theatre Company offer high school students the opportunity to observe one week of rehearsals at their 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.
Unfortunately, they are unable to offer work experience placements outside the program dates.
Eligibility
Victorian high school students in Years 10–12 can apply for a placement. Preference will be given to Year 11 students.
Melbourne Theatre Company is committed to sharing stories that reflect the diversity of the human experience. Unless specified as an identified position, they welcome applications from everyone – regardless of race, sexuality, faith, ability or gender.
2025 placement dates
3 FEB — 7 FEB: The Robot Dog (This is an identified position for a First Nations student or a student of Chinese heritage)
10 FEB — 14 FEB: The Removalists
31 MAR — 4 APR: The Black Woman of Gippsland (This is an identified position for a First Nations student)
2 JUN — 6 JUN: Mother Play
21 JUL — 25 JUL: Destiny (This is an identified position for a student of African descent)
25 AUG — 29 AUG: Rebecca
22 SEP — 25 SEP: Dying: A Memoir
13 OCT — 17 OCT: Much Ado About Nothing
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.
Apply here - Work experience application form | Melbourne Theatre Company
Applications for February placements closed 6 December 2024.
Applications for remaining placements close 21 February 2025.
Work Experience | Melbourne Theatre Company
University of Melbourne (Faculty of Science) Work Experience (year 10 students, 15+)
2025 Dates: June 30 – July 4.
Program Structure
The University of Melbourne Year 10 Work Experience Program provides students with a sample of activities that are part of a career in STEM including conducting experiments, attending seminars, collaborating with others on research projects, and presenting their own findings. Participants discover what it is like to be a scientist, meet like-minded friends and scientific role models, and also get a taste of university life. The program is divided into a number of science discipline streams. Students must nominate their top three preferences as part of the application process. During the week, students will be hosted by academics working in their chosen discipline and also spend some time interacting with students from other groups.
2024 Program streams (2025 TBC)
– Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences (SAFES)
– Biosciences
– Chemistry
– Engineering
– Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences (SGEAS)
– Information Technology (IT)
– Mathematics and Statistics
– Physics
– Science Gallery Melbourne (SGM)
Applications for the 2025 program are currently OPEN and you can apply here.
Applications will close on 28 February 2025.
Nangak Tamboree Wildlife Sanctuary Work Experience 2025 (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 | 31st March - 4th April - 2 spots remaining |
| 2 | 5th-9th May - 2 spots remaining 2nd-6th June |
| 3 | 4th-8th August 8th-12th September |
| 4 | 13th-17th 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 principal's 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
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
Parliament Of Victoria Work Experience (15+)
Expressions of interest to complete a work experience placement at the Parliament of Victoria in terms 3 and 4, 2025 are now open.
Students can choose between two programs, Sitting and Services, and placements are open to students in Victorian schools who are residents of Victoria, and are aged 15 years or over at the time of the placement. 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 the sittings of Parliament 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, including business operations, facilities management and maintenance, broadcast (Hansard), and hospitality (kitchen).
Expressions of interest for placements in terms 3 & 4 2025 will close at 5:00pm on Friday 1 August. All students will be notified of the outcome of their expression of interest by Friday 22 August.
Work experience at Parliament House – Parliament of Victoria
Future Doctors Australia, Melbourne
Organisation: National Institute of Education
Location: Melbourne
Date: October 2 to October 5, 2025
Gaining medical work experience is essential for young people considering a career in medicine. It provides insight into the field, helps develop skills and attributes, and provides networking opportunities. However, obtaining medical work experience can be challenging due to various restrictions such as limited opportunities, safety concerns, and confidentiality issues.
That's why NIE has developed the "Future Doctors Australia" program. It is an engaging and high-impact 4-day program that provides young people aged 14-18 with a unique opportunity to gain medical work experience in a safe and structured environment. Participants will have the opportunity to spend time with current junior and senior medical students. They will also have the rare opportunity to spend time with more senior clinicians and various medical specialists. You will get to learn about clinical specialist's relevant fields of work, ask them questions, and learn some hands-on skills from them.
- Over 15 hours of face-to-face interaction with leading specialists and clinicians
- Meet current medical students
- Develop advanced communication and team working skills
- Create new friendships with like-minded, highly driven young individuals
- Learn about the admission process into various medical universities in Australia
- Morning tea and lunch included
Bairnsdale Regional Health Service (BRHS) Hospital Work Experience Program
The BRHS Work Experience Program for 2025 is now open for registration. This program is a valuable opportunity for Year 10 to 12 students to gain hands-on experience in various areas across the health service. The program runs over three days (Tuesday to Thursday), with both half-day and full-day options available.
These placements would be suited to students with a genuine interest in health care and that can carry themselves in a mature, professional manner. If you would like to be considered for this opportunity, please complete the following documentation and arrange an appointment with Angela Wren, Career Practitioner, Senior Hub Careers Office.
University Programs
Australian Catholic University (ACU) | Uni Step-Up Online
Are there any 2025 Year 11 students who might like to consider Uni Step-Up Online as a part of their VCE/VM journey?
Uni Step-Up Online is a free online program that gives Year 11 students the opportunity to study University units outside of regular school hours and if successful, gain two University credits (applicable to other Universities) and eligible for an unconditional offer to a relevant ACU course.
This program is ideal for students interested in Health, Business or Exercise Science fields and would like to take a first step towards achieving their career goals.
Applications are now open, and will close on February 23rd 2025.
Students can apply via this link: Uni Step-Up Online 2025 Application
Please contact Roslyn McCulloch (Equity Pathways Officer | Equity & Inclusion at ACU) if you have any questions or would like to like to schedule a visit.
Job Spotlight
