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
Job Opportunities
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.
16 Days of Activism Webinars
As part of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, eSafety is hosting a series of webinars focused on empowering Australians to recognise and respond to technology-facilitated abuse.
These sessions will provide practical advice and tools to help people stay safe, supported and in control when navigating digital spaces.
Recognising Online Coercive Control in Young People's Lives - 1st December
This training explores:
- How technology-facilitated coercive control impacts young people
- The common red flags to watch for
- Practical ways to respond and support those experiencing it
Influencers, Ideology and Impact: How Algorithms Influence and Reinforce Harmful Beliefs - 9th December
Exploring a series of de-identified case studies, you will learn about:
- The role of algorithms and recommender systems in shaping online experiences, influence emotions and reinforce gendered stereotypes
- How platforms keep young people engaged, and the risks of harmful content and prolonged exposure
- Strategies to help young people understand how content is chosen for them, and how to build more positive and safe online feeds
The Gordon | TAFE Information Nights for Future Students - 1st-4th December
Info Nights are the perfect opportunity to explore life at The Gordon. You’ll get to tour their campuses, meet the teachers, and find out more about the courses and career pathways that interest you. With presentations, classroom sessions in your chosen study areas, and the chance to ask questions, Info Nights help you make informed decisions about your future. Plus, if you’re ready to take the next step, their friendly team can help you apply on the spot!
Myths and Facts for Christmas Casuals - Webinar with the Fair Work Ombudsman - 2nd December
Should you be paid for coming in early? Do breakages come out of your pay? Is an online induction work time? Fact from fiction is sorted in this short webinar for people picking up casual work this holiday season.
A recording of this webinar will be made available to everyone who registers for the session.
Chisholm Institute | Campus Tours for Future Students - 4th December
Join Chisholm for a campus tour and see Chisholm up close. You’ll be able to walk through their facilities, guided by a Chisholm representative who can answer your questions about campus life, career pathways and their range of courses.
Register for a campus tour so you can:
- See the facilities
- Learn about the range of courses and the career pathways available
- Find out if a course at Chisholm is right for you
Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE)
Online Campus Day - 6th December
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 their teachers, explore how classes will run, course options, career pathways and see their amazing student work.
They will be covering 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.
Online Campus Day | Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE)
VTAC Change of Preference Days in Melbourne - 11th-12th December
Considering changing your preferences?
Connect with the team at AIE Melbourne on Thursday 11th and Friday 12th December, for help with Change of Preferences!
Meet their friendly staff to discuss fees, scholarships, and learn more about the Bachelor Degree and Advanced Diploma courses they offer.
VTAC Change of Preference Day Melbourne | Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE)
Information Evening for Future Students, Melbourne - 21st January
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)
National Fashion College | Open Day, Melbourne - 6th December
Unlock a world of limitless possibilities at National Fashion College, where your fashion journey begins at the iconic Melbourne Campus!
Step into a realm of unmatched creativity and immerse yourself in the forefront of fashion innovation. Their pioneering courses, dynamic internship opportunities, and exclusive access to the buzz of Australian, New York, and London Fashion Weeks will propel you into the heart of the global fashion scene. Get ready to be inspired, challenged, and transformed - they can't wait to welcome you!
If these times don't suit you, you can always book in for a private appointment or tour instead.
OPEN DAYS — National Fashion College
Collarts
Year 12 VTAC Hub Drop-In Sessions:
George St Campus - 8th December
Cromwell St Campus - 9th December
Welington St Campus - 10th December
Finishing Year 12 and finalising your VTAC preferences? Drop in to the Collarts VTAC Hub for personalised support and guidance as you prepare for the next step in your creative journey.
Their friendly Admissions team will be available to answer your questions, help you navigate your VTAC application, and chat about your study options in music, design, entertainment, and communication and more. Whether you’re unsure about your course preferences or ready to apply, they’re here to make it simple.
- Get one-on-one VTAC help
- Explore Collarts campuses
- See some demonstrations
- Learn more about intakes and key dates
- Find out what studying at Collarts is really like
Drop in between 2 pm and 5 pm and get the support you need to start strong in 2026.
Event: VTAC Hub Drop-In Sessions - Collarts
Online Information Session for Future Students - 20th January
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
VTAC Webinars
Getting Your Results and What Happens Next for Students Starting in 2026 - 9th December
You're about to receive your secondary school results, but what do you need to do to prepare for the next stage of your education journey?
Join us to hear more about how the ATAR is calculated, advice on changing your preferences and how to order them, accepting an offer and other ways you can get support in this important time.
Preferences, Pathways and Offers for Students Starting in 2026 - 11th December
You've just received your results, congratulations! This time can be exciting but also a bit stressful, so VTAC are here to help guide you towards your dream course.
Join their webinar to hear more about how the preferencing system works and hear advice on ordering your preferences. They will also speak about pathways and how you can look at alternative courses to help you get to your dream course. Finally, they will cover what to expect when receiving an offer and how to accept your offer.
Australian National University (ANU) | Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) Change of Preference Webinar - 10th December
UAC change of preference information and Q&A session.
Date & Time: Dec 10, 2025 05:00 PM
Applied to ANU through UAC? This session is for you! The Admissions Professionals will walk you through the application process, explain how to update your preferences, share important dates, and answer all your questions.
La Trobe University | Change of Preference Fest for Future Students - 11th December
La Trobe know getting your ATAR results can be a big moment, so they’re hosting the Change of Preference Fest to give you the support and advice you need, no matter what your results are. Chat with their course advisors about your options and explore alternative pathways if your results aren’t what you expected. They’ll help you figure out what’s best for you.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Course advice and pathways
- Campus tours
- Free food
- Prizes and giveaways
Whether you’re thrilled with your results or need a bit of guidance, they’ve got your back. This is your chance to get all the info you need to make the best decision for your future.
Change of Preference Fest, Events, La Trobe University
Change of Preference - La Trobe Career Practitioners
Australian College of Applied Professions (ACAP) | Info Night, Melbourne - 11th December
Join ACAP on campus and discover how they can help you make a real difference in the lives of others.
Find out about their degrees in psychology, social work, counselling, criminology, coaching and law, as well as the career paths available to you.
ACAP’s degrees of difference have been shaping futures for over four decades. As a global leader in the vast field of applied psychology, their professionally accredited qualifications contribute to societal well-being, embodying values of integrity, equity, and social justice.
Join the on-campus info night and discover their industry-driven programs, meet industry experts and see how ACAP can help you achieve a career that’ll make a real degree of difference.
ACAP Info Night Melbourne | 11 December 2025
John Martin Cass (JMC) Academy | Change of Preference Night, Melbourne - 11th December
Join JMC for an exclusive evening for Year 12 students to discover what makes JMC Academy one of Australia’s leading creative institutions. Hear from current students and alumni about their study experiences, career journeys, and how they turned their passion into a creative career they love.
What's on:
- Enjoy performances from current JMC students while connecting with their community of emerging talent.
- Hear first-hand from graduates and current students about their study experiences, career journeys, and what makes JMC different.
- Find out everything you need to know about courses, campus life, and career outcomes.
- Chat with their Admissions Team about the application process and how to preference JMC through VTAC to secure your offer.
Change of Preference Night Melbourne | JMC Academy
Australian Catholic University (ACU) | Change of Preference Guided Campus Tours, Melbourne & Ballarat - 11th-12th December
Attend a guided campus tour to explore what ACU has to offer, discuss your study options and pathways into ACU, and get personalised change of preference advice.
General guided tours typically last 30 to 60 minutes. Registrations are essential as places fill quickly.
UniMelb | Change of Preference Expo for School Leavers - 12th December
Locking in your university preferences? Chat in person with UniMelb's staff and students about your ATAR results, course options and what it’s like to study at Melbourne.
At the expo, you can:
- Attend information sessions and campus tours
- Chat to the Future Students team about the Melbourne curriculum, pathways to graduate study, course information and entry requirements
- Meet with faculty representatives to learn about course structures, majors and much more
- Learn about Access Melbourne benefits including ATAR entry requirements, Graduate Degree Packages and scholarships
- Meet with representatives from University Accommodation and residential college teams to discover student accommodation options
- Find out about the range of overseas study programs and partner institutions
- Discover sporting clubs, programs, and fitness services that cater to the first-timer through to the elite athletes.
Swinburne University | Change of Preference Expo for School Leavers - 12th December
Change of Preference Expo is your chance to access personalised support from VTAC experts, learn how to maximise your chances of an offer, and get help adjusting your preferences on the spot.
Here’s what else you can expect:
- one-on-one career planning tailored to your goals
- free food, coffee and live music
- guided campus tours for different study areas, including the Bloomberg Trading Lab, KordaMentha Financial Crime Lab, and new screen production facilities.
Change of Preference Expo | Swinburne
Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) | Change of Preference Event for School Leavers - 12th December
Support and advice await at the RMIT’s Change of Preference Event, where you can sit down with a student advisor, and get in-person help with everything that comes after high school exams.
There’s more than one way into university and this event is the best place to find the option that feels right for you. Whether you’re a Year 12 or a parent of a Year 12, join RMIT for 1-on-1 advice about preferences, pathway options and alternative courses. Discover all you need to know about RMIT and chat with staff who can help with your unique circumstances.
Change of Preference Event - RMIT University
Deakin University | Change of Preference Event for School Leavers - 12th December
Melbourne, Geelong Waurn Ponds, Geelong Waterfront & Warrnambool Campus's.
Feeling unsure about your preferences? You don’t have to do it alone. Visit Deakin on campus Friday 12 December to get expert course advice and dedicated pathway support.
Federation University | Study Expo - 12th December
Study Expo is a great opportunity for students to visit their future campus and discuss study plans with an experienced advisor before making a final decision. Meet current students and speak to their student support and admissions team about enrolments and pathway options.
Time: 2:00pm – 6:00pm
Ballarat - Events
Berwick - Events
Gippsland - Events
William Angliss Institute | Change of Preference Webinar - 12th December
Join in the webinar and plan ahead with confidence! This is a great opportunity to hear from course experts, learn about pathways, explore your 2026 study options, and ask any questions you may have.
Change of Preference is a time for those students that have applied to study through VTAC to review their options. This webinar is designed for those applying to degree-level courses, and may involve reordering preferences, exploring new courses, or discovering pathways to your dream degree.
Together you'll explore the perfect study option for you and how you can start pursuing your dream career at the Change of Preference webinar!
Monash University
Change Day for School Leavers - 12th December
Once you receive your results, you may have questions about what to do next. Monash Change Day is the place to get all the answers. From finding out how to change your VTAC course preferences to exploring study options based on your ATAR score, their course advisers will be on hand to guide you.
You’ll have the chance to explore their ten study areas, attend information sessions, take a facility tour, plus discover their range of pathway options and student support services, so you’ll have all the answers you need to plan your future – all under one roof.
Change Day - Change of Preference
Robogals Engage Engineer: for 2026 Year 9/10 Students
Engage Engineer January 2026 Student Registration Form
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.
School of Audio Engineering (SAE) University College
Change of Preference Online Session - 12th December
No matter where SAE University College lands on your higher education preference list, their Change of Preferences Online Session will help you figure out exactly where you want to be. Go vibe with them to uncover the real deal about who they are, what sets them apart, and where a degree from SAE could take you!
- Explore the hands-on work placement opportunities available throughout your studies.
- Discover the endless career paths available after graduation.
- Learn more about their scholarship opportunities, student services, upcoming Info Night and more.
- Ask all your questions about their application and enrolment process (no ATAR required!).
Change of Preference Online Session
Info Night in Melbourne - 15th January
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
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.
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.
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.
V/Line Work Experience/Internship Program 2026 (year 10-12 students, 15+)
About the role & key accountabilities:
- As a V/Line Intern, you will engage in a customised work experience placement across one or various teams. You’ll demonstrate a willingness to learn and maintain a professional attitude while embodying V/Line’s core values.
- Complete up to 5 days of work experience, from 9:30AM to 3:30PM each day.
- Collaborate with team members and contribute to team goals.
- Uphold V/Line’s values of respect, leadership, responsiveness, human rights, integrity, and accountability.
- Gain hands-on experience in the transport industry to help shape the future of rail services in Victoria.
- Join V/Line's dynamic team and enjoy a supportive environment focused on growth & professional development.
- Shortlisted applicants will undergo a V/Line internship interview process.
- Preferred placement dates will be considered however not guaranteed.
- Successful applicants will undergo relevant pre-employment and medical checks to meet their safe-working standards.
V/Line’s purpose is to connect Victorians through safe, reliable, and accessible transport. They believe in giving all Victorians opportunities through travel and transport – connecting them to jobs, education, family and friends, services, tourism and trade.
V/Line is experiencing significant growth and they’re delivering more services, more trains, cheaper fares, and huge projects. With more than 3700 weekly train and coach services, an expansive freight network and unprecedented rail investment, millions of Victorians depend on them to deliver. You could be one of their 2700 committed team members who are up to the challenge.
Applications close: Friday 28 November 2025. Applicants will be notified of their application outcome by 12 December 2025 via email.
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:
9 FEB – 13 FEB: West Gate
16 MAR – 20 MAR: Shoelace Chaser
30 MAR – 2 APR: The Glass Menagerie
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 Feb/Mar placements close Mon 8 Dec 2025. Applications for remaining placements close Fri 20 Feb 2026.
Work Experience | Melbourne Theatre Company
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
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
Competitions
Australian STEM Video Game Challenge for Students in Year 3-12
The Australian STEM Video Game Challenge is a free competition. It is an exciting and authentic way to engage kids in the important learning areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Teams of 1-4 students design and develop a video game based on a given theme – this year we want you to take a deep dive into the “ocean”.
Exciting prizes are on offer for winning entries, including a custom hoodie featuring artwork from your game and opportunities to engage online and in-person at STEM and gaming events.
Close Date: 7th August, 2026
Home - Australian STEM Video Game Challenge
Australian Stockholm Junior Water Prize for High School Students
The Australian Stockholm Junior Water Prize is an annual water science competition for high school students. Students are challenged to develop practical and innovative water research projects on a local, regional, national or global topic that has the potential to improve quality of life and/or the environment.
The winner of the Australian competition is invited to participate in the Stockholm Junior Water Prize, awarded each World Water Week in Sweden. They will also receive travel and accommodation to Ozwater in May to attend the National Awards Gala Dinner, a glass trophy, and automatically join the Water Tank, an alumni community of the competition to connect, collaborate, and advance their project and career.
Each participant receives an Australian Water Association certificate.
Close Date: 27th March, 2026
Australian Stockholm Junior Water Prize 2024
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