Careers News
Nicole WILSON
Leading Teacher - Pathways and Transitions
Classroom Teacher
It has been a very busy term for the Careers and Pathways Team. Students in Years 7–11 have now submitted their course preferences for 2026, and timetabling for next year is underway.
Our Year 12 students are preparing for life after school, whether that means sitting exams for direct university entry, enrolling at TAFE or with a training provider, or seeking full-time employment.
A reminder to all Year 12 students:
VTAC applications close over the holidays.
SEAS applications are due very early next term.
Please check the Careers Teams channel for key dates and resources to assist you. Make sure your VTAC account is set up and paid for by 5pm on Wednesday 1 October, as the application fee increases significantly after this deadline. Even after paying, you can continue to make changes to your course preferences. If you need any support, please see a member of the Careers Team next term.
Focus Group Activities
This term, Year 7 and Year 9 students participated in four dedicated Careers lessons, with Year 9 students completing their Career Action Plans.
Next term, the focus will shift to Year 8 students.
We also had several excursions take place throughout the term. Please see below for a recap from our Career Counsellor, Kellie Egan.
Year 9 Girls Get Hands-On at Victorian Tunnelling Centre
A group of Year 9 girls had the exciting opportunity to attend a unique excursion to the Victorian Tunnelling Centre – the only facility of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. The visit offered students a rare, behind-the-scenes look at one of the state’s most significant infrastructure developments.The day provided a valuable insight into the wide range of careers available in the construction and engineering industries. From trades and environmental roles to project management and civil engineering, students discovered just how many diverse pathways exist within this field – many of which are actively seeking more women to get involved.
Throughout the excursion, students rotated through four hands-on and engaging workshops:
Safety Induction Simulation
Students participated in an interactive safety session to learn how crucial safety is on Tier 1 construction sites. They saw firsthand how quickly incidents can happen and why strict
safety procedures are essential.
Heavy Machinery Experience
Guided by industry professionals, students learned how to operate large machinery such as diggers and excavators. This hands-on activity gave them a real sense of the skills and focus required for these roles.
Tunnel Walkthrough
A walk through a full-scale tunnel model gave students insight into how tunnels are constructed and the technology behind them. It was a chance to step into the shoes of engineers and construction teams working underground.
Virtual Reality Safety Training
In a cutting-edge virtual reality session, students used VR headsets to immerse themselves in realistic safety scenarios. They explored how to respond to different emergencies on a construction site, such as identifying the correct fire extinguisher to use for various types of fires, including oil, electrical, and gas-related incidents. This interactive experience allowed students to practise critical decision-making in a safe, simulated environment—highlighting the importance of preparation and quick thinking in real-world situations.
One of the most inspiring parts of the day was hearing from women currently working in the Big Build industry. They shared personal stories and offered powerful advice for succeeding in male-dominated industries. Their closing advice to students: put yourself out there, take risks, and speak up for your ideas – wise words that apply to all students, no matter their career goals.
This excursion not only opened students' eyes to future job possibilities but also empowered them to consider new paths and challenge traditional gender roles in the workforce.
Richmond Institute Excursion – An Inspiring Day in the World of Sport
Our VCE Physical Education students had the incredible opportunity to visit Richmond Institute and gain a behind-the-scenes look at the Richmond Football Club’s grounds and elite facilities.
Richmond Institute is the education arm of the Richmond Football Club. In collaboration with Swinburne University of Technology and key industry partners, the Institute provides students with outstanding learning experiences and career pathways, along with exclusive access to Richmond Football Club players and a strong network of industry professionals.
The day began with a high-energy gym session at BFT Richmond, where students participated in a circuit workout designed to test their strength, endurance, and teamwork. One of the standout challenges involved passing a chain up and down the line — all while holding a plank!
Beyond the physical activity, students explored the wide range of educational and career opportunities available in the sports industry. Representatives from Richmond Institute delivered an engaging presentation covering areas such as coaching, sport performance, management, allied health, event coordination, marketing, and more.
A highlight of the day was hearing from Chelsea Puls, a proud Highvale Secondary College alumna. Now studying at Richmond Institute, Chelsea shared her journey and the many opportunities she has experienced:
“Richmond Institute offers so much more than just two diplomas. We’ve also been supported to complete certifications like Sports Trainer Level 1, First Aid and CPR, and Mental Health First Aid. These additional qualifications really boost our employability. The Institute also runs workshops on resumes, mock interviews, and placement preparation, which have given me practical skills and the confidence to step into the workforce.”
To read more about Chelsea’s experience, visit:
👉My Experience at Richmond Institute
This excursion provided our students with a valuable insight into the wide variety of careers available in the sporting world. It highlighted the importance of finding the right pathway to match individual interests and strengths, while also emphasising the power of building strong networking connections within the industry. Experiences like these not only educate but also inspire our students to take confident steps toward their future careers.
