Competitions, activities and events

What: ADF Opportunities

Who: Students interested in Defence Force opportunities please see below and apply via the ADF website - Jobs List - Defence Work Experience (nga.net.au)

Introduction to Defence Assistance Program (DAP) 

• A program designed specifically for students with disability
• Location: Victoria Barrack’s, 256 – 308 St Kilda Rd, Southbank 3006
• Placement Date: 30 April 2024
• Application closes: 10 March 2024 11:30pm
• Link to apply: Defence Assistance Program (DAP) 

Introduction to Navy: HMAS Cerberus (Overnight Placement)

• A program aimed for students interested in a Navy career, (Overnight Placement) open to VIC, SA and TAS students.
• Location: HMAS Cerberus (Victoria) 
• Placement Dates: 28 – 30 May 2024
• Application closes: 24 March 2024 11:30pm
• Link to apply: Introduction to Navy: HMAS Cerberus (Overnight Placement) 

Army Trade Familiarisation (Engineering, Electrical and Health) Victoria

• A program aimed for students interested in pursuing Army Trades with Defence  
• Location: Bandiana (Victoria)
• Placement Date: 22 May 2024
• Application closes: 7 April 2024 11:30pm
• Link to apply: Army Trade Familiarisation

STEM to the Rescue 

• Showcasing various STEM careers in Defence and Defence Industry 
• Location: Melbourne Metro (various locations) 
• Placement Dates: 17 – 21 June 2024
• Application closes: 14 April 2024 11:30pm
• Link to apply: STEM to the Rescue

STEM Immersion Week

• Showcasing various STEM careers
• Location: Fisherman’s Bend (Port Melbourne)
• Placement Dates: 24-28 June 2024
• Application closes: 28 April 2024 11:30pm
• Link to apply: STEM Immersion Week

HMAS Cerberus (Navy) Open Day

• Location: HMAS Cerberus 
• Date: Sunday 03 March 2024 09:00am – 4:00pm (Free Entry), however registrations are required, please see link below to register.
• Link to Register: HMAS Cerberus Open Day Registrations 

What: Art Competitions – Young Archies Competition and Science without Borders International Art Contest

Who: Students with a passion for art

When: Open now until early March

More info:           Young Archies Competition Webpage

                                Science without Borders Challenge Webpage

What: ACU ‘Talk With’ webinar series

Who: Open to any student, especially Year 10 to 12, interested in obtaining more information about the campuses, courses and opportunities available at ACU. A great opportunity to hear from current students, staff and graduates.

When:   April – Teaching (9), Law (10), Cyber (17), OTs and Speech Pathologists (18)

May – Physiotherapy and Exercise Scientists (7), Artists and Creatives (8), Psychologists, Social Workers and Youth Workers (14), Specialist Nurses (15)

More info: See ACU events page for more info. Specific registration info is as follows,

• Teachers click here
• Lawyers and Human Rights Advocates click here
• Cyber Experts click here
• Occupational Therapists and Speech Pathologists click here
• Physiotherapists and Exercise Scientist click here
• Artists and Creatives click here
• Psychologists, Social Workers and Youth Workers click here
• Nurses click here

What: Discover ACU

Who: Open to any student, especially Year 10 to 12, interested in obtaining more information about the campuses, courses and opportunities available at ACU. A great opportunity to hear from current students, staff and graduates.

When: Friday 12 April 2024 at Ballarat Campus, covering Education, Arts, Nursing, Paramedicine, OT and Physiotherapy. Use the ACU events page to find out more and register.

What: Australian Catholics Magazine Young Voices Award 

Who: Young voices award is open to all students in Year 7-12.

When: Entry to open now and closes Friday 24 May, 2024

More info: The YVA theme for 2024 is ‘Do Good, Be Good, Spread Good News’. Three entry categories include writing, photography and digital. Young Voices Awards 2024 (australiancatholics.com.au)

What: Australian College of Nursing – Nursing and Health Expo 

Who: Individuals interested in the nursing and health careers and pathways

When: Saturday 20 April 2024, Melbourne Convention Centre

More info: www.acn.edu.au/events/nursing-health-expo

What: ADF Info Session and Mobile Careers Centre – Warragul

Who: Any student keen to learn more about careers and opportunities with the ADF.

When: Weekend of the 23 and 24 March 2024.

More info:

• Defence Careers Information Session – Saturday, 23rd March 2024, 9:00am - 11:00am at Warragul RSL, 94 Albert Street, Warragul, VIC 3820. Registration Required – click here to register
• Mobile ADF Careers Centre – open for walk-in visits on Saturday, 23rd March (11am – 1pm) and Sunday, 24th March (11am – 3pm) at Civic Park, Opposite the West Gippsland Arts Centre, 1 Civic Place, Warragul, VIC 3820

What: ANU Open Day

Who: Open to any student, especially Year 10 to 12, interested in obtaining more information about the campuses, courses and opportunities available at Australian National University (ANU)

When: Saturday 16 March, 9am – 3pm, ANU campus

More info: Open Day will be available to attend in person and watch online as the event will be live-streamed. ANU Open Day 2024 

Please note: ANU Direct applications for 2025 open 1 March and close 13 May 2024.

What: Baw Baw Shire Council Careers in Early Years Expo

Who: Any students with an interest our curiosity in careers and opportunities connected with early years care and education.

When: Thursday 30 May, from 9:30am to 12:30pm at the West Gippsland Arts Centre

More info: Please see the attached flyer.

The expo is local, free and will include interactive activities, exhibitors, employers and transport.

Interested students must email Elly Martin emartin@mscw.vic.edu.au by end of Term 1 – Thursday 28 March.

What: Charles Sturt University Explore Days

Who: Open to any student, especially Year 10 to 12, interested in obtaining more information about the campuses, courses and opportunities available at CSU.

When: Commence 5 March 2024 at Albury Wodonga Campus 

More info: https://study.csu.edu.au/life/events/explore-day 

What: Collarts Creative Course and Careers Expo

Who/When/More info: Register at Course and Career Expo.

Join Collarts for its new Creative Course & Careers Expo, a night tailored for those with bustling schedules and daytime commitments!

Discover our creative qualifications in Entertainment, Design, Performing Arts, and Communication, and find a career pathway that fulfills you while hearing first-hand from our students and graduates.

No need to rush to pre-scheduled sessions either: Collarts will open up three of its campuses on different weeknights – 19 March AND 20 March AND 21 March – so students have the opportunity to float between rooms and enjoy the free food and beverages at their own pace.

• Learn about creative industry trends and the career opportunities awaiting you
• Chat one-on-one with our accomplished lecturers
• Meet real Collarts students and alumni
• Tour our state-of-the-arts facilities located in the inner-north creative hub
• Discuss your goals and how to get there with our Careers Pathway Advisor
• Learn how you can use your Collarts studies to amplify your current profession or assist you      in taking a new career direction
• Discover our flexible study modes to find the one that works for you
• Uncover our exclusive industry partnerships
  Free canapes and beverages provided

What: Collarts Open Day

Who/When/More info: Saturday 11th May, with our second at the end of August. Enjoy detailed

information sessions about our courses with teachers and student advisors and discover what it’s like to be part of our creative community. Registration essential: www.collarts.edu.au/open-day 

What: Collarts Creative Futures 2024 Design Competition

Who/When/More info: Collarts once again invites budding young creatives in High School Years 10, 11 and 12 to enter our annual design competition.

This year there are four categories’ students can submit for:

• Media: Photography & Film
• Fashion
• Visual Communications & Animation and
• Interior/Product or Environmental Design

Students will have the chance to win amazing prizes – these include an overall prize winner receiving an iPad Pro and category prize winners - JB Hi-Fi Vouchers and Dean’s Art vouchers.

This year the competition is inspired by the UN Sustainable Development Goal No. 11 (Sustainable cities and communities). Collarts invites young designers and creatives to find ways that help make local communities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. Submission deadlines dates - Sunday 21st July 2024. Registrations will be end of February! Further information and category details can be found here.

What: Community College Gippsland – Discover CCG Day

Who: Open to any student and those in the community interested in obtaining more information about the campus, courses and opportunities available at CCG.

When: Tuesday 26 March, 11am – 2pm, at CCG Warragul Campus

More info: See the flyer and register at Discover CCG Day – Community College Gippsland

What: Deakin University Future Students Campus Tours

Who: Open to any student, especially Year 10 to 12, interested in obtaining more information about the campuses, courses and opportunities available at Deakin University.

When/More info: April School Holidays 

Melbourne Burwood Campus Wednesday 11 and Thursday 19 April General, Accommodation, Arts & Education, Business & Law, Health, and Science Engineering & Built Environment tours

Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus Thursday 4 and Wednesday 10 April General, Accommodation, Arts & Education, Health, and Science Engineering & Built Environment tours

Geelong Waterfront Campus Tuesday 9 AprilGeneral & Accommodation tours

Warrnambool Campus Monday 8 April General/ Accommodation combined tours

Tours will be departing at various times daily from 9:00 am until 3:00pm. To find out more information about the Deakin Campus Tours and to register to attend, please visit www.deakin.edu.au/discover-deakin 

What: Deakin Forensic Detective Program

Who/When/More info: The Forensic Detective program is designed for Year 9 and 10 students, giving them an opportunity to explore forensic science as a possible career choice. Students participate in an interactive 3-hour workshop in our science laboratories, giving students the chance to work in a real-life setting. 

Date: between 3–7 June 2024 (1-day event), 10am–2pm 

Registration required via Mrs Elly Martin https://www.deakin.edu.au/sebe/outreach/forensic-detective-program 

What: EducationUSA – Information Session

Who: Students (and their carers) with an interest in the prospect of studying in the US.

When and More info: See Details below

What: JMC Creative Arts Competitions

Who/When/More info: The Mocktail Film Award (filmmaking & animation competition), Canvas Art Award (2D/3D drawing competition) and the Songwriting Competition (lyric and recording comp). https://www.jmcacademy.edu.au/teachers-resources/competitions-for-your-students/ 

What: Kangan Institute Open Nights

Who: Students with an interest in vocational education and training with Kangan

When: April 2024

More info: https://www.kangan.edu.au/study-with-us/what-s-on/ki-opennight 

What: Experience Latrobe Melbourne Campus

Who: Students interested in the courses and opportunities at Latrobe University’s Melbourne (Bundoora) Campus.

When: Friday 12 April, 2024

More info: Events - La Trobe Career Practitioners

What: Monash Year 10 Discovery Day

Who: Open to Year 10 students, interested in obtaining more information about the campuses, courses and opportunities available at Monash.

When: Friday 5 April, 9am – 2pm, Clayton Campus

More info: Register for the event at Monash Year 10 Discovery Day

What: Monash Engineering Girls (MEG)

Who: MEG is open to all Year 9-12 girls with an interest in a career in engineering, and participating in this program is a great way to get insights into the many opportunities available in the field of Engineering.  Students can join in Year 9 and remain until they finish Year 12.

When: First MEG Event is Tuesday 9 April, 2024

More info:

Monash Engineering Girls (MEG) is an engagement program designed for young women who want to know about the possibilities of a career in engineering.  If you like maths and science, are creative, a problem solver, enjoy working in a team and designing things, engineering might be the perfect career choice for you.

During MEG students will have the opportunity to participate in a range of special activities and VIP events that will help them gain an understanding of all the different types of engineering and which one could suit them.  They will also form connections with others like themselves, have lots of fun experiences, and interact with current Monash Engineering students to learn what it is really like to study at Monash.  Students will also get to meet the talented academic staff who teach at Monash, as well as many graduates who are doing amazing things in their lives and careers.

On Tuesday 9 April, Monash Engineering in collaboration with STEAM Engine Co. is delivering a STEAM City Workshop which is exclusive for Year 9 to 12 Monash Engineering Girls (MEG) members and is designed to develop key skills such as problem-solving, design thinking and project management.

This event is an exclusive workshop for MEG members only, so please join MEG to receive the invitation for this workshop.

Find out more and sign up at Monash Engineering Girls (MEG) - Monash University.

What: Discover Monash Information Sessions and School Holiday Campus Tours

Who: Open to any student, especially Year 10 to 12, interested in obtaining more information about specific courses at Monash.

When: March, April and May 2024

More info: Register for the event at Events - Discover Monash

What: Monash MySci

Who: Students in Year 11 and 12 with an interest in science areas and Monash offerings.

When: 3 day camp in April school holidays, 3-5 April, Monash Science Precinct, Clayton Campus Monash University

More info: This program schedule will cost $120 per student and will include:

• hands-on workshops
• access to our brilliant teaching facilities
• opportunity to meet some of our Research Scientists
• exposure to potential career pathways
• activities with the Young Scientists of Australia
• social activities

Register at MYSci 2024.

What: Monash Science Precinct Tours

Who: Students, especially those in senior years, with an interest in pursuing Science at Monash. This is an opportunity to find out more and check out the facilities in which you might be studying in the future.

When: July School Holidays

More info: Registration is important - Monash Science Precinct Tours 2024 - Multiple Dates.

What: New York Film Academy Open Day

Who/When/More info: NYFA is located on the Gold Coast, Queensland. The Academy offers courses in filmmaking, screen writing and acting and has campuses across North America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific. They are running an open day on Saturday 23 March. For information and to register, visit www.nyfa.edu.au/nyfa-events/ 

What: PASS Certificate II in Public Safety School Holiday Program

Who: Students interested in gaining a nationally recognised qualification connected with public safety, firefighting and emergency operations.

When: 10 days over the April school holidays, with Week 1 is Tuesday  2 to Saturday 6 April and Week 2 is Monday 8 to Friday 12 April at Victoria’s Safety and Emergency Training Centre – Latrobe Valley.

More info: 10 spots available at a cost of $3,500 per student. See attached flyer

What: PSC School Holiday Workshops

Who/When/More info: Special free event in April school holidays - Year 11 & 12 photography workshops

Wednesday 10th April – Street photography ‘The Decisive Moment’ 10.30am – 2pm or

Thursday 11th April – Experimental Studio Lighting ‘Colour, Props and Gels’ 10.30am – 2pm 

Register here: April 2024 School Holidays Workshops (psc.edu.au) (lunch is included)

What: The Science Experience 

Who: Year 9 and 10 students with an interest in science related careers.

When/More Info:

Each program is designed to provide students who have an interest in science with an opportunity to engage in a wide range of fascinating science activities under the guidance of scientists who love their work. The following two programs are running in Victoria:

RMIT: 2-4 July

KIOSC Swinburne University of Technology: 19 September

University of Melbourne: 27-29 November (Dookie) and 20-22 January 2025 

For information on the programs and how to register, visit www.scienceexperience.com.au 

What: Spark Engineering (and STEM) Camp

Who: Year 10-12s with an interest in exploring universities, engineering and STEM courses, facilities and careers.

When/More info: 1- 6 July 2024 (applications close 26 April, 2024)

Spark Engineering Camp, a week-long camp held during the winter school holidays specifically for students in years 10-12 who face barriers to tertiary education, particularly further studies in STEM fields. 

To tell you a bit more about the camp:

• Past students of Spark have come from a diverse range of demographics, such as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, refugee, low SES, foster care, rural, or having special needs. 
• Students are awarded a full scholarship to stay at The University of Melbourne (Melbourne camp) or The University of Queensland (Brisbane camp) 
• Camp activities are designed to engage STEM-based skills and encourage team building,
• Students visit various university campuses to learn more about tertiary education and university life

By providing insight into engineering, belief in their potential and first-hand access to current university students during the week, Spark hopes to bridge the gap between school and further education. More information about us and what we do can be found on our website.

What: Swinburne Try VET and Info Events

Who: Students interested in specific offerings (VET and Higher Ed) at Swinburne

When: 

19 March 2024: Try VET – Health and Engineering (Wantirna)

9 April 2024: A Day in the Life of a STEM and Aviation Student

10 April 2024: A Day in the Life of a Creative and Design Student

11 April 2024: A Day in the Life of a Business and Criminology Student

More info: Find details and registration links here. Swinburne’s Try VET events are like mini Open Days and are designed to give you all the information needed to choose a career. 

What: Trade and Tech Fit Expo

Who: Year 9 Female and Gender Diverse Students

When: Wednesday 8 May, 2024, Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre

More info: MSCW is registered to attend with two staff and 10 students and we only have a few spots left.

Year 9 students are asked to email Elly Martin to reserve your spot emartin@mscw.vic.edu.au 

This expo is 100% hands-on, allowing students to design video games, lay bricks, weld, fly planes, program a robot, safety test equipment, use power tools, learn to paint and more while understanding more about the range of career options available to women and gender diverse people. Attending the expo is a free and is a unique opportunity to expand the career options available to female and gender diverse students. The expo’s welcoming and enthusiastic environment provides a safe and equitable space where students engage with tradies, apprentices and industry professionals, providing insight into the breadth of career pathways where female and gender diverse people are underrepresented. Last year, nearly 2,500 students from 119 schools attended the expo. After attending, 96% of surveyed students said it helped them understand careers in trades and technology. The 2024 expo will feature exhibitors across numerous industries including building and construction, engineering, automotive, transport and logistics, robotics, mining, transport, agriculture and horticulture, aviation and aerospace, and more.Should you want more info, visit the Trade & Tech Fit webpage.

What: University of Melbourne – SWOT Week

Who: Students studying U3&4 studies

When: Winter school holidays

More info: SWOT Week is a biannual VCE revision program run by the Student Welfare Outreach Program (SWOT) at the University of Melbourne with the aim of providing opportunities for VCE Unit 3/4 students from underrepresented schools in Victoria. Spots in this high-quality program are generally free, but fill very quickly, so interested students are encouraged to keep an eye on the weekly Career Notice to avoid missing out.

What: University of Melbourne – Girl Power in Engineering and IT

Who: Open to Year 9 female students interested in exploring careers connected with science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

When: Applications for this program are open now. This is a four year program which commences in Year 9 with a highly engaging camp during the July school break at University of Melbourne, work experience in Year 10 and mentoring opportunities in Years 11 and 12.

More info: Including details and eligibility are available on the UoM website here.

What: University of Melbourne – Hands on Engineering and IT

Who: Year 10s with an interest in Engineering, IT and Technology

When/More info: Introduce students to engineering and technology concepts and issues through our interactive workshops. Workshops in April are 4-5 April during the school holidays. There will also be another opportunity during the September school holidays (25-26 September). Students can participate in a full day of fun, free workshops. Register https://eng.unimelb.edu.au/engage-with-us/schools/hands-on 

What: University of Melbourne – Meet Melbourne Traralgon

Who: Students interested in the course offerings and opportunities at University of Melbourne

When: Thursday 25 July, 6 – 8pm, 2024

More info: Register here.

What: University of Melbourne – SheCommerce

Who: Female identifying Year 9 Students from Victoria

When and More info: This is an immersive and academic enrichment program for students to network and engage with current students, alumni and academics who are making a difference in industry and through their research. 

It will involve several academic lead workshops on the UoM Parkville campus hosted by esteemed academics in the Faculty of Business and Economics during the Victorian school holidays. The intake has been expanded in 2024 to accommodate more students in this popular program.

• You see the opportunity for using business and leadership skills to shape and influence
• Learn more about Economics, Actuarial studies, Finance, Marketing, Accounting and Management
• Participate in hands-on interactive workshops
• Meet like minded peers who will be on the same academic journey with you through to your Year 12

Applications are open now and close 19 March, 2024.

Please use this link to find out more and apply.

What: UniMelb Residential Colleges Open House

Who/When/More Info: Are you looking to attend the University of Melbourne and thinking about Residential Colleges? Then we want to meet you!Our ten Uni Melb Residential Colleges are holding an Open House event of tours on Saturday 11 May 2024, 12noon-4pm. Hear from current students, meet the academic and pastoral care staff, learn more about our scholarship programs and discover the best of residential college clubs, societies, events and leadership opportunities. Lunch and refreshments will be served across the Colleges on the day.There will be tours on a rolling basis departing at regular times from 12noon until 3.30pm. There are also two Uni Melb Course and Admissions Overview Information Sessions at 12noon and 3.30pm.Event details and register online Register: Open House 2024 - Colleges University of Melbourne (unimelb.edu.au)

What: VCE and Careers Expo 

Who: Open to all students, especially those studying VCE subjects

When: Saturday 4 May 2024

More info: www.vceandcareers.com.au 

What: Victorian Police School Leavers Expo 

Who: Open to all students, especially suited to those in Year 10 – 12 who are unsure about or considering pursuing a role with Victoria Police.

When and More Info: Victoria Police Academy will be hosting its first-ever student careers expo on Saturday 16 March 2024.  This is an exclusive event for all students unsure about their career path.  This event is open to students that are currently in high school, TAFE or university. This is an opportunity to explore the Academy grounds and check out the facilities.  It will be a rare opportunity to see what life is like for the training officers.

During the session, students will be taken through the many different career options available to them within Victoria Police.  Students will also be able to chat with current police officers about their experiences on the job.  Students can take one friend, parent or guardian as your guest.Registration is essential.  Visit Victoria Police School Leavers Careers Expo to find out more, and to register.

What: Walter and Eliza Hall Institute Work Experience Program

Who: Open to Year 10 students who are passionate about science and could benefit from a work experience placement at Australia’s leading Medical Research Institute.

Key dates and more info:

To find out more information about the program please visit our website: https://www.wehi.edu.au/education/work-experience/

To apply click here

Applications now open 

Applications close: 5pm Friday 15 March 2024

Program intake weeks: 17-21 June 2024 and 16-20 September 2024

WEHI strongly encourage students from regional and rural Victoria to submit their interest, as bursary will be allocated to assist with the cost of travelling to Melbourne. 

What: Young Endeavour Youth Scheme

Who: Young Australians aged 16 -23YO.

When: Applications for January – June 2024 are now open. 

More info: Every day on board Young Endeavour is different.  During each voyage youth crew spend several days and nights at sea learning to set and furl the sails, keep watch, and take the helm, as well as participating in games and team building activities on deck.  Participants assist the chef in the ship’s galley, carry out ship’s rounds with the engineer, chart a course with the navigator, climb the masts, and even take command! Find out more at Young Endeavour.