Careers & VET News

Career opportunities and information continues to be available for McCarthy students.

Year 12 Pathways:

Year 12 students have recently completed the Stage 6 Careers Survey 2026, providing valuable insight into their intended pathways beyond the HSC. They have also been working on identifying and refining their post-school learning goals to support informed decision-making. In the coming weeks, each student will meet with Mr Whitton to discuss their plans and explore available opportunities. This process enables McCarthy to better support students as they transition from school to further education, training, or employment.

University Early Entry Programs Open:

Early entry programs are now open for Year 12 students interested in studying at the following universities. For more information or to apply, please see the links below:

• University Admissions Centre (UAC) 
• The University of Newcastle (UON)
• Southern Cross University (SCU)
• The University of New South Wales Gateway Admissions Pathway 
• UNSW Gateway Program 

University Admissions Centre (UAC)

Students are encouraged to explore course options and application requirements on each university’s website and to contact the College’s Career Adviser for support with the application process.

The University of New England (UNE) Open Day - Armidale Campus:

On Friday, 1 May 2026, a group of Year 11 and 12 students had the opportunity to explore the University of New England (UNE) campus in Armidale. Throughout the day, students experienced campus life firsthand, gaining valuable insight into university facilities, accommodation, and student services. They also participated in sessions that allowed them to investigate a range of course options, helping them make informed decisions about their future study pathways.

The University of Sydney Roadshow:

Approximately 40 Year 11 and 12 students recently participated in a University of Sydney workshop designed to support their transition into university. Year 11 students engaged in a session focused on building self awareness and preparedness, exploring study options, admission pathways, scholarships and accommodation, along with an interactive component to guide their future applications. Year 12 students attended a targeted session covering key information for the Semester 1, 2027 intake, including entry pathways, scholarships, accommodation, and student life, as well as practical tips for completing the University’s various scholarship applications. Both sessions provided valuable insights to help students confidently plan their post-school pathways.

Upcoming Events

• UNSW New College Visit - Tuesday, 12 May 2026
• University of Newcastle Future Students Presentation - Tuesday, 19 May 2026
• Ma and Morley Scholarship Presentation - Monday, 15 June 2026
• University of Newcastle Schools Visit Day - Thursday, 2 July 2026

Tamworth Hospital and Community Health | Year 10 First Nations Allied Health Work Experience:

Six of our Year 10 students recently had the valuable opportunity to participate in the First Nations Allied Health Work Experience program offered by Tamworth Hospital in partnership with the Opportunity Hub and Gomeroi Education and Training. This two-day, hands-on program, held on 28th and 29th April gave students the chance to engage in real workplace activities and learn about the different training pathways available in allied health.

Year 10 Careers Expo:

On Wednesday, 13 May, all Year 10 students will attend the Northwest Regional Careers Expo at TRECC. To support students in navigating the event, the Transitions Team will deliver a short presentation outlining the expectations, along with tips and strategies to help them make the most of the experience. This will assist students in gathering information and making informed decisions about work experience, study pathways, employment, and apprenticeship opportunities. All students have also been emailed a copy of the Exhibitors Booklet to help them prepare and identify which exhibitors they would like to visit for further information.

McCarthy Catholic College - Work Experience Program:

Work Experience is a great way for students to “try before they buy” with a particular job - in other words, it gives students the opportunity to gain real-world insights and practical skills that will prepare them for future success. 

To maximise this valuable opportunity, students need to follow a series of practical steps to set up and complete their work experience, with parents/carers’ support and encouragement playing a crucial role in helping us provide valuable opportunities for our students.

Key Steps for Students to Proceed with Work Experience: 

1.Discuss Work Experience Opportunities with the Careers Adviser

Students should begin by meeting with their careers adviser to explore potential industries and workplaces, get advice on suitable placements, and understand how our school facilitates work experience.

2.Collect the Work Experience Pack from the Careers Adviser

The pack contains all necessary forms and information regarding work experience, including agreements, and safety and insurance guidelines. As required by Catholic Schools NSW, students must complete and return all documentation in the pack to their careers adviser before the commencement of their work experience to comply with school policies and insurance requirements. Importantly, the work experience needs to be formally approved by the College Principal before it can proceed.

3.Decide on an Occupation or Industry

Based on discussions and interests, students select the type of work or industry they want to experience. (Please note: Students are required to hold a White Card if entering a construction site).

4.Find a Suitable Host Workplace

Students identify and approach workplaces that offer student work experience, with support from the careers adviser.

5.Set up the Work Experience

This involves securing approval from the College Principal, completing and signing all required forms and agreements by the student, parent/carer, employer, and school, and fulfilling any inductions or preparation.

6.Undertake Work Experience

Students participate actively in their work experience and follow workplace safety and guidelines. If a student is unable to attend their placement, both the school and the host employer must be notified as soon as possible.

Some students may receive employment opportunities after completing their work experience; however, specific steps must be followed to ensure compliance with education and employment regulations. Since 2010, all NSW students must complete Year 10. After Year 10 and until they turn 17, students must be engaged in one or a combination of the following: 

• Attending school or registered for home schooling
• Enrolled in approved education or training
• Employed full-time (averaging at least 25 hours per week).

Upon receiving an employment offer, students must inform and discuss the opportunity with the careers adviser, as students will be required to provide the College with:

• A letter of offer from the employer
• Employment contract
• Training Plan (if undertaking an apprentice or traineeship)
• McCarthy-specific paperwork (provided to the student).

All documentation must be received, signed, and approved by the College Principal and Armidale Catholic Schools. Students cannot commence employment during designated school hours until all paperwork and approvals are complete.

A Reminder for Students to Check their School Emails:

Students are reminded to check their emails daily. The transition team will submit numerous Expression of Interests (EOI) for training, professional learning and/or fantastic events. 

Careers Classrooms and Codes:

Students are encouraged to join the Google Classrooms which relate directly to their interests and needs. The classrooms and codes are:

Careers@McCarthy website

The information for students and parents/carers can be found on the careers website which can be accessed through this link.

McCarthy Careers Team 2025 Contacts:

- Amanda Burke Careers Adviser

​   Email: aburke1@arm.catholic.edu.au

- Shane Vesey-Wells, Leader of Learning: Transition and Pathways 

  Email: sveseywells@arm.catholic.edu.au 

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