Careers and Pathways

Careers and Pathways

Year 12 Pathway Planning: 2027 opportunities open now

Many employers are already beginning to advertise their 2027 apprenticeship, traineeship, school leaver and entry-level intakes.

Publicly advertised opportunities are being shared through the Careers & Pathways Google Classrooms. Current examples include opportunities with CMV Truck & Bus, Qantas, CitiPower, Komatsu, Zinfra, Hitachi and roles listed through the Next Gen Jobs Board.

New opportunities will continue to be advertised throughout the year. Year 12s are encouraged to regularly check the Careers & Pathways Google Classrooms, keep an eye on organisations they are interested in and review job seeker websites such as seek.com.au.

Application support is available through the Careers team, including help with resumes, cover letters, applications and interview preparation.

Structured Workplace Learning placements are also an important part of planning for life after school. A meaningful SWL placement can help students build industry experience, develop workplace confidence and make valuable connections. For Year 12s seeking post-school opportunities, SWL can also open doors to mentoring, future employment, apprenticeships and traineeships.

For support with SWL, please book a time to meet with Denise, our SWL Coordinator.

Planning to study after Year 12? TAFE, training and tertiary pathways

Thinking about further study after school? There are many ways to get there, including TAFE, training providers and pathway options that can lead towards university in the future.

Year 12s considering further study in 2027 are encouraged to speak with the Careers & Pathways team early so we can support course exploration, application planning and next steps.

Some TAFE, training and tertiary courses require school leavers to apply through VTAC. VTAC applications for 2027 courses open on Monday 3 August 2026 and timely applications close on Monday 28 September 2026.

The first step is setting up a VTAC account at https://vtac.edu.au/ 

The Careers & Pathways team can support with:

• exploring suitable courses and training options
• understanding entry requirements
• preparing VTAC applications
• considering SEAS and scholarship options
• checking whether a pathway is the right fit
• planning back-up options

For more information about pathways from VCE VM to tertiary study, families may also like to view the following resource published by the Victorian Applied Learning Association (VALA): https://vala.asn.au/resources/Documents/University%20pathways%202026%20(1).docx

Year 12s do not need to have everything worked out before asking for help. Starting the conversation early gives more time to explore options, understand requirements and prepare a strong application.

Peter Lalor Secondary College Careers Website is live!

Planning a future pathway can feel big. Students do not need to work it out alone. The PLSC Careers website is a great place to explore options, build ideas and start planning the next step.

Students can use the website to:

• explore jobs, industries and career pathways
• investigate training, TAFE, apprenticeship and traineeship options
• access resume, cover letter and job seeking support
• check open days, pathway events and careers planning dates
• explore Virtual Work Experiences, Industry Tasters and Life Skills activities
• find useful services and supports for young people
• complete activities to help identify goals and plan next steps

Website: https://plsccareers.com/

Students have been sent an invitation to their school email address to activate their account. Students who need help logging in or getting started should speak with the Careers & Pathways team.

Head Start – School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships

A School-Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship, also known as an SBAT, allows eligible students to combine school, paid work and formal training in an industry area they are interested in.

Through the Victorian Department of Education’s Head Start program, students can receive support to explore SBAT options, understand the process and prepare for suitable opportunities.

An SBAT can help students:

• gain real workplace experience
• earn while they learn
• complete nationally recognised training
• build industry connections
• strengthen their pathway after school
• move towards apprenticeships, traineeships or employment

Students who are interested in an SBAT are encouraged to speak with the Careers & Pathways team. 

The Head Start process may include pathway planning, an interview, an LLN assessment and support to seek suitable opportunities. Eligibility requirements apply and SBAT opportunities are not guaranteed.

Students who already have an employer interested in taking them on may be able to access Head Start support to arrange and quality assure their SBAT sign-up. If you have an employer who wants to put you on, please speak with the Careers & Pathways team to get started! 

Sturctured Workplace Learning

It has been a busy term for students to secure a Structured Work Placement that fits their aspirations for the future.  Our students across Years 10, 11, and 12 have been engaging with their Structured Workplace Learning (SWL) placements as part of the VCE-VM program. 

This valuable hands-on experience helps students develop real-world skills, build confidence in the workplace, and explore potential career pathways. So far, we have had a reasonable success with some of our students securing a work placement for the remainder of Semester 1

Currently we have a number of students who are in the process of having an interview which hopefully turns into a successful work placement. Thank you to all the families and employers supporting our students on their SWL journey!

If you do not secure a placement for next term you will be contacted to come into school and work on getting a placement on your usual structured work placement day.