🎓Careers

Year 10 – Preparing for the Workplace

In their latest MyPath lesson, Year 10 students worked towards completing their WorkSafe SmartMove certificates, learning how to stay safe in the workplace. Students explored common workplace hazards, safe work practices and their rights and responsibilities as employees. This builds on their recent lessons about writing resumes and cover letters and preparing for job interviews.

These skills will be particularly useful for students looking for their first casual job or considering Workplace Learning opportunities.

Students who have not yet completed their certificates are encouraged to finish the required activities.

Year 11 – My Career Portfolio and Career Counselling

Year 11 students have completed their final MyPath lesson for the year, setting up their My Career Portfolio in OneDrive. This is a place where students can keep important documents such as resumes, certificates, qualifications and records of their achievements, making them easy to find when applying for jobs, apprenticeships or further study.

Students have also been working on their WorkSafe SmartMove certificates, learning about workplace safety and preparing for future employment.

I am currently meeting individually with Year 11 students planning to attend university. These career counselling sessions provide an opportunity to discuss their interests and future goals, explore university courses and entry requirements, and consider alternative pathways if their plans change. The aim is to help students enter Year 12 with a clearer understanding of their options and the steps they can take towards their future.

Year 12 – The Next Chapter

Our Year 12 students are now taking different paths as they complete their time at Mazenod. Some are sitting their final WACE examinations, others are undertaking Workplace Learning, while many have already finished school and are working, preparing to begin apprenticeships or enjoying a well-earned break.

We wish those completing their WACE examinations every success and hope their hard work and commitment over the past few years are reflected in their results. Whatever pathway our graduating students are taking, we wish them all the very best as they move into the next stage of their lives.

Year 12 – Important University Dates and Advice for Families

For families with a Year 12 student planning to attend university in 2027, there are some important dates and decisions approaching.

Wednesday 2 December – Final Early Conditional Offers

The final round of university early conditional offers will be released through TISC. Students who receive an offer should check any conditions they need to meet, such as achieving a particular ATAR, meeting English requirements or completing their WACE.

Sunday 20 December – ATAR Results and University Preferences

This is a particularly important date for students applying to university. Year 12 ATAR results will be available through TISC from 8:00 am on Sunday 20 December.

Students will then have until 11:59 pm that same day to review and change their university course preferences before the Main Round of offers on 24 December. This gives students a relatively short window to consider their results and make any necessary changes.

We strongly encourage families to set aside some time on 20 December to review their son's ATAR results and university preferences together.

What if your son's ATAR is lower than expected?

An ATAR below 70 does not necessarily mean that university is no longer an option.

Students who do not achieve the ATAR required for their preferred course should consider alternative entry pathways, including university preparation or enabling programs. These programs help students develop the academic skills needed for university and can provide another way into undergraduate study.

Students can explore the options available at their preferred universities:

• Curtin University: UniReady Enabling Program
• Edith Cowan University: UniPrep
• Murdoch University: OnTrack
• Notre Dame: Tertiary Pathway Program
• UWA: University Pathway Programs

Our recommendation: If your son receives an ATAR below 70 and still wishes to attend university, we recommend exploring an enabling program at his preferred university as a backup option.

Where the program is available through TISC, it may be possible to include it as a lower preference while keeping his preferred degree higher on the list. Some programs require students to apply directly to the university, so it is important to check the application process.

ECU Access – An Important Advantage for Mazenod Students

Mazenod College is an eligible school under ECU Access, which means eligible students applying to Edith Cowan University can receive an adjustment to the selection rank used to assess their university application.

Under this scheme:

• Students with an ATAR between 60 and 69.95 receive an adjusted selection rank of 70.
• Students with an ATAR of 70 or above receive an additional 5 selection-rank points, up to a maximum of 90.

For example, a Mazenod student who receives an ATAR of 63 may be considered by ECU with a selection rank of 70. This could allow him to qualify for direct entry into an ECU course that normally requires a minimum selection rank of 70.

It is important to understand that this adjustment does not change a student's actual ATAR. It changes the rank ECU uses when considering his application.

Students must still meet any other course requirements, such as English competency, prerequisite subjects or additional selection requirements. An adjusted selection rank does not guarantee an offer.

Students considering ECU should keep this adjustment in mind when reviewing university preferences on 20 December, before deciding whether an enabling program is needed.

Find out more about ECU Access

Thursday 24 December – Main Round University Offers

The Main Round of university offers will be released through TISC. Students should check their offers carefully and follow the university's instructions for accepting their place.

View the full TISC Calendar

Upcoming Events & Opportunities

Flying for a Career – Western Australian Aviation College

For students interested in becoming a pilot or learning more about aviation careers, the Western Australian Aviation College is hosting two Flying for a Career events.

• Jandakot Airport: Saturday 28 November, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm, 41 Eagle Drive, Jandakot.
• Murrayfield Airport (Mandurah): Saturday 5 December, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm, Lakes Road, Mandurah.

Both events will include career information sessions at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm, opportunities to speak with flying instructors, aircraft displays and discounted trial flights.

These events provide a great opportunity for students and families to learn about pilot training, entry requirements and potential aviation careers.

Find out more – Western Australian Aviation College

Free Medicine & Dentistry Entry Webinars – Years 10–12

The National Institute of Education (NIE) is offering two free online information sessions for students interested in studying medicine or dentistry. Parents are also welcome to attend.

Thursday 5 November – Introduction to Medical and Dental Interviews

3:00 pm – 4:30 pm (Perth time)

Learn about the types of interviews used for entry into medicine and dentistry, what universities look for in applicants and how students can begin preparing.

Wednesday 2 December – Pathways into Medicine and Dentistry

3:00 pm – 5:00 pm (Perth time)

Explore university entry requirements, the UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test), interviews and the different pathways available into medicine and dentistry. Both sessions are free and provide an opportunity for students and parents to ask questions.

View webinar details and register

Career Spotlight – Aviation Careers

When we think about careers in aviation, becoming a pilot is often the first thing that comes to mind. However, the aviation industry offers many different opportunities for students interested in technology, engineering, science, logistics and hands-on work.

From flying aircraft and maintaining complex systems to managing airports and operating drones, there are career pathways suited to a wide range of interests and abilities.

What Careers Are Available?

• Commercial Pilot: Flies passenger, freight or charter aircraft.
• Aircraft Maintenance Engineer: Inspects, maintains and repairs aircraft to ensure they operate safely.
• Air Traffic Controller: Manages aircraft movements to help keep air travel safe and efficient.
• Drone Pilot: Operates drones for industries such as mining, agriculture, surveying and emergency services.
• Aviation Operations Manager: Helps manage airport or airline operations, including scheduling, logistics and safety.
• Aerospace Engineer: Designs and develops aircraft and related technologies.

Who Might Enjoy These Careers?

Aviation may appeal to students who enjoy Mathematics, Physics, Technology, Engineering or practical problem-solving. Different roles require different strengths. Some involve hands-on technical work, while others focus on communication, teamwork, decision-making and managing complex operations.

Study and Career Pathways

There are several ways to enter the aviation industry, depending on the career a student wishes to pursue.

• Western Australian Aviation College: Flight training for students interested in becoming pilots.
• Edith Cowan University – Bachelor of Aviation: University studies covering aviation operations, management and the aviation industry.
• Airservices Australia – Careers: Information about becoming an air traffic controller and other aviation careers.
• TAFE WA: Vocational training options for students interested in technical and engineering-related careers.
• Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA): Information about pilot licensing, flight training and drone operations.

Some aviation careers require specialist licences, medical assessments, technical qualifications or university study. Students should explore the entry requirements for the particular role that interests them.

Explore Aviation Careers in Person

The upcoming Flying for a Career events at Jandakot Airport on 28 November and Murrayfield Airport on 5 December offer students and families an opportunity to speak directly with flying instructors, view aircraft and learn more about aviation training.

Find out more – Western Australian Aviation College

Careers Newsletter

The attached newsletter has a good write-up with information about some great new courses and assured pathways. There is plenty of news so please have a good read and enjoy!

As always, the Careers Team is available to support students and families with pathway planning, university applications, scholarships and career advice.

Tyrone TuohyCareers and Pathways CoordinatorMazenod College

Tyrone Tuohy

Careers and Pathways Coordinator