Careers
Bairnsdale Secondary College is committed to delivering high quality career development services. We are active participants in our local community and have strong links with local industry, education providers and the Gippsland East Local Learning and Employment Network. Our dedicated Career Practitioners are qualified members of the Australian Centre for Career Education and actively support our students in exploring their future career options through a range of tailored services, programs and activities:
Career Counselling Career Action Plans
OHS Programs Work Experience Program
Structured Workplace Learning Vocational Education and Training
School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships Morrisby Assessment Program
Guest Speakers Incursions
Excursions Newsletters
Career Lessons Resume Writing
Job Applications VTAC Support
Senior Careers:
Angela Wren - angela.wren@education.vic.gov.au - 8.30am-4.00pm (Mon-Thurs)
Liz Stevens - liz.stevens@education.vic.gov.au - 8:30am-4.00pm (Mon-Fri)
Junior Careers:
Jaclyn Powell - jaclyn.powell@education.vic.gov.au - 8.30am-4.00pm (Mon-Wed)
Compass and Careers Website Newsfeeds
Student communication about careers and opportunities are updated via the Compass newsfeed pages, and the Bairnsdale Secondary College Careers Website (through Study Work Grow).
Career events, excursions, apprenticeship/traineeship opportunities, guest speakers, etc. are shared with students via these alerts, so please keep an eye out for the latest opportunities.
Bairnsdale Secondary College – Study Work Grow Education
Job Opportunities
Events
The following events are not Bairnsdale Secondary College events.
Dairy Program Expression of Interest
Are you aged 15-17 and curious about the dairy industry? A Next Gen Dairy program is being planned.
GippsDairy is exploring interest for a 3-day program during the April 2026 school holidays, designed for young people who want to gain a deeper understanding of the dairy sector — from farm to factory and beyond!
Participants will:
- Visit leading dairy farms and processors
- Learn about animal care, technology, and sustainability
- Meet people working across the industry
- Explore career and training pathways
Expressing interest will require parent/guardian contact details and basic information about the young person.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NexGenEOI
Please note this is not a Bairnsdale Secondary College Event and will be run and coordinated by Gipps Dairy.
Career Conversations @ Home - Helping Parents Have Positive Career Convos! - 19th November
Go join Tyson Day, the Co-Founder and Lead Facilitator of Arrive & Thrive, as he shares the best way to have impactful career conversations in and around your home environment that produce clarity, career discovery, and momentum. Tyson will share concepts and practices that he has learned through his 10+ years of experience in career education and the 85,000 students who have attended Arrive & Thrive workshops since 2019.
In the webinar, you can expect to learn:
- How can you positively influence your young person in their career decisions.
- How can you effectively navigate the future of work and understand your young person's options.
- How to communicate effectively through the GROW model to support your young person in career exploration.
All participants will receive a Career Conversation Kit to kick off conversations with their young person as soon as possible!
Federation University
Gillies Street Open Day - 19th November
Keen for a lifestyle change and a career working outdoors?
The Agriculture, Horticulture and Conservation Science courses are open and will help you reskill, upskill and stand out in 2026.
Dig deep into hands-on courses in Agriculture, Horticulture, Conservation, Ecosystem Management, and free TAFE options.
Go and find out more, meet your future classmates and explore your hands-on training facilities at the Gillies Street Open Day on 19 November from 10am to 2pm.
What’s on:
- Student-led campus tours
- Observe real classes at their hands-on learning facilities, classrooms and science labs
- Explore student support options
- Find out if you’re eligible for free TAFE course funding
- Get application assistance
Find out course info, including contact hours, assessment overview, outside class study and pre-application advice.
Study Expo - 12th December
Study Expo is a great opportunity for students to visit their future campus and discuss study plans with an experienced advisor before making a final decision. Meet current students and speak to their student support and admissions team about enrolments and pathway options.
Time: 2:00pm – 6:00pm
Ballarat - Events
Berwick - Events
Gippsland - Events
Academy of Interactive Technology (AIT) | Open Day, Melbourne - 22nd November
Get ready to experience what it’s like to study at AIT! Their Melbourne Open Day is your chance to explore their creative campus, meet their passionate lecturers and students, and see how you can turn your creativity into a career.
Whether you’re into animation, film, games, design, or IT, you’ll discover the tools, spaces, and community that make AIT the place where ideas come to life.
✨ Meet their trainers and current students🎬 Explore their studios and creative space💬 Ask questions and get course insights🍴 Enjoy complimentary catering and good vibes.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this inspiring event.
Click the button below and use the password OPENDAY2025 when prompted to register today!
AIT Melbourne Open Day 2025 Tickets, Sat, Nov 22, 2025 at 11:00 AM | Eventbrite
Whitehouse Institute of Design
Basics of Studio Lighting and Fashion Photography Workshop, Melbourne - 22nd November
This is a hands-on 1-day workshop designed for aspiring photographers eager to learn the fundamentals of camera settings, studio lighting, and fashion photography. Whether you're just starting out or looking to strengthen your technical foundation, this workshop will guide you through the essentials—from mastering manual mode to setting up professional lighting and capturing dynamic fashion portraits. Perfect for beginners looking to expand into the world of studio and fashion photography.
At the end of this workshop, participants will have created an original digital A4 editorial magazine applying images shot in the workshop. Layout, typography, flow and narrative will be exemplified via double page spreads. Students will also receive a Certificate of Completion.
Resources will be provided for you, however it is preferred that you bring the following equipment to participate:
- DSLR Camera / iPhone
- Laptop (to use Adobe Cloud)
Basics of Studio Lighting and Fashion Photography - Melbourne Campus
Creative Illustration Workshop, Melbourne - 22nd November
This hands-on workshop introduces students to the fundamentals of illustration as a visual communication tool. Participants will experiment with drawing, composition, and storytelling through image-making before developing their own texture swatch using mixed-media materials. The session encourages creative exploration, cross-disciplinary thinking, and helps build folio-ready work to support future study in design.
The workshop focuses on the following areas of skill development:
- Illustration and composition techniques
- Visual storytelling and creative expression
- Mixed-media and texture experimentation
- Developing an individual design aesthetic
- A4 textile development swatch
At the end of this workshop, participants will have created original visual work suitable for inclusion in a creative portfolio and will receive a Certificate of Completion.
Resources will be provided, however please bring the following to participate: 2B pencil, eraser, sharpener, glue stick, scissors, ruler, coloured pencils, black fine line.
Creative Illustration Workshop - Melbourne Campus
Bond University | Connect in Melbourne - Information Session for Future Students - 26th November
Bond University understand that navigating the journey to university can be daunting, so they’re here to lend a helping hand. Bond is hosting a series of drop-in support sessions to help answer any questions you or your family have.
Whether you're curious about the application process, choosing the right degree, pathways, tuition fees, scholarships, accommodation, or student support services, they can provide personalised advice to help you feel confident and prepared for the next step.
Connect with Bond | Bond University | Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
UCAT, GAMSAT and Pathways into Medicine - Webinar for Students, Teachers & Parents - 26th November
This forum is an excellent opportunity for teachers, students and their parents to find out about the UCAT, pathways into medicine, and have all questions answered by an expert teacher who has been working in the field since 1999.
The session is packed with invaluable information during which they will be covering the following topics, and more:
- What is UCAT? UCAT scores? UCAT Sub-tests?
- Year 10, 11 and 12 - things to consider now
- The undergraduate selection criteria
- Application process into universities for medicine and dentistry
- When and who can sit the UCAT?
- GAMSAT
- Can you prepare for the UCAT?
- Undergraduate interview process
- What, how and why about Gap Year?
- Alternative degrees and career choices
- Work experience advice
- Q&A
William Angliss Institute
Twilight Talk & Tour - 27th November
Thinking about studying or switching careers in 2026? Join in for a Twilight Talk & Tour – your exclusive chance to explore life at William Angliss Institute before the New Year. Bring your questions – and your people – to discover what awaits you at Angliss. Don’t miss this chance to explore, connect, and get inspired. Spaces are limited, so register now and take the first step toward your future at Angliss!
Change of Preference Webinar - 12th December
Join in the webinar and plan ahead with confidence! This is a great opportunity to hear from course experts, learn about pathways, explore your 2026 study options, and ask any questions you may have.
Change of Preference is a time for those students that have applied to study through VTAC to review their options. This webinar is designed for those applying to degree-level courses, and may involve reordering preferences, exploring new courses, or discovering pathways to your dream degree.
Together you'll explore the perfect study option for you and how you can start pursuing your dream career at the Change of Preference webinar!
The Gordon | TAFE Information Nights for Future Students - 1st-4th December
Info Nights are the perfect opportunity to explore life at The Gordon. You’ll get to tour their campuses, meet the teachers, and find out more about the courses and career pathways that interest you. With presentations, classroom sessions in your chosen study areas, and the chance to ask questions, Info Nights help you make informed decisions about your future. Plus, if you’re ready to take the next step, their friendly team can help you apply on the spot!
Chisholm Institute | Campus Tours for Future Students - 4th December
Join Chisholm for a campus tour and see Chisholm up close. You’ll be able to walk through their facilities, guided by a Chisholm representative who can answer your questions about campus life, career pathways and their range of courses.
Register for a campus tour so you can:
- See the facilities
- Learn about the range of courses and the career pathways available
- Find out if a course at Chisholm is right for you
VTAC Webinars
Getting Your Results and What Happens Next for Students Starting in 2026 - 9th December
You're about to receive your secondary school results, but what do you need to do to prepare for the next stage of your education journey?
Join us to hear more about how the ATAR is calculated, advice on changing your preferences and how to order them, accepting an offer and other ways you can get support in this important time.
Preferences, Pathways and Offers for Students Starting in 2026 - 11th December
You've just received your results, congratulations! This time can be exciting but also a bit stressful, so VTAC are here to help guide you towards your dream course.
Join their webinar to hear more about how the preferencing system works and hear advice on ordering your preferences. They will also speak about pathways and how you can look at alternative courses to help you get to your dream course. Finally, they will cover what to expect when receiving an offer and how to accept your offer.
La Trobe University | Change of Preference Fest for Future Students - 11th December
La Trobe know getting your ATAR results can be a big moment, so they’re hosting the Change of Preference Fest to give you the support and advice you need, no matter what your results are. Chat with their course advisors about your options and explore alternative pathways if your results aren’t what you expected. They’ll help you figure out what’s best for you.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Course advice and pathways
- Campus tours
- Free food
- Prizes and giveaways
Whether you’re thrilled with your results or need a bit of guidance, they’ve got your back. This is your chance to get all the info you need to make the best decision for your future.
Change of Preference Fest, Events, La Trobe University
Change of Preference - La Trobe Career Practitioners
John Martin Cass (JMC) Academy | Change of Preference Night, Melbourne - 11th December
Join JMC for an exclusive evening for Year 12 students to discover what makes JMC Academy one of Australia’s leading creative institutions. Hear from current students and alumni about their study experiences, career journeys, and how they turned their passion into a creative career they love.
What's on:
- Enjoy performances from current JMC students while connecting with their community of emerging talent.
- Hear first-hand from graduates and current students about their study experiences, career journeys, and what makes JMC different.
- Find out everything you need to know about courses, campus life, and career outcomes.
- Chat with their Admissions Team about the application process and how to preference JMC through VTAC to secure your offer.
Change of Preference Night Melbourne | JMC Academy
Australian Catholic University (ACU) | Change of Preference Guided Campus Tours, Melbourne & Ballarat - 11th-12th December
Attend a guided campus tour to explore what ACU has to offer, discuss your study options and pathways into ACU, and get personalised change of preference advice.
General guided tours typically last 30 to 60 minutes. Registrations are essential as places fill quickly.
Sports Education and Development Australia (SEDA) | 2026 Sport & Business Programs
SEDA are thrilled to launch their Sport & Business Programs for 2026, including two exciting new offerings!
Students interested in an education option embedded in the real-world environment of the sport industry can now do so alongside Netball Victoria or the Cronulla Sharks.
Along with these additions, they're still proud to offer the same extensive pathways through their university and higher education partners.
They continue to offer the same great individual support to all students through a single, dedicated teacher in each program and their passionate Student Services Coordinator.
Virtual Information Sessions are available to interested students with registrations via Information Sessions - SEDA Group.
School of Audio Engineering (SAE) University College
Change of Preference Online Session - 12th December
No matter where SAE University College lands on your higher education preference list, their Change of Preferences Online Session will help you figure out exactly where you want to be. Go vibe with them to uncover the real deal about who they are, what sets them apart, and where a degree from SAE could take you!
- Explore the hands-on work placement opportunities available throughout your studies.
- Discover the endless career paths available after graduation.
- Learn more about their scholarship opportunities, student services, upcoming Info Night and more.
- Ask all your questions about their application and enrolment process (no ATAR required!).
Change of Preference Online Session
Info Night in Melbourne - 15th January
Just make the first move in your dream career – join in at your local SAE campus this January for Info Night!
This is your chance to get a feel for the vibe at an SAE campus. Explore their creative and technology courses, meet industry experts and chat to the campus teams about student life. You can even take a tour of their facilities and check out some of the awesome student projects on display.
At Info Night, you'll have the opportunity to:
- Get the Full Lowdown: Dive into everything you need to know about SAE – from student support services and real-life experiences to industry placements and career pathways – all in a single, streamlined session.
- Go Behind-the-Scenes: Ever wondered what it’s like to work with professional, industry-standard software and equipment? Tour SAE’s state-of-the-art facilities and get a feel for the real-world tools and spaces you’ll use as a student.
- Meet Your Mentors: Chat with their dedicated teachers, each a master in their craft. Gain valuable insights into their courses – not only from their expert staff, but also their alumni, who have been exactly where you are and now work in their dream creative and technology fields.
- Chat 1:1 with SAE Experts: Have questions about courses, financial assistance, early entry programs or scholarships? Chat with the SAE Course Advisors about the type of career you’ve had your sights set on – and how they can help you get there.
- See What Can Create: Get inspired by the incredible projects and creative work of current SAE students. This is where your own talent and vision can take you when you let curiosity lead!
- Feel the SAE Vibes: Enjoy an environment that’s all about creativity and connection. This is your perfect chance to experience the SAE vibes up close and personal.
You're invited to SAE Melbourne's Info Night
Aviation Australia | Discover the Path to Becoming Cabin Crew: Free Online Info Session - 17th December
Are you curious about what it takes to work as cabin crew or flight attendant? Aviation Australia's 45-minute online information session (plus 15 minutes Q&A) will give you insider insight into the world of cabin crew, the training process, and how the course at Aviation Australia can set you up for success.
By the end of this session, you will:
- Understand the full structure of the Aviation Australia Cabin Crew Essential Course, and how it differs from other training options
- Learn the skills and certifications you will gain (e.g. first aid, customer service, emergency procedures)
- See real classroom and simulation facilities, and hear from instructors with industry experience
- Explore potential career pathways with major airlines
- Get your questions answered live during the Q&A
Who should attend?
- Aspiring cabin crew candidates aged 18+
- Recent school leavers looking for a unique career path
- Individuals wanting to pivot into aviation or customer service roles
- Anyone who wants a realistic view of what it takes to become cabin crew
- Anyone who wants to learn about their graduate outcomes
Whether you’re just exploring or ready to commit, this session is your opportunity to see if cabin crew training is for you.
Cabin Crew Essentials Online Information Session | Aviation Australia
Monash University | Robogals Engage Engineer: for 2026 Year 9/10 Students
Engage Engineer January 2026 Student Registration Form
Work Experience
Work Experience (WE)/Structured Workplace learning (SWL)/School Based Apprenticeships/Traineeships (SBAT)
Work experience is available to students that are 15 years old+.
SWL is available to students doing a VET Course in their VCE/VM Pathway.
SBAT’s are available to Year 10-12 students through our Headstart Program by application and availability only.
Work Experience Opportunities
Please ensure you have considered the travel time and distance to and from your home as well as accommodation BEFORE you apply for any work experience placements. Please let careers know if you will be applying for any opportunities listed.
V/Line Work Experience/Internship Program 2026 (year 10-12 students, 15+)
About the role & key accountabilities:
- As a V/Line Intern, you will engage in a customised work experience placement across one or various teams. You’ll demonstrate a willingness to learn and maintain a professional attitude while embodying V/Line’s core values.
- Complete up to 5 days of work experience, from 9:30AM to 3:30PM each day.
- Collaborate with team members and contribute to team goals.
- Uphold V/Line’s values of respect, leadership, responsiveness, human rights, integrity, and accountability.
- Gain hands-on experience in the transport industry to help shape the future of rail services in Victoria.
- Join V/Line's dynamic team and enjoy a supportive environment focused on growth & professional development.
- Shortlisted applicants will undergo a V/Line internship interview process.
- Preferred placement dates will be considered however not guaranteed.
- Successful applicants will undergo relevant pre-employment and medical checks to meet their safe-working standards.
V/Line’s purpose is to connect Victorians through safe, reliable, and accessible transport. They believe in giving all Victorians opportunities through travel and transport – connecting them to jobs, education, family and friends, services, tourism and trade.
V/Line is experiencing significant growth and they’re delivering more services, more trains, cheaper fares, and huge projects. With more than 3700 weekly train and coach services, an expansive freight network and unprecedented rail investment, millions of Victorians depend on them to deliver. You could be one of their 2700 committed team members who are up to the challenge.
Applications close: Friday 28 November 2025. Applicants will be notified of their application outcome by 12 December 2025 via email.
Parliament of Victoria Work Experience 2026 (ages 15+)
Expressions of interest to complete a work experience placement at the Parliament of Victoria in terms 1 & 2, 2026 are now open.
Whether you’re interested in politics, planting trees, law-making or baking, your work experience placement at the Parliament of Victoria will be an experience you’ll remember. This is a unique opportunity to undertake a week-long placement in either the Parliamentary Sitting or Parliamentary Services program. Placements run for 5 days: Monday-Friday, from 9am until 5pm each day.
Parliamentary Sitting placements provide the opportunity to see the law-making process up close. Students will go behind the scenes with the staff who directly support Parliament sittings, to get a deeper understanding of our democratic processes.
Parliamentary Services placements offer a variety of opportunities that can be matched with a broad range of student interests and career goals. Students will have the option to work with staff in one of the many professional service areas that support the day-to-day business of Parliament.
Expressions of interest for terms 1 & 2 will close at 5:00pm on Friday 30 January 2026. All students will be notified of the outcome of their expression of interest by Friday 20 February 2026.
Work experience at Parliament House
Nangak Tamboree Wildlife Sanctuary Work Experience 2026 (year 9 & 10 students, 15+)
Nangak's Work Experience Program is designed to foster new skills in young people, create an awareness and appreciation of the conservation and biodiversity management industry and demonstrate the breadth of career opportunities in environmental science, research and education.
Successful applicants may assist in the following areas of the Sanctuary:
- land management
- plant production
- education
- biodiversity
- marketing, promotion & interpretation
- office & administration
- workshops & tours
The Nangak Tamboree Wildlife Sanctuary cannot offer any opportunities to work with animals.
Work Experience placements run for one week from Monday to Friday on pre-selected dates throughout the year. Normal working hours are from 9.30am until 4.00pm. As part of your placement, you will be required to undertake some structured learning activities.
There are 4 places available for each of the placement weeks listed below. A maximum of two students can come from the same school for the same placement week.
Placement dates (these dates are subject to change based on other Sanctuary activities happening at the time):
| Term | Dates |
|---|---|
| 1 | 16th-20th March |
| 2 | 4th-8th May 1st-5th June |
| 3 | 27th-31st July 24th-28th August |
| 4 | 19th-23rd October |
Please ensure you have considered the travel time and distance to and from your home to Bundoora BEFORE you apply for a placement.
How to apply:
- Let careers know you will be applying
- Complete the below forms and have your parents/guardians sign them (do not need principals' signature at this stage)
- Click the following link and complete the online form - Work Experience Application Form, Nangak Tamboree Wildlife Sanctuary, Get involved, Secondary school students, La Trobe University
Secondary school students, Nangak Tamboree Wildlife Sanctuary, Get involved, La Trobe University
ASD Cyber Security & Robotics Work Experience 2026 (year 11 & 12 students)
The ASD work experience program is for Year 11–12 students. The program focuses on students who are considering further studies in a STEM-related field.
The week-long program offers you an opportunity to extend your knowledge and skills through practical challenges. Scenarios could include:
- identifying security intrusions on a computer system
- learning how to identify email compromises
- learning to monitor network traffic to detect exploits
- learning how to conduct forensic examinations of hard drives
- learning about web application vulnerabilities
- learning modern encryption methods
- learning about different types of encryption and how they protect data
- using open-source software to recover keys and encrypt and decrypt data
- learning about geospatial analysis and how to use geospatial tools for imagery analysis
- engineering hardware and software solutions for security problems
- robotics programming using Arduinos
- construction of Arduino electrical circuits.
Students who enjoy discovering how technology works are considered favourably over those who use technology.
All placements are in Canberra. Students from interstate are encouraged to apply. Interstate students will receive assistance with travel (transportation) costs. Interstate students are responsible for their own accommodation.
Upcoming work experience program dates:
Session 1: 13 April 2026 – 17 April 2026
- Applications Open Date: Friday 30 January 2026
- Applications Close Date: Sunday 1 March 2026 11:30pm
Session 2: 6 July 2026 – 10 July 2026
- Applications Open Date: Friday 8 May 2026
- Applications Close Date: Sunday 7 June 2026 11:30pm
Session 3: 28 September 2026 – 2 October 2026
- Applications Open Date: Friday 31 July
- Applications Close Date: Sunday 30 August 2026 11:30pm
To apply please visit Defence Work Experience once applications open.
I'm starting my career | Australian Signals Directorate
Grandshake Virtual Work Experience (ages 14-19)
Grandshake offers a ton of awesome Virtual Work Experience programs for young people across Australia aged 14-19. These programs are a great way to get a taste of your dream career, all from your own home. And they help you learn some valuable skills along the way as well. The programs run all year, during school and the holidays, so you can sign up to start at any time. The programs typically run for four weeks, with a 2-4 hour commitment per week. Best of all, they’re totally free.
Grandshake: Connecting Students and Employers for Real-World Experiences
Competition
AgDay Photography and Video Competition
Submit your photo or video capturing Australian agriculture and the theme “Grow you good thing!” for a chance to win. There is no age limit so anyone can submit their masterpiece and be in the running for some amazing prizes.
- The First Prize Winner will receive $2,000.
- The Second Prize Winner will receive $1,000.
- The first Four Runners Up Prize Winners will receive $500.
The photo and video competition opens every year to help celebrate AgDay. Your images and videos give an insight into life on the land, celebrations on the day and what agriculture means through ones lens.
Close date: 21st November, 2025
PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEO COMPETITION – National Agriculture Day 2025
Australian STEM Video Game Challenge for Students in Year 3-12
The Australian STEM Video Game Challenge is a free competition. It is an exciting and authentic way to engage kids in the important learning areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Teams of 1-4 students design and develop a video game based on a given theme – this year we want you to take a deep dive into the “ocean”.
Exciting prizes are on offer for winning entries, including a custom hoodie featuring artwork from your game and opportunities to engage online and in-person at STEM and gaming events.
Close Date: 7th August, 2026
Home - Australian STEM Video Game Challenge
Australian Stockholm Junior Water Prize for High School Students
The Australian Stockholm Junior Water Prize is an annual water science competition for high school students. Students are challenged to develop practical and innovative water research projects on a local, regional, national or global topic that has the potential to improve quality of life and/or the environment.
The winner of the Australian competition is invited to participate in the Stockholm Junior Water Prize, awarded each World Water Week in Sweden. They will also receive travel and accommodation to Ozwater in May to attend the National Awards Gala Dinner, a glass trophy, and automatically join the Water Tank, an alumni community of the competition to connect, collaborate, and advance their project and career.
Each participant receives an Australian Water Association certificate.
Close Date: 27th March, 2026
Australian Stockholm Junior Water Prize 2024
Job Spotlights - Carpenter & Retail Manager
How to become a Carpenter – Study Work Grow
