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.
William Angliss Institute | Scholarship Ready Online Information Session - 17th & 22nd October
Attending this session is strongly encouraged before you apply for scholarships at William Angliss Institute. By attending, you'll receive a rundown of the application process, scholarship requirements, some key dates, and ways to improve your application.
Scholarship applications for Semester 1, 2026 are open between Monday 15th of September and will close on Sunday 26th of October.
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.
Federation University
VCE PE Study Session - 22nd October
This VCE PE study session covers specific areas for year 12 students out of the Melbourne City Football Academy on Wednesday the 22nd of October. This free two hour revision session will include;
- Brief introduction to careers in sport, exercise science and sports business/management
- Mini tour of the City Football Academy
- Live VO2 max and LIP assessment with presentation focused on aspects of Unit 3, area of study (AOS) 2 and Unit 4 AOS 2.
- Presentation will include past exam questions.
Please note: Session 1 at 11.00am to 1.00pm has reached capacity and a second session has been opened at 2.00pm - 4.00pm.
To register for Session 2 on Wednesday 22 October, 2.00pm - 4.00pm please complete the details on this link - Event registration form
VCE PE Exam Concepts Review Workshop - 25th October
This VCE PE Exam Concept Review Workshop will cover key concepts of exercise science related to the VCE PE curriculum. This session is open to any year 12 student who wants to enhance their preparation for the VCE PE Exam. Disclaimer: This session is not a step-by-step guide to prepare you for the intricacies of the VCE PE exam, but instead will cover many (but not all) key concepts and theories that will be assessed in the VCE PE Exam.
Times: Session 1: 10am-12pm. Session 2: 1pm-3pm. Lunch 12-1pm.
Location: P Building, Federation University Mt Helen Campus
Cost: $20. Refreshments not provided.
VCE PE Exam Concepts Review Workshop – Fedstore
Melbourne City Football Club Info Session - 25th October
Eager to learn more about the Diploma of Business & Sports Management program? Join an information session to explore the course details, connect with fellow students, and have all your questions answered.
Location: AAMI Park, Olympic Blvd, Melbourne VIC 3001
Time: 4:00pm - 5:00pm
In-Person Information Session: Saturday 25 October 2025
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
Deakin University | Accelerate Uni at School Program - Webinar for High School Students - 22nd October
Are you a high-achieving student ready to kick-start your university journey? Register for Deakins upcoming webinar to learn how the Deakin Accelerate program can fast-track your path to university.
Find out everything you need to know about how the program works – from the program's exciting benefits and wide range of study areas to the simple, seamless application process.
Hear from expert staff, have your questions answered and be inspired by stories from past Deakin Accelerate students who have already begun their path to success.
Victoria University | TAFE Open Night - 23rd October
Thinking about doing a trade or health TAFE course? Go see what’s on offer at Sunshine Campus on Thursday 23rd October from 5pm-7pm.
You'll get:
- A tour of their state-of-the-art trades and health facilities
- All your questions answered about TAFE courses
- Information sessions and presentations
- The chance to apply on-the-spot with their team on the night.
Get personalised advice, help and support from the very start so you feel confident you’re on the right path.
Victoria University | VU TAFE Open Night - 23 October 2025 - 5-7pm
Careers with STEM & QUT | Tech Careers Webinar for Students, Teachers & Parents - 5th November
Imagine building the next big thing in AI, helping fight climate change with smart data, or even designing the tech behind the next generation of electric cars or space travel. Technology is now woven into every industry – from music and gaming to medicine and sustainable energy – which means a career in tech doesn’t just mean one path; it means limitless possibilities.
And here’s the exciting part: many of the jobs you’ll be doing in the future haven’t even been invented yet.
So how do you get started? Join in for a free Careers with STEM webinar on Wednesday 5 November at 12pm AEDT/11am AEST with leaders, experts and entrepreneurs in tech that will share their journeys and advice for anyone considering pursuing technology.
Whether you’re a high school student, a teacher guiding your students’ next steps, or a parent supporting your child’s future, this webinar will provide the knowledge and inspiration you need to explore the exciting world of tech careers.
Chisholm Institute | Campus Tours for Future Students - 6th November & 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
Bond University
Connect in Melbourne - Information Session for Parents - 11th November
Join Bond University for their upcoming breakfast event tailored for parents navigating the important decision of choosing the right university for their child. This is a great opportunity to discover what sets Bond University apart and to learn more about their unique programs and offerings. Whether you're already considering Bond or just beginning your research, they're here to help guide you in making an informed choice for your child's future.
Event highlights:
- Discover Bond University’s diverse programs and study areas, and learn what sets them apart from other institutions.
- Get detailed information on the transition process for interstate students, including student life and accommodation options.
- Understand the application process, including direct applications, early offers, scholarships, and admissions.
- Hear first hand experiences from parents of current Bond students.
- Have your questions answered by their knowledgeable staff.
- Benefit from personalised follow-up and ongoing support after the event to address any further questions or concerns.
Don’t miss this chance to get a comprehensive overview of Bond University and how they can support your child’s educational journey. They look forward to welcoming you!
Parents Connect with Bond - Victoria | Bond University | Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
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
Monash University | Clayton Campus Tour for Future Students - 13th November
Join Monash for a 90-minute campus tour and discover all that they have to offer! Led by their friendly student ambassadors, you’ll explore the outdoor spaces of their world-class campuses, learn about student life, and have the chance to ask questions about studying at Monash.
Clayton Campus Tour - Discover Monash
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 | Change of Preference Fest - 11th December
Students are invited to Change of Preference Festival on Thursday 11 December. Students can chat with course advisors and La Trobes student support team about their next steps. Guests can enjoy free food, giveaways and fun for friends/family too.
Change of Preference Fest, Events, La Trobe University
Change of Preference - La Trobe Career Practitioners
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.
National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) Work Experience 2026 (ages 15+)
The National Gallery of Victoria offers work experience placements for secondary school students. Placements are based with the NGV Learn Team and where possible with other Departments. Work experience in any one facet of the NGV cannot be guaranteed.
Applications for 2026 Work Experience placements are now open and will close 5pm, 24th October 2025. All applicants will be notified by mid-November.
Austin Health Work Experience 2026 (year 10-12 students, 15+)
Austin Health offers allied health work experience placements for secondary school students. Applications are now open for 2026 placements and will close 3rd November.
Work-based learning opportunities give students the chance to observe a hospital environment in action and to learn about the diverse jobs available within the health industry.
Student placement is arranged for a 1 block week period from Monday to Friday.
Work Experience
Work experience placements typically target year 10 students exploring careers in Allied Health. The student placement offers students industry insight and the opportunity to observe a workplace in action.
Indigenous Careers in Health Program
Since 2016, Austin Health has proudly offered an Indigenous Careers in Health program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. The week-long program looks at a range of specialisations across different fields. Students will have the opportunity to speak with hospital staff and medical students about study and career choices.
Austin Health: Work experience
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
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
Storyfest National Novella Writing Competition for High School Students
The Storyfest National Novella Writing Competition is open to all Australian high school students. It is a wonderful opportunity for serious student writers, encouraging them in their literary growth – and there are also some fantastic prizes on offer.
Open Date: August 4, 2025
Close Date: December 5, 2025
Somerset Storyfest National Novella Writing Competition | Somerset Storyfest
Job Spotlights - Real Estate Agent & Optical Dispenser
How to become a Real Estate Agent - Study Work Grow
