Careers News
Nicole WILSON
Leading Teacher - Pathways and Transitions
Classroom Teacher
As we move into the final term of 2025, things remain busy in the Careers and Pathways Team.
All students have now completed their subject selections for 2026, and this information has been passed on to our Leading Teacher of Operations, who is currently constructing the timetable and class structure for next year.
We have received a number of emails from students and parents requesting changes to 2026 subject selections. Unfortunately, at this stage, no changes can be made. Once timetables and classes are finalised, there will be specific windows of opportunity for students to request changes.
For students moving into Years 11 and 12, this will occur during our Early Commencement Program.
For all other students, the opportunity will arise in the first few weeks of next year.
Please keep an eye on Compass, as this will be the primary mode of communication for any updates. Subject changes will only be possible if there is space available in the requested class and if it fits within the student’s timetable.
Year 12
It has been a busy and exciting time for our Careers Team supporting Year 12 students with their VTAC applications for further study. While our Year 12s are now focused on their exams, we’ve included some key VTAC dates below to support them through the next steps.
A reminder that VTAC preferences can be changed until 13 December, which is just after students receive their ATARs at 7:00am on 11 December. The Careers Team will be available on 11 and 12 December to assist students with reviewing or updating their VTAC preferences.
Before each offer round, VTAC briefly reopens for students to adjust preferences — please read these dates carefully. If a student receives an offer that is not their first preference, we recommend accepting it (if they are happy with that course), as they will still remain eligible for higher preferences in subsequent rounds.
📅 Key VTAC Dates and Reminders
🎓 December
| Date | Time | Event |
|---|---|---|
| 11 December | 7:00am | VCE Results and ATARs released |
| 13 December | 12:00pm | Change of Preference closes for December round |
| 23 December | 10:00am | December course offers released |
| 23 December | 10:00am – 4:00pm | Change of Preference open for January round |
📘 January & February
| Date | Time | Event |
|---|---|---|
| 13 January | 2:00pm | January course offers released |
| Further Change of Preference and Offer Rounds continue throughout January and February |
💡 Reminder
Make sure you have registered for the VCE Results and ATAR Service at resultsandatar.vic.edu.au
Focus Groups
This term, our Year 8 Focus Group cohort has been engaging in a block of Careers sessions exploring topics such as What is work? Work values, and Enterprise skills. In the coming weeks, they will conclude with a program called Career Copilot.
Career Copilot is an AI-powered tool designed to revolutionise personalised career discovery and planning. It builds a comprehensive profile of students’ skills, strengths, interests, and education preferences, and then creates a tailored action plan to support their career journey.
Effective career education and planning help students develop confidence and purpose. Career Copilot empowers them to make informed decisions, navigate their pathways with clarity, and approach their futures with optimism — ready to turn their aspirations into reality.
VET Taster Days
This year, through a partnership between the Department of Education and Holmesglen TAFE, we’ve been able to offer selected students the opportunity to experience Vocational Education and Training (VET) through a pilot taster program.
Last term, some of our Year 9 students spent a day at Holmesglen Chadstone exploring a range of trades and construction pathways. This term, a group of Year 10 students is attending Holmesglen one day per week to further explore their interests.
This is a fantastic opportunity for students to gain real-world experience before deciding whether a VET pathway is right for them in senior school.
What is VET?
VET (Vocational Education and Training) combines theoretical learning with practical, hands-on skills for specific jobs and careers.
Benefits of VET:
Practical skills: Job-specific, hands-on training directly applicable to the workplace.
Job readiness: Courses are designed by industry experts to meet employer needs.
Pathways to employment: A faster and cost-effective route to gaining recognised qualifications.
Flexibility: Offered through TAFEs and private training organisations, often while still at school.
Credit towards higher education: Many VET qualifications can count towards university degrees.
Stay Connected
As always, we encourage students and families to visit our Careers and Pathways website at https://careers.highvalesc.vic.edu.au/
We regularly update the message board, post a weekly newsletter, and share a wide range of resources. You can also book an appointment with one of our Careers Practitioners, Ms Felicia Giles or Ms Kellie Egan.
If you would like to meet with Ms Nicole Wilson, Leading Teacher of Pathways and Transitions, please email her directly at Nicole.Wilson3@education.vic.gov.au.