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

OH&S Programs Work Experience Program

Structured Workplace Learning Vocational Education and Training

School Based Apprenticeships & Traineeships Excursions & Incursions

Guest Speakers Newsletters

VTAC Support Resume Writing

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

Gap-Year-Guide-2026-School-Licensed-Edition.pdf

Accommodation-Guide-2026-School-Licensed-Edition.pdf

School-Leaver-Toolkit-2026-School-Licensed-Edition.pdf

Job Opportunities

AGA Apprenticeship & Traineeship Vacancies 13th August 2026.pdf

AJ'S Pizza

We’re currently on the lookout for a couple of young, energetic people who may be interested in joining our team.

We’re need people who are looking for some casual work and would be a great fit for our busy, fast-paced environment.

The role involves a lot of Thursday, Friday and Saturday night work, so unfortunately it will not suit someone who has regular sporting or dance commitments that coincide with these hours.

We’re looking for someone who:

• Can think on their feet and multitask

• Is confident with basic maths and English

• Is reliable, motivated and willing to learn

• Works well under pressure

• Has a positive attitude and is driven to succeed

• Would enjoy being part of a fast-paced, family-friendly team

Email your resume to ajspizza3875@outlook.com or drop a copy into AJ’s Pizza, addressed to Simon and Mel.

AusNet - Access Planning Coordinator Traineeship - Bairnsdale

Applications are now open for AusNet’s 2027 Distribution Trainee Program.

This three-year program gives participants the opportunity to start a career in Victoria’s energy industry, gain hands-on experience and complete an Advanced Diploma of ESI – Power Systems.

Key features of the traineeship include:

• A starting salary of approximately $80,000, including superannuation

• Eligible to people who have completed year 12 by the end of 2026, with strong performance in Maths and Science

• Earn a nationally recognised qualification in ESI – Power Systems

• Structured learning and the opportunity to work with and learn from industry experts

• The chance to work on Victoria’s electricity distribution network, helping keep the lights on and playing a key role in the energy transition

Access Planning Coordinator

This traineeship focuses on developing schedules and coordinate planned outages so essential work can be completed safely on the electricity network.

Locations for this traineeship: Bairnsdale, Lilydale and Wodonga

Students can learn more and apply via the website - http://ausnet.com.au/trainees.

Applications close at 11:59pm on Thursday 27 August 2026.

Events

The following events are not Bairnsdale Secondary College events.

Monash Engineering Girls (MEG) for Years 9-12

Be part of an innovative program for high school students and explore engineering. Monash Engineering Girls (MEG) is an engagement program designed for young women who want to know about the possibilities of a career in engineering. If you like maths and science, are creative, a problem solver, enjoy working in a team and designing things, engineering might be the perfect career choice for you. MEG will enable you to learn about the Faculty of Engineering. We want you to join the program in year 9 and stay through to year 12. During that time you will have the opportunity to participate in a range of special activities and VIP events that will help you gain an understanding of all the different types of engineering and which one could suit you. You will form connections with others like you, have lots of fun experiences, and interact with our current Engineering students to learn what it’s really like to study at Monash. You will also get to meet the talented academic staff who teach here, as well as many graduates who are doing amazing things in their lives and careers.

Our events will include hands-on experience days, online activities, workshops with the Engineering student teams, VIP tours of the Engineering precinct and special presentations.

Some events will be invitation only for MEG participants. You’ll also get information about our larger, general events, such as Open Day.

All activities will be held outside school hours or during the school holidays, and you can choose whether or not you wish to participate.

Monash Engineering Girls (MEG) - Monash University

2027 Sport & Business Programs

SEDA have now launched their Sport & Business Programs for 2027. In Victoria, these include offerings with the Collingwood Magpies, Melbourne United, Melbourne Victory and Netball Victoria.

Program	Links	Open Nights/Information Sessions
Melbourne United	Event registration	Monday, 24th August (MSAC)
Melbourne Victory	Event registration	Monday, 31st August
Netball Victoria	Event registration	Thursday, 3rd September

SEDA_Program Guide_digital_FA.pdf

2026-SBP-Netball Victoria-Digital.pdf

2026-SBP-Melbourne Victory-Flyer-Digital.pdf

2026-SBP-Melbourne United-Flyer-Digital.pdf

Central Queensland University (CQU) | Education Open Day Webinar - 24th August

With courses available across early childhood, primary and secondary teaching, CQU's friendly education academics will explain what it’s really like to study at CQU. You’ll learn about their strong local networks, the support services that help you succeed, and how CQU prepares you for a rewarding career in the classroom.

Education Open Day Webinar - CQUniversity

Australian Catholic University (ACU) | Year 12 VCE Revision Webinars - 24th-27th August

Worried about your Year 12 exams? You're not alone. Join ACU's free online webinars from 24 - 27 August 2026. They are live, expert-led sessions designed to help you walk into your exams feeling prepared. Can't attend live? Register anyway – recordings are available to registered attendees for one week after each webinar.

Year 12 VCE Revision Webinars 2026

BDO Australia and Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand (CA ANZ) | High School Leavers Program Webinar - 25th August

Join BDO Australia and Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand (CA ANZ) to discover a different way to start your career. Their new High School Leavers Program offers students the opportunity to step straight into a full-time permanent role, earn an income, gain real-world experience and complete the CA ANZ Fundamentals Pathway at the same time, without going to university.

In this free online information session, you'll learn how you can build professional skills, work towards becoming a Chartered Accountant with a recognised qualification, and start our career from day one.

What will be covered:

How the High School Leavers Program works
The types of roles available at BDO and what participants do day-to day
The CA ANZ Fundamentals Pathway and how students combine work and study
The support available, including funded study, study leave, mentoring and professional development
The benefits of earning an income while gaining practical experience
How this pathway differs from the traditional university experience

Who should attend?

Current and recent high school students
Parents and guardians exploring post-school options with their child
Career advisors supporting students with study and career decisions

Date: Tuesday, 25 August 2026

Time: 7.30pm – 8.30pm

Format: Online webinar

👉 Register for the webinar

University of Sydney | Webinars

Study Medicine at Sydney - 26th August & 2nd September

Join the University of Sydney ahead of their Open Day to discover what it's like to study medicine there and learn how they prepare future doctors to make a meaningful impact in Australia and around the world. Through a live Q&A with specialist staff you’ll have your questions answered ahead of Open Day, so you can arrive informed, have meaningful conversations with the team, and make the most of your time exploring our learning facilities.

Webinar Registration - Zoom - 26th August

Webinar Registration - Zoom - 2nd September

Admissions to Medicine at Sydney - 26th August & 2nd September

Join the University of Sydney ahead of their Open Day to explore pathways to medicine.

Learn about admission requirements, application dates and timelines, and the assessment process. They’ll share details of the options available, whether you’re applying to commence your studies after high-school, or after completing a bachelor’s degree.

Through a live Q&A with their specialist staff, you’ll have your questions answered ahead of Open Day, so you can arrive informed, have meaningful conversations with the team, and make the most of your time exploring the learning facilities.

Webinar Registration - Zoom - 26th August

Webinar Registration - Zoom - 2nd September

Swinburne University

Aviation Info Session - 26th August

Join Swinburne on campus to get all the need-to-know details on studying aviation. You’ll get a breakdown of all their different aviation courses, hear insights on entry requirements, and get expert tips on career opportunities. They'll also cover financial info, including scholarships.

This info session will include:

a 60-minute presentation on Swinburne’s aviation program and courses
networking with Swinburne staff and industry partners
complimentary light refreshments.

Aviation Info Session | Swinburne

Health Info Session - 27th August

Join Swinburne on campus for all the need-to-know details on studying health.

Get a breakdown of their different courses and majors, including health science, exercise and sports science, nutrition, and biomedical science. You’ll also learn about entry requirements and even hear expert career tips.

This info session will cover the following health courses:

Bachelor of Health Science
Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science
Bachelor of Nutrition
Bachelor of Biomedical Science

This info session will include:

a 60-minute presentation on Swinburne’s health courses, including a Q&A
networking with Swinburne staff, students
complimentary light refreshments.

Health Info Session | Swinburne

Innovation in Action for Year 10-12 Students - 30th September

The Swinburne Innovation in Action school holiday program is a 1-day program based at the Hawthorn campus where Year 10 - 12 students are given the knowledge and tools they need to come up with brilliant new ideas to solve real-world problems. In this free program, you will:

Identify and analyse a real-world problem
Design possible solutions to your chosen problem
Create a rapid prototype for your solution
Pitch and evaluate your prototype with your peers

Swinburne is delivering two more Innovation in Action holiday programs in 2026.

Each program runs from 9.30am–3.30pm on:

Wednesday, 30 September 2026

Swinburne Innovation in Action | Swinburne

Victorian Skills Authority | Victorian Skills & Careers Expo - 26th August

The Victorian Skills & Careers Expo brings together over 50 RTOs, TAFEs, and employers under one roof. Discover apprenticeship opportunities, speak with industry professionals, and find out how VET can launch your career. Ideal for school leavers, career changers, and parents.

National Skills Week 2026 — Events

Australian Defence Force | ADF Trade Careers Virtual Information Session - 27th August

Apply your existing trade skills or receive world-class training in order to work with formidable military assets and enjoy the many benefits of a career in the Australian Defence Force. To find out more about available trade roles, go along to an info session and speak with current serving personnel. It is highly recommended you book as soon as possible to avoid missing out as places are strictly limited!

ADF Careers - Trade Careers Virtual Information Session

Monash University

Information Evening, Webinar - 1st September

Choosing a university is a big decision.

Join the Monash webinar to have your questions answered and get the key details you need to plan your next step.

You'll discover what it's like to study at Monash, and hear about their courses, accommodation, scholarships, support services and campus life. You'll also gain insights about moving to Monash and settling in.

This session is ideal if you’re:

Considering moving from interstate, or
From regional or rural Victoria, or
Live in Melbourne and are keen to know more about Monash.

Monash Information Evening - Webinar - Discover Monash

Bachelor of Allied Health Drop-In Session, Bairnsdale - 16th September

Monash University is holding a Bachelor of Allied Health Drop-In Session in Bairnsdale on Wednesday, 16 September 2026, providing an opportunity for prospective students and their families to learn more about the new Bachelor of Allied Health and regional study opportunities available from next year.

Bairnsdale Drop-In Session: Wednesday, 16 September 2026

Further information and session details are available here:

Bachelor of Allied Health Drop-In Session (Bairnsdale) - Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences

Spark Engineering Camp

Are you a Year 9 - 11 student curious about where STEM could take you? Spark Engineering Camp 2027 is a fully subsidised, week-long program designed to help you explore real opportunities in engineering, technology, and beyond. Hosted at a University of Melbourne residential college during the summer holidays (11th-16th January), Spark is the perfect platform to ignite your potential.

Across the week, you’ll dive into hands-on workshops, visit leading university campuses, and step inside top engineering firms. Whether you’re planning a STEM career or simply exploring your options, Spark gives you the experiences, knowledge and industry connections to make confident decisions about your future.

Applications are open NOW until MID SEPTEMBER. Visit the website for further information.

Spark Students — Youth Without Borders

Whitehouse Institute of Design

Fashion Illustration Workshop, Melbourne - 19th September

In this 1-day workshop, you will gain an understanding of how to complete Fashion Illustrations. At the end of this workshop, you will have covered illustration content ready for an application to study a creative degree and receive a certificate of completion. The workshop focuses on the following areas of skill development:

Fashion illustration techniques and methods
Application of pencils, professional markers, and felt-tip pens for professional rendering
Fabric texture and surface rendering
Exploring an individual design aesthetic.

This workshop is for aspiring designers as a starting point for those wishing to develop their illustration skills.

Fashion Illustration Workshop - Melbourne Campus - 19th September

Studio Lighting and Fashion Photography Workshop, Melbourne - 21st September

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.

Basics of Studio Lighting and Fashion Photography - Melbourne Campus - 21st September

Future Doctors Australia

The Future Doctors Australia Program provides a unique, hands-on opportunity for students aged 14-18 who are passionate about a future in medicine. Over the course of 4 days, participants will engage in dynamic sessions led by experienced medical specialists, take part in practical learning activities, and gain valuable insights into the medical admissions process. This program is designed to inspire and equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed on their path to a medical career. Don’t miss this chance to gain first-hand knowledge and mentorship from medical professionals who are shaping the future of healthcare.

FDA Program Brochure.pdf

2026 & 2027 dates:

Melbourne	24 - 27 September
Sydney	8 - 11 October
Brisbane	17 - 20 December
Melbourne	14 - 17 January 2027
Sydney	21 - 24 January 2027
Perth	21 - 24 January 2027
Melbourne	8 - 11 April 2027
Perth	15 - 18 April 2027
Sydney	15 - 18 April 2027
Brisbane	1 - 4 July 2027
Sydney	8 - 11 July 2027
Brisbane	23 - 26 September 2027
Sydney	30 September - 3 October 2027

NIE Careers | Future Doctors Australia

Camp SEEK 2026 for Year 9-10 Girls & Non-Binary Students – 21st-24th September

Camp SEEK is a four-day immersive daily learning program for Year 9 and 10 girls and non-binary students. Spend four action-packed days at SEEK HQ in Melbourne learning about careers in technology, developing coding, design and product practical skills, exploring real-world problem solving and pitching with your fellow Camp SEEKers. The technology industry is not as diverse as it could be. There is a shortage of women and non-binary talent in STEM school subjects, at the tertiary level and in the workforce. As a leading technology company, we champion diversity within our industry and our own talent pipeline, and Camp SEEK is one of our favourite, and most fun, programs. It is designed to increase the number of girls and non-binary students who choose to pursue a career in technology. Participants must be currently enrolled as a high school student in Year 9 or 10 in Australia and have not completed the Camp SEEK program previously.

Camp SEEK 2026 | SEEK

Australian Institute of Music (AIM) | Theatre Audition Workshop, Melbourne – 29th-30th September

If musical theatre is your passion, this is where your industry journey begins. AIM’s Music Theatre Holiday Workshop is an immersive two-day experience designed for high school students who are serious about pursuing a career in musical theatre. Working directly with the industry professionals who teach our Bachelor of Music Theatre, you’ll build the skills, refine your repertoire, and receive the kind of hands-on feedback that prepares you to walk into your Bachelor of Music Theatre audition with confidence.

Melbourne Music Theatre Audition Workshop – Australian Institute of Music

RMIT | University Student for a Day Experience for Year 10-12 Students - 30th September

Want a taste of life after high school? Register your interest in being a Student for a Day at RMIT this September school holidays.

Aimed at high school students in Years 10, 11 and 12, this event will let you experience student life at RMIT and discover more about our courses.

RMIT Student for a Day - RMIT University

CDW Studios | Digital Art Holiday Workshop for Ages 14+, Melbourne & Online - 2nd October

CDW Studios are giving students an opportunity to attend a full day FREE holiday workshop with some of Australia’s best professional artists. Held in Adelaide, Melbourne & Sydney during school holidays, participants get an introductory insight to the industry whilst learning techniques that they can apply straight away! Their free holiday workshops are perfect for beginners who wish to learn more as well as more experienced artists who want to push their work to the next level. These courses are a fantastic starting point for those who are curious about venturing into the competitive world of visual effects and entertainment design. Take this rare opportunity to learn from professional artists in a fun, engaging environment.

Holiday Workshops | CDW Studios

School of Audio Engineering (SAE) | Create for a Day - 3rd October

This October school holidays, SAE University College Melbourne is opening its doors for Create for a Day: a one-day, hands-on experience where you’ll step into the studio, lab or production space and start creating. Choose from:

Animation
Audio
Computer Science
Film
Games
Songwriting & Electronic Music Production
VFX

Create for a Day lets you skip the textbooks and jump straight into building, recording, designing, coding or filming, all guided by lecturers who work in the industry. By the end of the day, you’ll walk away with your own finished project and a certificate of participation, plus a clearer idea of what studying at SAE is really like and where your skills could take you in the future. Open to students in Years 10-12 and young creatives up to age 21.

SAE’s Create for a Day – SAE University College

ADHD Webinars

Year 12 & Beyond with ADHD, Webinar for Year 12 Students and Parents - 29th October

Designed to help Year 12 students and parents navigate the transition to tertiary study or employment with practical ADHD management strategies. It offers actionable guidance on post-school options, strengths and interests, accommodations, and setting up tailored support systems.

Year 12 & Beyond - With ADHD - Term 4 2026

Procrastination & ADHD, Webinar for Year 10, 11 and 12 Students and Parents - 5th November

A practical session focusing on why ADHD brains procrastinate and how students in Years 10–12 can overcome executive dysfunction. Attendees will learn evidence-based study tools, time-management hacks, and task-initiation techniques.

Procrastination & ADHD - Yr 10, 11, 12 (parents & students) - Term 4 2026

Year 11 & Beyond with ADHD, Starting Strong in the Senior Years - 26th November

Focuses on setting senior students up for success as they enter their final school year and look ahead to future pathways. This webinar for parents, senior high school students and career practitioners covers strategies for managing workload stress, building independence, and planning post-school transitions.

Year 11 & Beyond with ADHD - Starting Strong in the Senior Years

Open Days

A university open day isn’t just a tour — it’s your chance to imagine the life you want to build. Meet the people who’ll challenge you, support you, and help you grow. Explore the spaces where ideas turn into careers. Ask questions, test the vibe, and see what feels right. Open days are your backstage pass to uni life. Wander through labs, studios, and lecture halls. Try hands‑on activities, grab some freebies, meet new people and feel the energy. It’s fun, it’s useful, and it might just spark the idea that shapes your future.

Australian Institute of Music (AIM) – 22nd August

Join in at the Australian Institute of Music’s Melbourne August Open Day and get a real feel for what it’s like to study in one of the world’s most exciting music cities. Wander through their recording studios and performance spaces, chat with inspiring mentors and industry pros, and meet students and alumni who are already making waves in the industry, both at home and abroad. You’ll also have the opportunity to immerse yourself in hands-on workshops and interactive sessions that showcase the energy and creativity that connects the campus community. Plus, get insider tips on courses, career options, and how to start carving your path in the industry. Whether you’re exploring what’s next or ready to turn your passion into your profession, the Melbourne Open Day is here to help you uncover your creative path.

August 2026 Melbourne Open Day - Australian Institute of Music

Australian Catholic University

Ballarat - 23rd August

Open Day gives you the opportunity to ask teaching staff any questions you might have about your dream course, the application process, pathway options, entry schemes and more.

Chat to current students and discover the facilities your new campus has to offer. And sit in on information sessions from each of the faculties to find out more about the courses you’re interested in.

Open Day – Student life at ACU

Central Queensland University (CQU) – Open Day Webinar – 24th August

With courses available across early childhood, primary and secondary teaching, CQU’s friendly education academics will explain what it’s really like to study at CQU. You’ll learn about their strong local networks, the support services that help you succeed, and how CQU prepares you for a rewarding career in the classroom.

Education Open Day Webinar – CQUniversity

Collarts, Melbourne - 29th August

At Collarts, their Open Day is all about making this process simple and hands-on. Information sessions, workshops and the chance to chat with students, teachers and leaders are an important part of learning more about what sets them apart from the rest. They invite you to go and experience life at Collarts: from their passion for creativity, close community, industry-level facilities, expert faculty, and more. From guided tours to live demonstrations, here are some of the activities you can catch at the next Collarts Open Day:

Guided tours: Experience the campuses firsthand with guided tours led by enthusiastic Student Ambassadors.
Info hubs: info hubs provide convenient drop-in spaces where you can have direct conversations with Program Leaders, Academics, and students about your desired course.
Demonstrations: Demonstrations are your chance to see the course content come to life. They allow you to be actively involved in projects and see cutting-edge equipment in action, so you can get a firsthand preview of what studying at Collarts is really like.
Displays: campus displays are positioned throughout different areas of the campuses, offering a showcase of the community’s achievements and journeys.

If you have specific accessibility needs or require additional assistance, please contact Collarts in advance, and they will do their best to assist you.

Collarts Open Day | Explore Creative Arts Courses in Melbourne and Sydney

LaSalle College International (LCI) Melbourne - 29th August

LCI are excited to welcome you to their Melbourne 2026 Open Day!

Join them at their Collingwood campus for a day of creativity, connection, and discovery. Whether you're set on a career in the creative industries or still exploring your options, this is your chance to experience life at LCI Melbourne.

Experience Every Discipline

Step inside their studios, chat with mentors, meet current students, and get hands-on in activities across:

Fashion & Costume Design
Graphic & Digital Design
Interior Design
Visual Arts
Business & Innovation

Open Day 2026 - Saturday, August 29, 2026 - LCI Melbourne

Torrens University

Flinders Street Campus - 29th August

Go and meet Torrens academics and Future Student Advisors, who will be able to answer all your questions about early entry, scholarships, entry pathways and their world-class facilities. Explore the campus and see firsthand how exciting studying in Melbourne can be.

Talk to Torrens academics and Future Student Advisors about choosing courses, scholarships and the application process.
Embark on a guided tour of the campus facilities and get a feel of their recreational spaces, teaching spaces and more.
Meet current students and find out what their experiences studying at Torrens University is like.

Open Day in Melbourne | Torrens University

Virtual Open Day - 1st-2nd September

Ready for the next step on your career journey? Join Torrens online as their academics talk you through the courses on offer and how you can get the most out of studying with them. Learn about scholarships, study pathways, their industry partnerships with global brands and what sets them apart from other universities.

Business, Education, Health, Hospitality, Technology and Higher Degrees by Research: Tuesday 1 September - 6pm - 7pm (AEST)
Design: Wednesday 2 September - 6pm - 7pm (AEST)

Virtual Open Day 2026 | Torrens University

Victoria University

VU City Tower - Sunday 30 August

Open Day is your chance to explore everything unis like VU have to offer – in person. You can tour the campuses, explore the state-of-the-art facilities, chat with students and teachers, get course advice, attend hands-on workshops and demos, and experience what student life could look like for you! It’s a really valuable experience to getting the inside scoop on campus and life at uni or TAFE in general before you even finish school. It also gives you a great opportunity to apply on the spot for the Early Entry program, or even apply for a course right there and then!

Victoria University | VU Open Day - August 2026

University of New South Wales (UNSW) - 5th September

Join UNSW on Saturday, 5 September at their Kensington and Paddington campuses for UNSW Open Day 2026. Students can explore degrees, attend information sessions, experience hands-on activities, connect with academics and current students.

Whether students are just beginning to explore their options or finalising their preferences, Open Day is the perfect opportunity to gain first-hand insight into studying at UNSW.

Massey University International | Online Open Day - 5th September

Join Massey in New Zealand. Each year, more than 5,000 international students from over 100 countries find a warm welcome at Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University. During the event, you'll hear from their academics, current students and support staff as they share insights into studying at Massey and answer some of the most common questions from future international students. During the event, they'll cover topics including:

Courses and qualifications available including graduate outcomes
Their campuses in New Zealand and accommodation options
What makes Massey unique
Student life in New Zealand
Student support services including careers
Admission and enrolment support
Fees and funding

You'll also have the opportunity to connect with Massey staff and ask questions about your study options, helping you choose the qualification that's right for your interests and career goals. Whether you're just starting to explore university or have applied already, you'll leave with a better understanding of what studying at Massey is like and the next steps to begin your journey.

International Virtual Open Day - Massey University

Chisholm Institute | Info Day for Future Students

Dandenong - 9th September

Whether you want to start a new career, upskill in your current one or are still exploring your options, Info Day is your chance to experience Chisholm up close. Chat with teachers, tour the campuses, and find out how they can support your study journey – for the better.

Info days | Chisholm TAFE

Scholarships

Applying for university scholarships is one of the smartest steps Year 12 students can take. Scholarships can provide financial support to help cover tuition fees, textbooks, technology, accommodation, travel, or other study expenses, making university more affordable. Many scholarships also recognise academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, sporting talent, creativity, or personal circumstances, so there are opportunities for a wide range of students—not just those with the highest ATAR.

Receiving a scholarship can also strengthen your resume, boost your confidence, and connect you with valuable mentoring, networking, and career development opportunities. Even if you are unsure whether you will be successful, it is always worth applying—you could receive support that makes your university experience more rewarding and helps you focus on achieving your goals.

While submitting a VTAC application does include applying for scholarships, VTAC does not cover all of them, so it is imperative that you research your preferred university’s scholarships and submit an application.

Michael Schmaedicke Scholarship – closing date 31 August

Monash University, Achieving Potential Support Scholarships - closing date 9th October

Please see Open Days & Scholarships – Study Work Grow Education for further scholarship information.

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-Guide-2026-School-Licensed-Edition.pdf

A day in the life of a Landscape Evaluator

Sam Love, Year 11, recently spent 5 days doing Work Experience with Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) teams in East Gippsland. This day was spent with Belinda Rossack, Landscape Evaluator, Gippsland.

Work experience with FFMVic is available again in 2027 for students 15 and over, but places are limited. Applications for placements in Terms 2 and 3 will be due towards the end of Term 1, so talk to your careers team as soon as you can!

This scattering of bright orange fluffy puffs of vegetation found under a tree is cause for excitement. These ripped apart seed cones – called ‘orts’ – indicate that not too long ago, the (EPBC listed) vulnerable Glossy Black Cockatoos stopped off for a feed.

This is significant because Glossy Blacks are very fussy. They only eat seeds from particular sheoak trees from the Allocasuarina genus. And they won’t even eat from all of them. For reasons not fully understood, they find individual trees more palatable than others. It doesn’t seem to be linked to age, condition, or any other obvious external sign. Monitoring is currently underway to understand if the seed-to-cone weight ratio called Clouts Index, is a positive indication in East Gippsland, as it is in other states.

Glossy Black Cockatoos are not like other cockatoo species. They are smaller and travel in pairs, rather than the larger noisy flocks associated with other species. It is estimated there are approximately 250 individuals in Victoria, found between Mallacoota to Bruthen.

Although they do still make noise. Belinda and Sam were out today to collect and install audio recorders. These audio recorders are placed near feed trees and potential roost trees. The recorders will pick up the distinctive call (to the trained ear) of the Glossies, divulging information about how frequently the site is visited, whether they are adults or juveniles and whether they are feeding, mating or complaining about the presence of other birds. The recordings Belinda has collected are even being used to train an AI call-recogniser being developed by Peter Griffioen at ARI, drastically cutting down the time needed to sit and listen to the hours of audio recordings.

Adapted with permission of FFMVic

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.

Defence Work Experience Programs (ages 15+)

The ADF are pleased to invite high school students aged 15–18 years to participate in Defence’s Work Experience Programs being delivered across Victoria in 2026. These youth‑focused programs introduce students to the wide range of career pathways available within the Australian Defence Force (ADF), including the Navy, Army and Air Force, as well as the Australian Public Service (APS).

All program information and links to apply online are available through their website Defence Careers - Jobs List - Defence Work Experience

Successful applicants will be notified via email. Students should read the details carefully so they understand what each program offers. They have more exciting programs planned for this year and will continually update their website as dates are confirmed. So, keep an eye on the website!

National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) - Work Experience 2027 (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.

Applications for 2027 Work Experience placements are now open and will close 5pm, 23 October 2026. All applicants will be notified by mid-November.

The NGV offers work experience during the following week in 2027: Monday 21 – Friday 25 June 2027.

Work Experience | NGV

Zoos Victoria - Work Experience 2027 (ages 15+)

Zoos Victoria's Secondary School Work Experience is for students interested in animal care, wildlife and conservation.

Places are available at Kyabram Fauna Park, Healesville Sanctuary, Melbourne Zoo and Werribee Open Range Zoo. Students leave with a clearer understanding of what working in a zoo really involves and whether it’s something they want to pursue in the future.

A five-day, full-time Work Experience program (in all weather) is curated for the student, giving them an opportunity to meet a range of people and participate in a range of tasks across the zoo. Some physical activities may be involved, with assessments and adjustments made to ensure the student can participate safely.

School Careers Coordinators can only endorse one student per school. Please note - Kyabram Fauna Park is the only property that accepts multiple students per school (per term). More information on the application process will be posted closer to the time.

Application timelines

Applications open on Friday 20th October 2026
Applications close on Friday 4th December 2026 - As each school can only submit one application for this program, applications must be submitted to Careers by Friday 27th November, to give us time to go through the applications.
Work experience placements commence from Term 1-4 2027

Secondary school work experience at the zoo

Parliament of Victoria Work Experience (ages 15+)

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 processes of the Parliament of Victoria 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. Expressions of interest for terms 1 and 2, 2027 will open in early September.

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. The date for expressions of interest for 2027 to open is yet to be confirmed.

Work experience at Parliament House - Parliament of Victoria

Parliament of Victoria work-experience-eoi-how-to-guide.pdf

mycar Work Experience (year 10-12 students), Traralgon

mycar runs a Work Experience Program for high school students, so you can get a proper look at what an Apprentice Mechanic does before you commit to it. You’ll spend time across the workshop and the office, working through real tasks alongside the team rather than watching from the sidelines. The program is built to cover the key parts of the job, so by the end you’ve got a clear sense of what being a mechanic at mycar involves day to day. A qualified Technician supervises the whole time, which means you’re never thrown in the deep end or left wondering what you’re meant to be doing. The focus is on making sure you feel welcome, comfortable, and safe while you find your feet. If you’re weighing up a career in the trade, this is a good way to see it up close.

Interested? Email careers@mycar.com.au or call (02) 9680 6500.

mycar Work Experience.png

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