Student Futures News

VTAC Matters

Term 3 begins the exciting process of Cohort 2025 students moving forward to a world beyond the school gates of Preston High School. Whilst pathways will look different for every student, the Ada Team and I are here to support the students to achieve their goals, whether that be employment, a GAP year, TAFE, university, apprenticeship or other further studies.

To best support students, no matter their destination in 2026, they are required to make an appointment with me for careers counselling and pathways advice.

Students looking to tertiary studies next year must apply through the VTAC. The Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC) is the central point for applications to Victorian universities, TAFEs, and independent colleges for tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS). VTAC also calculates the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) for Year 12 VCE students.

If your Cohort 2025 student has yet to make an appointment, please encourage them to do so asap.

Celebrating Pathways

In my role as Head of Student Futures, it is refreshing to listen to young people's dreams and aspirations, no matter their direction, and we try our best to support them with up-to-date information and tailored guidance.

One such chat with student Tyson Tran reminded me that individual pathways can look quite different. As a VCE-VM student, Tyson has spent the past two years exploring the passenger transport industry, particularly trains and buses, to cement his direction for 2026. Three substantive work placements, coupled with his VET studies, have helped him gain valuable skills in organisational software systems, fleet support, office and admin work. 

Tyson has practised his problem-solving and communication skills and understands the importance of collaboration and team-work to ensure schedules run smoothly and employees are well-supported during their day-to-day work. Tyson understands how important it is for commuters to know that buses and trains will run on time! 

Tyson's plan for 2026 is employment with a bus company and, beyond that, to become a train driver. Thank you, Tyson, for an insightful chat, and best wishes for the remainder of the year!

Ada Industry Talks

Now that Cohort 2027 is deciding on their directions and subject choices for next year, the Industry Talks event on Tuesday, 12 August, was the perfect time for students to take a glimpse of the day-to-day world of various occupations. Industry Connects had speakers from a range of different work fields such as pharmacy, aviation, AFL memberships and even social media content creation. Thanks to all the presenters who took time out of their day to inform us about their journey into the career, challenges and career highlights.

Work Experience

Work experience helps students develop employability skills, explore possible career paths, understand employer expectations and the world of work, and helps build self-confidence, independence, and maturity.

At Preston High School, all Year 10 students are expected to participate in Work Experience as part of their career development journey. This year, we have seen a diverse range of employers from hospitals to 3RRR radio, photography to science research, architecture to the zoo and so many more places. It’s a wonderful opportunity for personal growth, as shown below in two Cohort 2027 student reflections.

Christian P:

Three things I learnt from my participation in the Work Experience program:

1. How much responsibility teachers have

2. How to manage students who are struggling

3. How to control the classroom environment so students can learn best

Isabella L:

Participation in this program was beneficial to me because…

“I see myself working in science in the future… but I wasn’t also sure exactly what I would do for a university course but talking to people and hearing about various pathways was really beneficial.”

See Ms Calder on Level 4 for more information about the Work Experience program. You can collect an Arrangement form from the Student Futures Office or download from Teams.

Sue Calder

Head of Student Futures