Pathways

Work Experience

Work experience participation is optional at VSC, however we strongly encourage all students aged 15yrs+ to get involved in this very beneficial and rewarding program.  Students can undertake Work Experience every year until they graduate VSC.

Work experience provides young people with a taste of the real world of work and a clearer understanding of a particular industry, field or business they may be interested in pursuing in the future.  It assists in career discovery and exploration, goal setting and decision making whilst preparing students for VCE or VCAL, future tertiary studies, apprenticeship/traineeships or full time work.

There are no designated time frames for students to complete placements as we believe a flexible delivery arrangement provides students with a better opportunity to meet the availability and operational time frames of businesses and industries within the community.  This also means we are not competing with other local schools which can limit student’s placement opportunities. 

Placement dates are arranged through consultation and negotiation between the employer, school and student to maximise the experience. However, if your young person is not going on the Central Australia to Darwin trip, they may want to consider the last week of Term 3 as the perfect opportunity to undertake work experience.

Drop into Pathways to discuss further and collect the ‘Preparing for the Workplace’ pack. 

Work Experience in the Australian Defence Force (ADF)?

Interested work experience through the Defence Force?  The Defence Work Experience Program provides you people interested in careers in Defence the opportunity to sample life in Defence and learn more about the ADF. Activities are hands on and interactive to assist students in making informed career decisions.  Participants must be 15yrs or over at the time of placement. Click on the link to see the current opportunities.  Defence Work Experience Program Jobs List.

Pathways Website – www.vscpathways.com

Did you know VSC has its own careers website?  It’s a ‘One Stop Shop’ for everything you need to assist with Career planning, research, information and help, available 24 hours a day. Please see attached the Term 1 Career Tools Newsletter with lots of informative reading.  To access the website please click on the link vscpathways.com or go to the VSC website and click on the Pathways tab. Features:

• Latest news and events

• Senior school options

• Work experience and OH&S in the workplace

• VET – Vocational Education and Training

• University Admissions requirements through VTAC

• Find what careers suits you & course discovery

• Interactive Career bullseyes

• Gap Year

• Resume creation & finding a job

• Youth allowance and money matters

• Informative career videos

• Plus lots, lots more to help individual career development

Career Development is the lifelong process of managing life, learning and work (paid and unpaid) over our lifespan.  The ability to make informed decisions, manage and transition through change for a personally determined future.

Young people build their career development through self-awareness; understanding how they make decisions and how these decisions impact future aspirations through exploration, identifying interests, values and preferred learning styles through careers exploration activities such as Morrisby in Year 9 and Careers Tools in Year 10.  The ability to research a wide range of career options helping them to select subjects they may enjoy learning whilst aligning to tertiary course pre-requisite requirements in the future or apprenticeship/traineeship requirements and work. 

Career development is further enhanced by juggling the expectations and requirements of school with extra-curricular activities like sport and family responsibilities, part-time work, community involvement and social interests. 

To further assist your Career Development please visit vscpathways.com an easy-to-use interface with links to a multitude of career resources for both Students and Parents.  We encourage all VSC students and their families to explore the Pathways website to assist in making positively informed decisions about their future. 

Careers Corner

What is a Construction Manager?

Construction Managers plan, direct and oversee all aspects of the building process – from planning and design to development, construction and the day-to-day operation of the job site. They coordinate architects, engineers, and contractors to ensure projects are completed safely, on time, and within budget.

What skills and strengths are needed?

Strong leadership and communication skills to effectively manage teams and stakeholders. A solid understanding of construction methods and materials, along with problem-solving abilities to address challenges that arise. Attention to detail and organisation skills are crucial for keeping projects on track.

What are the pathways?

It’s possible to work your way up through experience and on-the-job training, however courses such as a Diploma or Bachelor of Construction Management are recommended.

Get Set to Stand Out

Your Human Skills matter because they help you to navigate different roles and industries. With a predicted 18 jobs across 6 careers in your life, that certainly makes your Human Skills worth mastering!

Whether you’re organising an event, resolving a friendship issue, or troubleshooting with tech, your Human Skills are already in action.

So, how can these skills help you at work? The Career Tools Skillin’ It Academy shows you how to get the skills you already have, to help you make the most of exciting opportunities for your future. Developed in partnership with CommBank, Module One takes you on a journey to learn:

1. What human skills are and which ones are important for your future career.

2. How to uncover the skills you already have.

3. Why investing in your skills now will pay off in the future.

No matter what you want to do, or where you want to go with your career, your Human Skills help you get ahead and our WorkWise Academy shows you how.

With a predicted 18 jobs across 6 careers throughout your life, mastering your Human Skills will help you stand out!

Get set to stand out - start the Skillin’ It Academy now!

Speak Up for Safety

Unsafe conditions

Unsafe work conditions are practices or hazards that can put you or someone else in danger, mentally or physically. A key unsafe condition is starting a job without enough training or without a job induction. Other examples of unsafe work conditions:

• Not being shown how to do a task safely.

• Not being properly supervised.

• Not being given the personal protective equipment (PPE) you need to work safely.

• Physical hazards like slippery floors, falling objects, unguarded machinery, heavy lifting or work with repetitive actions.

• Hazards to your mental health, like work-related fatigue or exposure to bullying, sexual harassment, customer abuse, traumatic material, aggression or violence.

Speaking up about safety at work helps protect you and your workmates.

Speak up and report it

If you find yourself working in unsafe conditions, it's important that you speak up and report it. Your employer needs to show you how to report unsafe work conditions and work-related injuries or illnesses as part of your induction and training. If you’re ever unsure, ask them how. Report unsafe work conditions and work-related injuries and illnesses to your manager, supervisor, employer or Health and Safety Representative (HSR).

Use the questions below as conversation starters about health and safety at your workplace. 

Australian Signals Directorate Careers

Start a career where you’ll help keep Australia secure, do meaningful work and be supported to learn, develop and challenge yourself.

What is the Australian Signals Directorate?

The Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) is an Australian Government intelligence agency responsible for collecting foreign signals intelligence and cyber security. 

ASD defends Australia from global threats and advances our national interests.

Is a career at ASD right for you?

We’re looking for people who are:

• Curious,

• Imaginative, and

• Not deterred by difficult challenges.

ASD’s entry-level programs give school leavers, tertiary students and graduates the opportunity to start your career in an innovative workplace where different ways of thinking are celebrated.

No previous work experience is required. You must be an Australian citizen to be eligible for ASD’s entry-level programs.

Want to know what it’s like to work at ASD?

If you are interested in finding out the type of things you might be doing, test your problem-solving skills with unique challenges and puzzles designed by ASD staff.

Applications are now open for 2026 opportunities.

ASD Apprenticeship Program

If you’re in your final year of secondary school, you can apply now for ASD’s 2026 Apprenticeship Program. It offers a unique blend of practical experience, training and support as you start your career.

We’re looking for Apprentices who are interested in careers in areas including: 

• Cyber security 

• Data 

• Engineering and technical roles 

• Information and communications technology (ICT) 

• Languages 

• Project and program management.

As part of the program, you will: 

• Do paid work 3 to 4 days per week on tasks that support Australia’s national security. 

• Be mentored by leading experts while you complete a Certificate IV over 18 months. 

• Put your new skills to use as you learn in an innovative and dynamic working environment. 

• ASD will pay for your studies and grant you paid study time to complete your qualification. 

Applications for ASD’s entry-level program are now open and close 6 April 2025. For more information and how to apply, visit ASD Careers.

Get LinkedIn

While you’re not quite old enough to get your licence or vote yet, turning 16 is exciting because you’re old enough to get started on LinkedIn! 

Whether you're looking for a new job, want to create some networks, or just feel like you're living under a rock without it, LinkedIn has fast become the go-to social networking platform used for professional and career development purposes. 

But if you're scratching your head, unsure of how to navigate or utilise LinkedIn, don't worry. Here are five quick and easy tips:

1. Make your profile 

Start with your headshot. Make it professional by using a school photo or ask a friend to take a photo of you in front of a white wall. Job done. You'll also need a summary of your skills, experience, and career aspirations. List your jobs or work experience, and your education (but leave your primary school out).

2. Start networking 

Whether it's your high school friends, work acquaintances and colleagues, or even your family, create a network by adding people you know. You can take a step further by -

adding people you don't know, but who are in a field, job, or workplace you're interested in. That's what LinkedIn is for!

3. Engage 

Share articles, videos, and other content related to your industry or interests. Comment on and like other people's posts to start conversations and build relationships. Engage with others, and keep your profile up-to-date.

4. Use LinkedIn for job searching

LinkedIn is an amazing tool if you're in the market for a job! You can search by title, skill or company as well as save jobs you're interested in, get job alerts, and apply for them through LinkedIn. 

And don't forget the power of Step #2. Network! Even if your dream company isn't hiring, research them and add their employees to your circle. 

5. Join groups

Joining LinkedIn groups related to your industry or interests are such a great way to get amongst it! You can participate in discussions, find new connections and begin to establish yourself in your desired field.

Maths and Stats Research Competition

The 2025 Mathematics and Statistics Research Competition has officially launched!

How does it work?

• It’s free.

• It’s open to students from across Australia.

• It’s not an exam - you write a report or make a poster.

• There is a range of open-ended research topics to choose from.

• You have until 31 July to undertake research and submit a project.

• The highest-quality projects are eligible for cash prizes!

• You may be invited to The University of Melbourne Parkville campus to deliver a presentation on your research!

You can find out more on the FAQ page and in the submission guidelines.

How do I enter?

The steps are:

• Form a team of up to 3.

• Select a topic from the competition booklet. Click here to be sent a copy.

• Conduct research and create a report or visual display.

• Submit your research by the deadline.

Prizes!

Students with the top project receive $500 each and finalists receive $200 each. There are also cash prizes for best visual displays! Check out the 2023 Finalist Projects for some inspiration.

Download 2024 Finalist Projects

Get Your Guide to Accounting Careers

Looking for a different way into your dream industry? Accounting opens the doors to following your passions.

If you’re passionate about coming up with big-picture solutions and making a real impact on people’s lives, a career in accounting could be exactly what you’re looking for.

You could be at the heart of every business. As an accountant, you’re the problem solver behind every company, brand, and industry you love, using your expertise to help clients achieve their goals.

💡 Try This: Reach out to professionals on LinkedIn or ask your career advisor about mentorship opportunities.

Keep an Open Mind

Many careers today didn’t exist 10 years ago—think about jobs in AI, social media, and sustainability! The workforce is always changing, so stay flexible and focus on building skills like communication, adaptability, and problem-solving.

💡 Fun Fact: The average person changes careers 5-7 times in their lifetime, so your first job won’t be your last!

Don’t Stress—Your Career Journey is a Process

It’s okay if you don’t have all the answers right now. The most important thing is to take small steps, stay curious, and learn as you go. Every experience—whether it’s a part-time job, volunteering, or a short course—helps you figure out what you like (and don’t like).

👉 Next Steps: Log in to Career Tools to explore different careers, try industry tasters, or start building your career plan.