Careers News

May, 2025  -  FACT:  Those who have goals are 10 times more likely to succeed than those without goals  

As students return from their Term I break, students in Year 11 and12 are receiving their results from assessment tasks and reflecting on improvements needed to reach their academic goals. It is an important time for Year 12 students, as UAC is open for university preferences, and several universities are now open for Early Admissions. Last week Year 11 students listened to a presentation by University of Wollongong during THRIVE and learned of the importance of Year 11 studies in the Early Admission process. Students were encouraged to begin their research into options post school and to attend Career Expos and University Open Days as part of this exploration. 

Many of our Year 12 students attended the Sutherland Shire Career Information Day this week, which had over 220 exhibitors - ranging from Universities, Private Colleges, Apprenticeship Centres and gap year programs. Our Year 11 students will be attending the HSC Career Expo at the end of this month to commence their post school exploration. This is a great opportunity for our students to consider the wide range of options available to them and I encourage them to use this time to explore all possibilities.

As careers are constantly evolving and changing, it is interesting to read the ‘in demand degrees for the future’. Think about degrees in engineering, information technology and renewable energy. Read more about the three Rapidly Growing Careers in STEM. It is also interesting to see the industry areas that are experiencing rapid growth (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2024). It is important that our students are informed of the changing world of careers to ensure that they will be successful post school.

Partnerships

Over the past few years, our College has been working with community and industry to form partnerships. These partnerships will assist our students to gain the necessary skills and credentials to thrive in the changing workplace. We are excited to announce a partnership with a number of universities including UTS, UNSW, UOW, SEDA Academy, Torrens University, Western Sydney University and Sydney University - all of whom are presenting to our students during THRIVE. Next week, our Year 11 students will be motivated by a presentation from Industry Partner TRIBE FITNESS. We are thrilled to welcome Mark Capelin to our College to present to our students the importance of ‘Goal Setting’ as they complete their final HSC years. 

At the end of last term, our Year 12 Software Engineering visited ‘Google’ and were able to see a fascinating workplace, that focused on collaboration, team building and innovation to be one of the most successful technology companies in the world. The Google office, located in Pyrmont is well known for its innovative design and is a home for hundreds of “Googlers”. Students learned of careers in the Google space, and the importance of building a portfolio of skills along with formal education.

UAC (University Admission Centre)

Students in Year 12 who are interested in applying to study at university will need to use the UAC portal. This admission process is based on an ATAR, and students can submit up to 5 preferences (in order). UAC is open now for applications.

Key Dates

2 April - Applications for 2025 open

30 September - Early bird application close

18 December - HSC & ATAR Results Released

18 December - Last Day for Change of Preferences 

23 December - Round offers made

UAC has produced this great resource to guide students through the application process to university. ‘Steps for Uni for Year 11 & 12 students’

Roadmap for University Applications

UAC - Educational Access Schemes (EAS)

The Educational Access Scheme (EAS) aims to help students who have experienced significant educational disadvantage receive an offer to university. Learn more here about categories of disadvantage and key dates.

University Updates

Early Admission 

Early Entry programs have been evolving in recent years as an alternate pathway to UAC entry. These universities will offer a place prior to the HSC examinations. Many universities are also offering some great webinars to provide students with further knowledge on the courses that they have on offer, as well as the application process. Read further here:

More about universities -

UOW Open Day, 28 June, 2025 - A great day to learn everything about further study at UOW. Find out more and register

University of Western Sydney Open Day - 6 July (Parramatta South Campus), from 10.00am. Learn more about everything UWS has to offer. Explore course options and meet academics. Register here:

ACU Webinars - Talk with Psychologists and Social Workers - 13 May, 6.00 - 6.45. Register here:

Talk with Nutrition, Exercise & Sports Professionals, 14 May, 6.00 - 6.45pm. Register here:

Talk with Lawyers and Human Rights Advocates, 20 May, 6.00 - 6.45pm. Register here: 

Talk with Teachers and Educators, 21 May, 6.00 - 6.45pm. Register here:   

Talk with Nurses, Midwives and Paramedics, 27 May, 6.00 - 6.45pm. Register here: 

UNSW -  Law and Justice Information Evening, 14 May, 6.00pm (online). Hear from academics and current students about studying Law at UNSW, including the double degree options, entry requirements, admission pathways and scholarships. Register here:

UNSW - Science Information Evening, 21 May, 6.00pm (online). Hear about careers from Aviation to Psychology, Mathematics to Environmental Science. Register here:

UNSW Business Information Evening, 28 May, 6.00pm (online). Hear about the range of programs and majors offered, including finance, marketing, information systems, and entrepreneurship. Learn more about the application process and pathways to admission. Register here:

TAFE/Colleges

AIE Open Day, May 24. 

Discover the courses offered including game development, 3D Animation, film and visual effects. 

Find out more and register

Sydney Design School - Designer for a Day Workshop, 8 July, 9.30 - 4.00pm

Curious about what it might be like to work as an Interior Designer? Register for this event here: 

Scholarships

UNSW Co-op Applications - Now Open, closes 30 September.

A Co-op scholarship provides financial support (to the value of $21,600 per annum for 4 years) to fund your study at UNSW. It also facilitates three industry placements for high performing students. Available for students studying in the areas of Business, Information Technology, Engineering or Science. Apply here.

UAC Equity Scholarships

Organisation: Universities Admissions Centre

Location: Australia

Value: See details

Open Date: April 2, 2025

Close Date: February 6, 2026

Find out more

Apprenticeships, Traineeships

Essential Energy Apprenticeship and Traineeship Program Open now, closes 25 May. Through the Apprentice Program you can work towards gaining a nationally recognised qualification, with a combination of on-the-job and classroom-based learning. Learn more here:

1300 Apprentice

An apprenticeship program is generally completed over 4 years. Within the first 3 years, you will complete structured training by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) such as TAFE.  Find out how 1300apprentice can help you.

HIA Building Apprenticeships - for apprenticeships in the building industry. 

You will learn on the job training and mentoring with a mix of training courses. Learn more here: 

Other

Australian Federal Police Information Session, 13 May (online).

Discover what a day in the life of a Protective Service Officer looks like, the career opportunities and benefits, and the deployment opportunities after college. Register here:

https://www.afp.gov.au/news-centre/feature/pso-info-session-13-may-2025

As always, if you would like to speak with me about pathways for further study or careers post school, please book a meeting.

Mrs Yvette Kennedy

Instructional Leader Pathways and Partnerships

yvette.kennedy@syd.catholic.edu.au

8522.1500