Careers & Pathways News

Here's what's happening in Careers, Pathways and Headstart

VET CARPENTRY 2027 is open to students undertaking Year 11 VCE Vocational Major in 2026

The VET Carpentry course opens employment opportunities in the building construction and building industries, by providing students with the skills and knowledge required for carpentry and building trades. The course is designed to strengthen their carpentry or associated building trades apprenticeships prospects.

The students gain experience in using hand and power tools, and learn a wide range of carpentry skills, including how to install windows and doors, wall framing, interior fixing and roofing. 

At this stage, we will run this program on Fridays in 2027.  Watch this space…..

VET BUSINESS 2027 is open to students undertaking Year 11 VCE and VCE Vocational Major in 2027 – New program

Also on offer is VET COOKERY and VET SPORT AND RECREATION PLUS ALL THE EXTERNAL VET PROGRAMS.

MONASH CAMPUS VISIT with our Year 10s on 19th May was well attended and the information received will support our students in the future decision-making process when Course Counselling occurs in August.  We thank the ACCESS Monash staff and Mentors for all their support.

VETS Programs in 2026

All our 55 VET (Vocational Education and Training) students are progressing well. Some of our Year 11 and 12 VCE and Vocational Major students have undertaken their Structured Work placements in Electrical, Manufacturing, Automotive, Retail, Hospitality and Early Education and Care during these school holidays and last week.  

SBAT and SWL in Vocational Major and VCE

Our 8 School-based Apprenticeships and Traineeships students are also making huge strides with a pathway whilst they are at school and beyond. Their employers such as National Food Institute, GRE8 in Supply Chain Operations – Baking and Supply Chain Operations, METALFLEX and REECE, speak highly of their reliability, work ethic and expertise.  These students work during the school holidays on Wednesdays and Fridays and are compensated by receiving their wage and learning new skills. 

WESTALL CAREERS EXPO Career Expo on Friday 12th June

The Westall Careers Expo proved to be biggest by far this year, held on 12th June with the following exhibitors  including, Australian Catholic University, AIDE, AMA Group -late apology,  AUG, AWARE SUPER, BGKLLEN - apology, Box Hill Institute of TAFE late apology,  Carlton College of Sport, CDW Studios,  Chisolm,  David Jones – first time Exhibitor,  Federation University, Hawthorn College of Sport,  Kingston Youth Services -  late apology, HEAD START, Victoria University and TAFE, Deakin University and College, Holmesglen, IVET Group, La Trobe University, Monash University,  Swinburne University, Torrens University, Goodman-Fielder – we thank you for all the bread provided to our students and key stake holders, Kanooka Childcare Centre – late apology, The  Little Swim School,  RANDSTAD Source right, SPIIRE, St. Kilda Football Club, Tristar Aviation,  Victorian School of Languages (VSL).  We were very excited to welcome The Australian Defence Force -Recruiting and Victoria Police – Community Information and William Angliss. Even with the apologies from some of our key stake holders we had a great turn out and our students were very engaged with the whole event starting at 10:30 am and ending around 1:30 pm. 

As always, the expo offered opportunities for students from Year 9 to 12  to maximise information input offered by the Careers Expo/Market providers. They were able to gather information about career pathways, education and training, and job opportunities.  It was heartening to see parents and care-givers attend the Expo.

Mrs McDowell and Ms Borgonha, were the incredible force who bought this exceptional event to Westall this year.

In the words of our Acting Principal – Mr Jason Tickner

Well done to Geraldine and Linda for planning and organising another fantastic Careers Expo for our students. With several employers, TAFE and Universities present this provided a great opportunity for our senior end students to talk to exhibitors throughout the day.

The photos taken by our wonderful staff will say it all!

Most exhibitors told me they were excited by the enthusiasm and energy shown by all our students. Our students showed confidence in the way they asked questions.

THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH.  

Geraldine and Linda

CAREERS TEAM

Comments from stall holders on the day

Dear Geraldine,

Thank you for inviting us to participate in your Career Expo on 12 June.

The event was exceptionally well organised, and we were delighted to see you again and meet so many lovely students. During the Expo, we had the opportunity to speak with international students from Years 9–12 about university entry requirements, scholarships, migration-related courses, visa options, and TAFE opportunities. We hope these conversations provided valuable insights to help them make informed decisions about their future education and career pathways.

Thank you again for your trust and ongoing support.We truly value our partnership with Westall Secondary College and look forward to participating in your Career Expo again next year.

Warm regards,

Jill Zhang

Director of Marketing, Communication and Engagement, Aide

Morning Geraldine

Thank you for your note. Your event was very well run and I got a strong sense that Westall is a wonderful school community. The genuine care the staff showed for the students was evident and frankly quite touching.

Personally, I think these kids have a wonderful advocate and source of support and encouragement in you personally. You seemed like a force of nature! That's so important today - people need encouragement and support and your event had that in spades.

The students of Westall are going to be OK because they have people like you and the rest of the staff gently guiding them through this phase of their lives.

Well done, PZ  

Randstad

Ms Geraldine Career Advisor 

and Ms Linda Careers Assistant