Be open to Open Days and Career Expos

“You have to go to an Open Day” is something I say many times a week. Not just Year 12s but Year 10s and 11s. Why? Because when you’re not sure what you want to do or where you want to go, knowledge is power. Open days and Careers Expos are a way of gaining the information needed to find out what the best fit is for your child. The importance of these events include:

Options, options and more options. Exposure to all the different VCE and post-secondary school options that students and caregivers don’t know about. Did you know Nazareth offers three different VCE pathways? Did you know that some institutions are dual sector? This means a student can start there as a TAFE student and finish with a degree.
Find out from the experts. Whilst it’s good to know what a cousin did and loved/hated it; experts can talk to the student about why something might be a good fit for them. If there are any concerns, it’s a chance to ask the expert where the concern is valid.
Confidence building. I remember visiting a university for the first time. They can feel really intimidating. By becoming familiar with different university campuses, students can become more comfortable with further education or a workplace.
Motivation and clarifying career pathways. Students may find an interest or passion after meeting with a past student, lecturer, or current employee. This can create a clarity and motivation.

Open days and career expos are more than just informative events—they are essential stepping stones in helping Australian students make confident, well-informed decisions about their futures. By attending these events, Year 10 and 11 students gain clarity, inspiration, and practical knowledge that can shape their educational and career pathways for years to come.

The Nazareth College Careers Expo which is compulsory for Years 10-11 will be held August 7, 6-8pm. Upcoming open days can be found on the College Careers Website link here

Nazareth giving our students amazing opportunities to find a pathway

Nazareth is committed to help students be ready to find a pathway that is right for them and give them the tools and information to help them along their way. We are also here when they feel lost or they have a stumble along the way and need a guiding hand to get them back on track. As well as offering one-to-one career counselling meetings, some features of the Careers Department:

Year 9 TAFE taster day where students participate on a variety of workshops in fields of interest on campus at Swinburne.
Year 10 Careers program which includes work experience, and a fortnightly class where students can identify strengths and talents, explore work and study pathways, and learn how to apply for employment and complete a career action plan.
Year 11 students have a pathways session led by the team to show the pros and cons of different pathways post school. It’s a no judgement explanation of the opportunities that exist once secondary education has finished. Year 11s will be visiting Deakin University where they will hear first hand from past and current students about their post school journey as well as a tour on campus to help the transition to new environs.
Year 12 students have timetabled seminars covering the essential items to be set up for life after Naz. These seminars include Early Entry and Guarantee ATAR and Equity schemes, VTAC and pathway refresher. Each student will also have an opportunity to meet one-to-one to finish VTAC or Job Applications and Career Plans.
A weekly newsletter is sent to all Year 10-12 students outlining latest news from tertiary institutions, employers and emergency services. A tertiary institution and Career is highlighted each week.
Year 10 and 12 attend a Careers Expo and have a seminar leading up to it to help make the most of the opportunity. The Nazareth College Careers expo runs alongside the VCE Subject Information Evening so students and caregivers can speak directly to the experts
College Careers website with amazing resources for students and caregivers. There is a message board and newsfeed that caregivers can subscribe to and get the latest information

Work experience 2025

Explaining to Year 10s the six months of planning needed to ensure they can have a week of work experience seems futile before the event. So many people are involved in getting the paperwork sorted, running Occupational Health and Safety seminars and certifications and visiting students far and wide. Thank you to all the teachers and support staff who helped students this year. Here are some photos and feedback from employers and students who help us realise it was worth it.

"She has been amazing. So keen to learn. We are going to offer her an internship when she starts university".

"I was able to go to court to watch different types of trials and learned a lot – especially how to help people".

Mrs Elena Flodstrom & Ms Theresa Lochery

Careers and Pathways Team

NCCA Trivia Night