Careers Update

Term 1 Career Community News - 2025 Careers Events at EMC

At EMC, our Careers Team is dedicated to helping students navigate their future with confidence. We understand that each student is unique, and we aim to support them in making informed decisions about their education and career pathways.

To assist students in their career exploration and pathway planning in 2025, we will offer a range of engaging opportunities that complement the Careers Curriculum (delivered from Years 7-12) and help students make well-informed choices about their future. Below is sample list of some key events to look out for:

Year 8 Subject Supermarket Event - Friday 27th June

This event helps Year 8 students select their Year 9 subjects based on their interests, strengths, and future goals. Students will receive information on all subjects offered at EMC in 2026, explore pathway options through secondary school and beyond, and identify opportunities to develop key skills. This event prepares students for the Year 9 Subject Selection Process (week of the 4th of August).

Year 9 & 10 Pathway Discovery Event – Friday 10th of May

Students will receive important information about 2026 senior subject options, including VCE and VET courses. They will have the opportunity to meet subject leaders, ask questions, and explore their options before attending their Course Counselling appointment, where they will finalise their subject selections.

Year 10 into 11 Course Counselling – Thursday 5th & Friday 6th June

Year 9 into 10 Course Counselling - Tuesday 29th & Wednesday 30th of July

Year 9-12 Women in Trade Expo (Opt-in event) – Tuesday 3rd June

A fantastic event for young female students interested in trade and technical careers! Students will experience hands-on activities and gain insights into further education, training, and employment opportunities. Exhibitors include industry providers, universities, TAFEs, training organisations and government agencies. Students interested in attending the expo must register at the EMC careers office, places are limited.

Year 9 to 12 Trade & Tech Fit: Young Women in Trades Expo (Opt-in event) - Tuesday 3rd June

This event is targeted to Years 9-10 coming through in school groups throughout the day. This event will provide interactive activities and information about further education, training, and employment opportunities. Exhibitors including Universities, TAFEs, Registered Training Organisations, Government Agencies, Community Providers and much more. Students can provide own lunch or bring money to purchase from food trucks.

Year 9 My Careers Insights: Morrisby Profile – Wednesday 15th October

The My Career Insights program is a government initiative designed to help students explore potential career pathways and make informed decisions about subject selection, vocational education and training, and further studies.

During this time, students will create an online Morrisby account and completed a series of profiling quizzes and questionaries. As a follow up, students who complete their Morrisby profile will receive a receive a 1:1 appointment with a certified Morrisby Counsellor. During this time, the counsellor will help the student unpack their results, identify possible career options, and explore the functionalities of their online profile. Students will attend their scheduled appointment during the regular school day from Monday 27th – Friday 31st of October.

We encourage students to take full advantage of these opportunities to explore their interests and plan their future pathways. If you have any questions, please reach out to the EMC Careers Team.

Careers Website www.emccareers.com.au
Pathway advice: Contact the EMC Career Team for general advice – 97882745.

How to become a Train Driver

Train drivers are responsible for operating and driving various types of trains, including passenger trains, freight trains, trams, and locomotives. They ensure the safe and efficient transport of passengers and goods while following strict safety protocols and schedules.

If you’re reliable, good under pressure, and interested in transport and logistics, becoming a train driver could be perfect for you.

What skills do I need as a train driver?

Excellent attention to detail and observation
Strong safety awareness and responsibility
Quick thinking and good reflexes
Calm and focused under pressure
Great communication abilities
Problem-solving skills
Reliability and punctuality
Flexibility with working hours

What does the job involve?

Inspecting trains before departure for safety
Operating trains according to schedules and regulations
Monitoring safety systems and gauges
Making passenger announcements
Coordinating with station staff and controllers
Responding to emergency situations
Performing basic maintenance checks
Completing operational documentation

What industries do train drivers typically work in?

Transport, Postal and Warehousing
Mining
Manufacturing

What kind of lifestyle can I expect?

Train drivers often work irregular hours, including weekends, holidays, and overnight shifts. Most positions are full-time, and part-time opportunities are limited. You’ll need to be flexible with your schedule as you might work early mornings, late nights, or even overnight shifts.

Salaries vary depending on your location, experience, and the type of trains you operate, but train drivers generally earn above-average wages. The demand for train drivers remains stable as railways continue to be an essential part of transportation infrastructure.

Salary Package

The average salary for a Train Driver is AU$117,750 per year (AU$9,810 per month), which is AU$47,862 (+68%) higher than the national average salary in Australia. A Train Driver can expect an average starting salary of AU$85,760.

How to become a train driver

While specific requirements can vary by country, the typical pathway to becoming a train driver includes:

Completing high school with good results in Maths and English
Obtaining a driver’s license
Completing relevant training programs or qualifications in train operations
Passing medical examinations and safety checks
Completing on-the-job training with your employer

Many railway companies offer apprentice or trainee programs that combine work and study, allowing you to earn while you learn. The length and type of training required will depend on your location and the company you work for.

What can I do right now to work towards this career?

If you’re in high school and interested in becoming a train driver, here are some steps you can take:

See if you can find work experience in a transport or logistics-based setting. This will help you see if you might enjoy the work, and can help you start building important contacts for the future.
Focus on subjects like Mathematics, English, and any available technical subjects while at school, and research the specific job requirements in your country.
Talk to a train driver to see what a day in their life is like. If you don’t know anyone, watch videos or documentaries about a career in transport instead.

Projected Growth in Victoria

Where can I find more information?

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