Update from our Careers Adviser
Term 3 has been another busy period for the Careers team! We conducted another White Card Course, with 17 students successfully earning their qualification. The Secondary Studies team runs the White Card Course twice a year at a subsidised cost for students. This enables students to apply for jobs or work experience on construction sites.
This term, four Year 10 students successfully participated in and graduated from the Head Start Pre-Traineeship program in Community Services at Minto PCYC. These students completed three units of competency and engaged in work experience with pride and commitment. Well done, Andjela, Claire, Ken, and Lainie!
Many Year 12 students have applied for early entry at Western Sydney University. Round 1 offers will be sent to students on Thursday, September 11. This term, early entry offers were also made to students from the University of Wollongong, and several of our students have received offers for study in 2026. Additionally, one of our students will be awarded the $5,000 UOW Principal's Recommendation Scholarship, given to the top academic student who has applied to the University of Wollongong. Furthermore, there are numerous scholarships available for our Year 12 students who have successfully received university offers. There are academic scholarships, equity scholarships and sport scholarships, to name a few. See Mr Melluish for more information on how to apply for these.
Several students from our school have joined the Gateway Program at the University of New South Wales. As a result, some of these students have gained conditional entry to the university and, if they meet the requirements, will be eligible for annual paid scholarships. Additionally, students have been applying to other universities and attending university open days on weekends throughout August.
As Thomas Reddall High School is part of the Educational Pathways Program (EPP), we are able to offer students over the age of 15 the chance to participate in 8-week taster TAFE courses each term this year. These courses include options in Beauty/Makeup, Electrotechnology, Barbering, Real Estate, and Early Childhood Education and Care, among others. Students can still apply for the Term 4 courses. For more information about available courses, please see Mr. Melluish.
Additionally, Year 10 and Year 11 students can apply for TVET courses starting in 2026. Students who complete these TAFE courses can earn either a Certificate II or Certificate III qualification. The courses will commence in February 2026 and will last for either one or two years. This year, we saw a significant increase in the number of students applying for TVET courses. However, it is crucial that our students are committed to completing these courses. The costs are subsidised by the NSW Government for students attending NSW Government schools, and these courses can be incorporated into a student's HSC pattern of study. For more information about these opportunities, please see Mrs. Skeggs or Mr. Melluish.
Subject Selection Night took place in Term 3. Prior to the evening, Mrs. Skeggs and Mr. Melluish, with assistance from Mrs. Kumar, Mr. Pillay, and Ms. Walsh, interviewed Year 10 students to help them develop their Pathways Plan. This process involved exploring their goals for after school, enabling us to guide them in selecting subjects that align with their ultimate aspirations. The event was a tremendous success. In addition to our various KLA ambassadors, we were joined by representatives from TAFENSW, Apprenticeship Support, VET Support, Western Sydney University, and two representatives from the Educational Pathways Program. We extend our gratitude to everyone involved and to the representatives for their knowledge and support of our students.
As usual, we had plenty of students going out on work experience. We have also assisted with students who wish to commence a School-Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship in 2026.
Year 10 students also attended the EPP Explore Day at West Leagues Club. During this event, they participated in a speed networking session with presenters from Western Sydney University, the University of Wollongong, TAFE NSW, SBAT, and My Gateway. This allowed students to learn more about post-school and transition pathway options. Thank you to Kate Rowe from EPP for organising this informative event.
Year 10 students have continued their Careers lessons every fortnight. They have completed their resumes, applied for a tax file number, and obtained a Unique Student Identifier (USI), which is required for TAFE, universities, and other courses. The students have also attempted work experience modules, joined Career Tools, and filled out their subject selection options. Additionally, they have created personal profiles on Career Tools and completed several modules.
Students are encouraged to continually check the Careers Google Classroom for jobs, apprenticeships, university updates and more or see Mrs. Skeggs or Mr. Melluish in the Learning Centre.