Pathways
Vermont Secondary College
Careers Expo '25
VSC pathways is proud to present Careers Expo '25 on Wednesday 2nd July in the Fallon Centre Auditorium during the day from 11:15am – 1:45pm. This event is primarily aimed at our senior students in Years 10, 11 and 12.
Parents/Carers of students in these year levels are welcome to attend the expo from 1pm after signing in at the General Office.
This year we have representatives from 7 Universities, 2 TAFE’s, 2 sports institutes, Victoria Police, the Australian Defence Force and HeadStart school-based apprenticeships /traineeships providers.
Work Experience
Work experience participation is optional at VSC. We strongly encourage all students aged 15yrs+ to get involved in this very beneficial and rewarding program. Students can undertake Work Experience every year until they graduate VSC.
Work experience provides young people with a taste of the real world of work and a clearer understanding of a particular industry, field or business they may be interested in pursuing in the future. It assists in career discovery and exploration, goal setting and decision making whilst preparing students for VCE or VCE VM, future tertiary studies, apprenticeship
/traineeships or full-time work.
There are no designated time frames for students to complete placements as we believe a flexible delivery arrangement provides students with a better opportunity to meet the availability and operational time frames of businesses and industries within the community. This also means we are not competing with other local schools which can limit student’s placement opportunities.
Placement dates are arranged through consultation and negotiation between the employer, school and student to maximise the experience. A great time to consider undertaking work experience in Year 10 is the last week of term 3 if your child is not attending the Central Australia to Darwin trip. Drop into Pathways to discuss further and collect the ‘Preparing for the Workplace’ pack.
VSC Careers Website
Did you know VSC has its own careers website? It’s a ‘One Stop Shop’ for everything you need to assist with Career planning, research, information and help, available 24 hours a day. Please see the Term 1 Career Tools Newsletter with lots of informative reading. To access the website please click on the link vscpathways.com or go to the VSC website and click on the Pathways tab. Features:
Latest news and events
Senior school options
Work experience and OH&S in the workplace
VET – Vocational Education and Training
University Admissions requirements through VTAC
Find what careers suits you & course discovery
Interactive Career bullseyes
Gap Year
Resume creation & finding a job
Youth allowance and money matters
Informative career videos
Plus lots, lots more to help individual career development
Career Development is the lifelong process of managing life, learning and work (paid and unpaid) over our lifespan. The ability to make informed decisions, manage and transition through change for a personally determined future.
Young people build their career development through self-awareness, understanding how they make decisions and how these decisions impact future aspirations through exploration, identifying interests, values and preferred learning styles through careers exploration activities such as Morrisby in Year 9 and Careers Tools in Year 10. The ability to research a wide range of career options helps them to select subjects they may enjoy learning whilst aligning to tertiary course pre-requisite requirements in the future or apprenticeship/traineeship requirements and work.
Career development is further enhanced by juggling the expectations and requirements of school with extra-curricular activities like sport and family responsibilities, part-time work, community involvement and social interests.
To further assist your Career Development please visit vscpathways.com an easy-to-use interface with links to a multitude of career resources for both Students and Parents. We encourage all VSC students and their families to explore the Pathways website to assist in making positively informed decisions about their future.
Subject Selection Tips
1. Choose What Works or You
Pick subjects that reflect your strengths and interests to make the school experience your own. When you enjoy what you're learning, you're more likely to stay motivated and succeed.
2. Get Informed
Talk to teachers who teach the subject, ask students already studying it, attend taster sessions. The more informed you are, the better your choices will be.
3. Ask around!
Seek advice from teachers, coordinators, and your Careers Advisor. They can help you see how your choices connect to your goals, future study or job opportunities.
4. Keep Your Options Open
If you're unsure about your future, that’s okay! Choose a mix of subjects to keep your options open after Year 12. Having a broad skill set gives you more freedom to change direction later on.
5. Connect Subjects to Your Goals
If your ideal subject isn’t available, choose ones that help build related skills and support your ambitions. Think creatively about how different subjects can contribute to your future path.
6. Balance Your Workload
Pick subjects that interest and challenge you without overwhelming your schedule. A manageable mix helps you do well and avoid burnout. For example, three folio-based subjects might be too much work to manage well.
7. Consider Your Pathway
Are you aiming for an ATAR-based university course? Or a hands-on career or trade? Choose subjects that align with your post-school plans, whether academic, vocational, or both. There’s more than one way to reach your goals.
8. Remember the Big Picture
School is about personal growth, not just grades. Choose subjects that give you space to grow as a person and enjoy the full experience of school life.
Workspace Values
Different careers offer different work environments, which can impact how you feel about your job. Take a moment to think about where you feel most comfortable and what motivates you. This can help you understand what you truly value when choosing a career path.
Fast-paced and constantly changing
You may value: Adaptability, Challenge, Growth
Quiet and focused with deep thinking
You may value: Reflection, Problem-solving, Independence
Collaborative and team-driven
You may value: Connection, Teamwork, Impact
Independent and flexible
You may value: Autonomy, Flexibility, Personal Control
Creative and ever evolving
You may value: Innovation, Expression, Freedom
Structured with clear expectations
You may value: Security, Clarity, Efficiency
CAREER SPOTLIGHT
Education
You don't need to have all the answers or be a certain type of person to become a teacher — but you do need to have a love of helping others learn and grow.
What is a teacher?
Teachers work in education, supporting students’ development academically, socially, and emotionally.
Early Learning Educators guide and nurture children in their most important early years (birth to age 5).
Primary School Teachers teach a broad range of subjects to children from Foundation to Year 6, building essential skills for life.
Secondary School Teachers specialise in particular subjects (like English, Science, or PE) for students from Year 7 to Year 12, preparing them for further study or work.
What skills and strengths are needed? Teachers need strong communication skills and must be able to build positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues. They must be adaptable, organised, patient, and confident in managing a classroom. Teachers also need creativity and a passion for learning, so they can inspire and engage young people every day.
What are the pathways?
You usually need to study Education at university. There are several options:
A Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood, Primary, or Secondary)
A Double Degree (e.g., Arts/Education or Science/Education for Secondary teachers)
If you already hold a degree in another field, you can become a teacher through a Master of Teaching program.
Some states also offer pathways that combine teaching with practical placements to get you classroom-ready faster.
UAC and TISC Applications Open
UAC - Universities Admissions Centre for NSW and ACT institutions
Applications are open for applicants from NSW and ACT. IB and interstate students can apply from 1st August. Domestic applicants also unlock access to the:
So, if you’re interested in applying to a university in NSW or the ACT, download your interactive survival guide to get started.
How-to-apply guide for Year 11 and 12 students
Steps to Uni for Year 11 and 12
Students provide information for 2025 Year 11 and 12 students about applying for tertiary study through UAC. It explains the process of applying to university, managing an application and accepting an offer.
Steps to Uni for Year 11 and 12 Students can be downloaded from the UAC website and will be available at expos.
TISC - Tertiary Information Service Centre for WA institutions
Applications to Curtin University, Edith Cowan University (except for WA Academy of Performing Arts), Murdoch University and The University of Western Australia are open and must be made through TISC. Whether you’re from WA or interstate, check prerequisites for each institution here and download your interactive survival guide for all the information you need to apply, including for the Educational Access Scheme.
Want to find out about upcoming admission dates to another interstate university?
Contact the Tertiary Admissions Centre in the relevant state or territory. See below:
VTAC – Victoria
QTAC – Queensland
SATAC – South Australia and NT
TAS - Tasmania
How To Get Started in Construction
Want to get started in construction, but not sure where to begin? We’ll show you how to build your construction career starting now!
Explore Your Options Visit Construction Pathways for information about occupations and pathways, and the resources to help you make your start.
Map Your Pathway
Consider the type of education and training your preferred occupation requires. You could choose:
A VET school subject or pre-trade program to learn practical skills and get job ready.
An Apprenticeship, Traineeship, or School-based option so you can earn while you learn. You’ll combine paid work with a nationally recognised qualification.
A Vocational Education and Training (VET) course for hands-on learning to develop your skills.
A Higher Education (university) degree if your preferred occupation requires it.
Get Your White Card
Compulsory to ensure you’re safe onsite, this one can’t be skipped.
Do Work Experience
Explore a range of jobs and find out if the construction industry is for you. Develop your skills and the confidence to step onsite now, with the Year13 & CSQ Construction Pathways Virtual Work Experience! You can explore a day in the life of a Pipelayer, Carpenter or Design Manager, with interactive tasks to help you discover what a career in construction could look like.
National Careers Week 2025
What is National Careers Week?
National Careers Week is an initiative of the Career Industry Council of Australia. It celebrates careers, career development, career development services, and career development practitioners. It also promotes career development economic, social and personal benefits.
What is career development?
Ultimately, career development is about much more than jobs – it is about how to live your life.
Career development is a process of managing learning, work and leisure to progress through life. It includes gaining and using the skills and knowledge needed to plan and make informed decisions about education, training and work. Everyday decisions and priorities affect career development. A positive approach to career development begins when you raise your aspirations, challenge stereotypes, broaden your horizons, stay open to learning, and get curious about careers!
National Careers Week is your one-stop shop for exploring career education, information and guidance. It connects you with fantastic resources and events to help you achieve your dream job, like these fact sheets.
Take charge of your future and invest in your career development. Participate in National Careers Week to help you on your journey towards a fulfilling career.
NYSF Applications Open
Registrations for the 2025 NYSF are NOW OPEN.
What is the National Youth STEM Summit?
The National Youth STEM Summit will be held in Melbourne, Victoria, from 19 to 21 July 2025. This three-day event is designed for individuals who are pursuing STEM careers, offering keynote speakers, panel discussions and workshops focused on career pathways and networking opportunities.
“I made so many connections with absolutely incredible and inspiring people over the course of the Summit that, by the end of the Summit, connecting with other people had become my favourite part.”
– Julia, 2024 National Youth STEM Summit delegate.
Are you currently pursuing tertiary studies in STEM related fields?
Who Can Attend?
The summit is open to individuals aged 18+ who are pursuing tertiary studies or early-stage STEM careers. Scholarships and Equity Pricing are available for students from diverse or underrepresented backgrounds ensuring accessibility for all.
In Years 10 - 12?
You can register to be the first to hear about the NYSF STEM Hubs taking place in July in Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Perth!
Are You Workwise?
It takes more than knowing how to do a job to be successful. It’s your Human Skills - the ways you learn, communicate, and problem-solve - that really make you work-wise!
Success isn’t just about getting a job done - it's about how you adapt, collaborate and tackle challenges. Whether you're working on a group project, talking to friends, or navigating new experiences, your human skills are your secret superpower.
Human Skills are the foundations to thrive in a world where the way we work and live is always evolving.
In Module Two of the Career Tools X CommBank Skillin’ It Academy, you'll unlock strategies to sharpen the human skills that set you apart.
You’ll explore:
Learning agility: How to stay open to new ideas, adapt quickly, and grow as the world changes.
Communication: Find out how to adjust to your audience, speak confidently, and build strong relationships.
Problem-solving: Finish the module knowing how to approach challenges creatively.
Ready to be Skillin It? Log into Career Tools to start Module Two now!
Work Experience in the Australian Defence Force (ADF)?
Interested work experience through the Defence Force? The Defence Work Experience Program provides you people interested in careers in Defence the opportunity to sample life in Defence and learn more about the ADF. Activities are hands on and interactive to assist students in making informed career decisions. Participants must be 15yrs or over at the time of placement. Click on the link to see current opportunities.
Defence Work Experience Program Jobs List.
Pathways Website – www.vscpathways.com
Australian Defence Force Careers
Thinking about your future? Here’s an exciting opportunity to study at university while building a rewarding career with the Australian Defence Force. Explore University with a Defence Sponsorship.
Are you thinking about going to university after school? Have you considered combining your studies with a career in the Australian Defence Force (ADF)? The Defence University Sponsorship (DUS) is a unique opportunity for students to have their university fees paid for while earning a salary and receiving benefits. Once you graduate, you’ll step directly into an exciting and meaningful role in the Navy, Army, or Air Force.
Study What You Love
DUS is available for a range of job-relevant degrees at any accredited university in Australia. Whether it be Engineering or Business, Education or Healthcare, it’s a chance to gain real-world experience, financial support, and a clear career path—all while studying what you're passionate about.
Careers You Could Step Into:
Navy Nuclear Submarine Officer: Lead and operate submarine teams in a specialised, high-tech environment.
Army Avionics Engineer: Help develop and maintain cutting-edge Army helicopters.
Air Force Electronics Engineer Cyber Systems: Protect and manage Defence cyber and communication networks.
How to Learn More
For more information, read about the Defence University Sponsorship, call 13 19 01, or visit your local ADF Careers Centre. Discover ADF Careers events virtually and in your local area to learn more.
Reconciliation Week
Reconciliation Week 27 May to 3 June
Reconciliation Week offers an opportunity to reflect on the relationship between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians. The 2025 theme, "Bridging Now to Next," invites us to build stronger connections and continue the journey towards a fairer, more inclusive future.
How You Can Get Involved
Learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures through educational resources and events.
Participate in local events such as cultural displays, talks, or workshops.
Start conversations with peers about what reconciliation means to you.
Support Indigenous-led initiatives and businesses to promote empowerment.
Reflect on the progress made and look forward to building stronger relationships with the First Nations communities.
Choir Call-Out!
Reconciliation Australia invites choirs nationwide to join in singing “Solid Rock” for National Reconciliation Week 2025. Register your choir to access free arrangements and backing tracks.
Remember to share your performance on social media using the hashtags #NRW2025, #VoicesforReconciliation, and #SolidRock.
Write for The World Competitions
Write the World's free monthly competitions for teen writers (ages 13-19) offer opportunities to explore a variety of exciting genres, from poetry, fantasy, and fiction to environmental writing and journalism.
How to Enter
Visit this website.
Choose your category.
Submit your original work online.
Follow word count and formatting guidelines.
Prizes
Cash prizes for winners.
Publication opportunities.
Exclusive writing mentorships.
Finalists featured on Write the World website and social media.
Upcoming Competitions
May 2025: Environmental Writing Competition
Opens: May 5
Closes: May 26
Explore environmental themes and inspire change through your writing.
June 2025: Personal Essay Competition
Opens: June 2
Closes: June 23
Share personal experiences and reflections in essay form.
July 2025: Science Fiction & Fantasy Competition
Opens: July 7
Closes: July 28
Craft imaginative stories set in speculative worlds.
Listen to young writers from around the world share their own poems!
10 Poems by Teens for Teens - YouTube
Entrepreneur Virtual Work Experience
Discover the path to the entrepreneurial success in this exciting new Virtual Work Experience, featuring the innovative Aussie food entrepreneur Ali Chebbani.
Entrepreneurs are the adventurous spirits of the business world, with some of the most successful ones become household names thanks to their amazing inventions, viral media moments, and influence.
But what does it take to be a great entrepreneur? We’ve teamed up with Chartered Accountants ANZ to bring you a brand new Virtual Work Experience, giving students a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to run a successful business brand.
In this experience, we’ve been given exclusive access to a day in the life of Ali Chebbani, the 24-year-old entrepreneur behind Chebbo’s Burgers. With an accounting background, Ali combined his business know-how, eye for content, and hard work to turn a small stall in his family’s garage into a thriving food truck and brick-and-mortar location in Sydney’s trendy Marrickville.
This Virtual Work Experience includes:
An explanation of the key qualities you need to become a great entrepreneur.
Exclusive behind-the-scenes content about Ali Chebbani’s creative and entrepreneurial approach.
Fun interactive activities that help you develop your strategic skills, including decision-making, business budgeting, risk management, long-term business sustainability and growth.
Study pathways, opportunities and programs to kickstart your entrepreneurial career.
Some study areas and subjects you could take on to help to start your journey in Accounting, the foundation of the business world.
Access this free Virtual Work Experience in Career Tools today!
Skills Week 2025
National Skills Week 2025: Explore ALL the Options
From 25–31 August, National Skills Week celebrates the power of skills and Vocational Education & Training (VET) to unlock exciting career pathways. Supported by the Australian Government and industry leaders, the event empowers Australians to explore new opportunities, re-skill, and shape their futures.
“National Skills Week highlights the exciting, diverse pathways VET offers to build Australia’s future workforce”. Chairman Brian Wexham
What’s On
Enjoy industry workshops, seminars, launch events, resources, success stories, interactive experiences, and a whole lot of inspiration.
Explore All the Options
This year’s theme “Explore all the Options” encourages individuals to look beyond traditional paths and find the career that fits them best.
Challenges Open NOW!
Registrations: Now open for 2025
The Young ICT Explorers competition encourage students in Years 3-12 to create innovative technology projects that address real world problems. It’s a fantastic opportunity for students to develop practical tech solutions!
Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC)
Registrations: Now open for 2025
Challenges students from Years 3 to 12 to solve unique and engaging mathematical problems that develop critical thinking skills. Open to all ability levels, the AMC is one of Australia's largest and most prestigious maths competitions.
Robert Menzies Institute Speech Competition
Registrations: Now open for 2025
Students in Years 7–12 are invited to submit a speech based on the 2025 theme for the Robert Menzies Institute Speech Competition. It’s a powerful platform for developing public speaking and leadership skills.
Secondary Schools Culinary Challenge
Registrations: Now open for 2025
The Secondary Schools Culinary Challenge is designed for Years 10–12 students studying Commercial Cookery, Hospitality, or Home Economics. Students can compete in regional cooking competitions throughout the year.