Careers & VET News

University of Newcastle - Schools Visit Day 

In the last week of Term 2, McCarthy took 48 Senior students to the University of Newcastle, who got to immerse themselves in the University life for a day. They chose seminars to attend, took tours around the grounds and spoke with UON representatives to gain insight into the life of a UON student.

University Admissions Centre (UAC) 

Students are encouraged to explore course options and application requirements on each university’s website and to contact the College’s Transitions Team for support with the application process.

Some important dates to remember:

University of Sydney Gadigal Program 

We had two successful Year 11 students gain entry into the USYD Gadigal Program. The program will be held during the October school holidays. Gadalung is a long-standing residential program run by the University of Sydney for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, where students have the opportunity to:

• Experience university life firsthand
• Explore future study and career pathways
• Connect with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mentors and peers
• Learn about pathways to higher education and available support.

Girls Can Too Program 

We currently have four Year 10 girls completing the Girls Can Too! Program at Tamworth TAFE. Girls Can Too! is a four-day, hands-on introduction to key trade areas designed to build confidence, practical skills, and industry awareness for young women. Delivered over four weeks on Monday's, participants will use trade-standard tools and commercial machinery while exploring key trade areas including carpentry, engineering, plumbing and engines. The program builds confidence, expands career awareness, and encourages young women to consider opportunities in non-traditional trade fields. 

McCarthy Catholic College - Work Experience Program

Work Experience is a great way for students to “try before they buy” with a particular job - in other words, it gives students the opportunity to gain real-world insights and practical skills that will prepare them for future success. 

To maximise this valuable opportunity, students need to follow a series of practical steps to set up and complete their work experience, with parents/carers’ support and encouragement playing a crucial role in helping us provide valuable opportunities for our students.

Key Steps for Students to Proceed with Work Experience 

1. Discuss Work Experience Opportunities with the Careers Adviser

Students should begin by meeting with their careers adviser to explore potential industries and workplaces, get advice on suitable placements, and understand how our school facilitates work experience.

2. Collect the Work Experience Pack from the Careers Adviser

The pack contains all necessary forms and information regarding work experience, including agreements, and safety and insurance guidelines. As required by Catholic Schools NSW, students must complete and return all documentation in the pack to their careers adviser before the commencement of their work experience to comply with school policies and insurance requirements. Importantly, the work experience needs to be formally approved by the College Principal before it can proceed.

3. Decide on an Occupation or Industry

Based on discussions and interests, students select the type of work or industry they want to experience. (Please note: Students are required to hold a White Card if entering a construction site).

4. Find a Suitable Host Workplace

Students identify and approach workplaces that offer student work experience, with support from the careers adviser.

5. Set up the Work Experience

This involves securing approval from the College Principal, completing and signing all required forms and agreements by the student, parent/carer, employer, and school, and fulfilling any inductions or preparation.

6. Undertake Work Experience

Students participate actively in their work experience and follow workplace safety and guidelines. If a student is unable to attend their placement, both the school and the host employer must be notified as soon as possible.

Some students may receive employment opportunities after completing their work experience; however, specific steps must be followed to ensure compliance with education and employment regulations. Since 2010, all NSW students must complete Year 10. After Year 10 and until they turn 17, students must be engaged in one or a combination of the following: 

• Attending school or registered for home schooling
• Enrolled in approved education or training
• Employed full-time (averaging at least 25 hours per week).

Upon receiving an employment offer, students must inform and discuss the opportunity with the careers adviser, as students will be required to provide the College with:

• A letter of offer from the employer
• Employment contract
• Training Plan (if undertaking an apprentice or traineeship)
• McCarthy-specific paperwork (provided to the student).

All documentation must be received, signed, and approved by the College Principal and Armidale Catholic Schools. Students cannot commence employment during designated school hours until all paperwork and approvals are complete.

A Reminder for Students to Check their School Emails

Students are reminded to check their emails daily. The transition team will submit numerous Expression of Interests (EOI) for training, professional learning and/or fantastic events. 

Careers Classrooms and Codes

Students are encouraged to join the Google Classrooms which relate directly to their interests and needs. The classrooms and codes are:

Careers@McCarthy website

The information for students and parents/carers can be found on the careers website which can be accessed through this link.

McCarthy Careers Team 2026 Contacts:

- Amanda Burke, Careers Adviser

Email: aburke1@arm.catholic.edu.au

- Annie Hobson, Acting Careers Adviser

Email: ahobson1@arm.catholic.edu.au

- Shane Vesey-Wells, Leader of Learning: Transition and Pathways 

  Email: sveseywells@arm.catholic.edu.au 

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