Careers News

May, 2026  -  FACT:  Those who have goals are 10 times more likely to succeed than those without goals  

As students return from their Term I break, students in Year 11 & 12 are receiving their results from assessment tasks and reflecting on improvements needed to reach their academic goals. It is an important time for Year 12 students, as UAC is open for university preferences, and several universities are now open for Early Admissions. Last week Year 11 students listened to a presentation by University of Wollongong and learned of the importance of Year 11 studies in the Early Admission process. Students also listened to a presentation from SEDA College, with ex students, Caitlyn Schofield (2023 HSC) and Daniel Green (2025 HSC), inspiring students with their experiences completing a dual Diploma in Sport and Business and working across multiple roles with the Sharks NRL. Students were encouraged to begin their research into options post school and to attend Career Expos and University Open Days as part of this exploration. 

Our Year 12 students recently attended the Sutherland Shire Career Information Day, with over 194 exhibitors - ranging from Universities, Private Colleges, Apprenticeship Centres and gap year programs. Our Year 11 students will be attending the HSC Career Expo at the end of this month to commence their post school exploration. This is a great opportunity for our students to consider the wide range of options available to them and I encourage them to use this time to explore all possibilities.

As admissions open for UAC and Early Admission for our Year 12 students, we congratulate Annabella Bayer who has been given Early Admission to ACU. Annabella has completed the ACU SUIT (Step Up Into Teaching Program), successfully completing two units of university study whilst at school. This is a great achievement for Annabella!

As careers are constantly evolving and changing, it is interesting to read the ‘in demand degrees for the future’. Think about degrees in engineering, information technology and renewable energy. Read more about the three Rapidly Growing Careers in STEM. It is also interesting to see the industry areas that are experiencing rapid growth (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2024). It is important that our students are informed of the changing world of careers to ensure that they will be successful post school.

We were also fortunate last week to have a visit from ex-student Natalie Cantlon (HSC 2025) who is a successful UTS Bachelor Accounting Scholar. The main benefits to students who are selected into the Bachelor of Accounting are a tax-free scholarship valued up to $56,000 a year, with two industry internships, and great career prospects. This is a competitive scholarship and we are incredibly proud of Natalie and her achievements.

Partnerships

Over the past few years, our College has been working closely with community and industry to form partnerships. These partnerships will assist our students to gain the necessary skills and credentials to thrive in the changing workplace. We are excited to announce a partnership with a number of universities including UOW, SEDA Academy, Torrens University, UTS, Australian Catholic University and University of Notre Dame - all of whom are presenting to our students in the coming term. 

We are also continuing to build strong partnerships with many local businesses, and we will continue to promote these in our newsletter and on our social media. Last week, our Yr 12 Hospitality class welcomed James Arena, owner of Grind Caringbah and Gymea. James shared his experiences as a successful business owner and discussed with our students the importance of genuine customer service in a cafe.

UAC (University Admission Centre)

This week I presented to Year 12 students and showed them the process of applying to university through UAC. Students in Year 12 who are interested in applying to study at university will need to use the UAC portal. This admission process is based on an ATAR, and students can submit up to 5 preferences (in order). UAC is open now for applications.

Key Dates

8 April - Applications for 2026 open

30 September - Early bird application close

16 December - HSC & ATAR Results Released

18 December - Last Day for Change of Preferences 

23 December - Round one offers made

UNIVERSITY UPDATES

Early Admission 

Early Entry programs have been evolving in recent years as an alternate pathway to UAC entry. These universities will offer a place prior to the HSC examinations, with offers being released from 1 September. Many universities are also offering webinars to provide students with further knowledge on the courses that they have on offer, as well as the application process. Read further here ….

More about universities ……

Discover Australian Catholic University - Webinars. 

1. Talk with Nurses, Midwives and Paramedics - 13 May, 6pm
2. Talk with Law, Criminology and Business - 14 May, 6pm

Discover ACU - Early Childhood, Primary Education and TAS Secondary Education, July 7, Strathfield Campus. Register here:

Discover ACU - Exercise Science and Biomedical Science, July 7, Strathfield Campus. Register here:

UNSW - Engineering Information Evening, May 13, 6pm (online). Register here:

UNSW - Business School Information Evening, May 20, 6pm (online). Register here:

UNSW - Science Information Evening, May 21, 6pm (online). Register here:

USYD - Admission Pathways, May 13 (online), 4pm. Explore the different pathways available to USYD, including recognising academic achievements and personal circumstances. Register here:

USYD - Study Business webinar, June 17, 4pm. Register here:

USYD - Study Advanced Computing, June 3 (online), 4pm. Explore a range of study areas, including drones, virtual reality apps, and cybersecurity. Register here:

UOW - EmpowerHER STEM Summit, 7 - 8 July, a two day program for female students in Years 10 - 12. Held in the winter holidays, explore STEM on campus and at BlueScope, meet academics and industry, and discover future pathways. Register here: 

UOW - Future Talk for Parents, June 29, 7pm (online). Learn more about supporting students through the HSC; UOW degrees, pathways and study options; How AI and emerging technologies are shaping degrees, careers and the future workforce; Navigating university applications, Early Admission and UAC. Register here: 

UTS Campus Tour, Moore Park - New opportunity to see firsthand the UTS Sport & Exercise facilities. Submit an expression of interest form here to be notified when registrations open.

TAFE/Colleges

Basair Info Sessions Sydney - Pilot Career Seminar, 6 July, 10 August, Bankstown Airport

Learn about a career as a Commercial Pilot at this information seminar. Register here: https://basair.com.au/Events/

Sydney Design School Information Sessions, 13 May, 7pm (online).  Register here:

Sydney Design School - Designer for a Day Workshop, 9 July

Curious about what it might be like to work as an Interior Designer? This workshop is targeted to students in Years 10 - 12. Register here: 

Torrens University - Open Day, 13 May, 4pm (on campus). Register here

AIE - Open Day, 23 May, 10.00 - 3.00pm (on campus). Register here: 

ACPE - Careers in Sport Day, July 3. 10.00 - 1.00pm (on campus). For the lovers of sport; learn about careers in the sport industry,  from education and sport degrees to taking your first steps into the sport industry as your career path. Register here:

Scholarships

Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) - has an exciting scholarship opportunity for high-performing Year 11 students who may be considering a career in teaching. The Step Up Into Teaching (SUiT) Scholarship offers selected Year 11 students a fully funded, genuine taste of university life, including studying two ACU university-level units during the school vacation periods, while still completing Year 12.  Applications are now open and close on 15 May, 2026.

UNSW Co-op Applications - Now Open, closes 30 September.

A Co-op scholarship provides financial support (to the value of $21,600 per annum for 4 years) to fund your study at UNSW. It also facilitates three industry placements for high performing students. Available for students studying in the areas of Business, Information Technology, Engineering or Science. Apply here.

University of Wollongong -  Bachelor of Arts (Western Civilisation) Programs. The Ramsay scholarship offers students $20,000 per annum to study this degree. Applications open on 25 May. Learn more here: 

University of Sydney - Women in Engineering Information Night, 3 June, 5pm. The University of Sydney is investing $2 million in scholarships for women in engineering in 2027. For students in Year 11 or 12 considering engineering, computer science or project management, this Information night shares insights from students and academic leaders, explores career pathways, and showcases a community where women lead, innovate and thrive. Register here: 

Apprenticeships, Traineeships

Interested in an Electrical Career? See where a career with NECA can take you.

Automotive Apprenticeships - Apprenticeships R Us. Specialises in Mechanical Apprenticeships for Light and Heavy Vehicles, Accident Repair trades such as Panel Beating and Spray Painting. See job vacancies

Other

Australian Federal Police (AFP) Women in Policing and Protection, 12 May, 6pm (online) 

The session features female officers from national policing, ACT policing, protective services and the recruitment team. Hear about their experiences, career opportunities and benefits, and offer advice on the application process. Register here: 

NSW Mining Careers Information Night, 2 June - Wollongong

Designed for high school students and first-year university students who want to explore future career pathways and connect with real people in the mining industry. Register here:

As always, if you would like to speak with me about pathways for further study or careers post school, please book a meeting.

Mrs Yvette Kennedy

Instructional Leader Pathways and Partnerships

yvette.kennedy@syd.catholic.edu.au

8522.1500