Pathways and Transition

Jane Hedley, Head of Pathways and Transition, can be contacted on 08 9383 0416 or pathways@johnxxiii.edu.au You can make an appointment to see Ms Hedley using this booking link (which is also on the student SEQTA Splash page) .

In this week’s Pathways and Transition newsletter read about:

• Careers resources for families 
• University news 
• Scholarships
• Australian Defence Force careers
• Medicine news
• Training and VET news
• Growth and development opportunities
• People with a disability news
• Weekly spotlight: Veterinary Science Degrees in 2025 

FOR FAMILIES

The Morrisby Profile

All John XXIII College students in Years 10, 11 and 12 have completed their Morrisby Profile (in Years 9 or 10) and have a valuable resource to delve into for career exploration and pathway planning. Students are encouraged to log back into their Morrisby Profiles regularly to view new career matches and information. Morrisby can also be a useful tool to facilitate career discussions between young people and their parents. Troubleshooting with logins can be directed to Ms Hedley, Head of Pathways and Transition.

MyFuture – your one stop shop for career information 

Do quizzes, watch career videos, check out courses, and see what happens when you get into the job. MyFuture takes you on a career exploration pathway. 

• MyFuture is thorough and delivers loads of free information.
• It is supported by ALL Australian governments. 
• The information is not biased by someone trying to sell you something. 
• They have a strong privacy policy and DO NOT share your data. 

You can register HERE.

Your Career – The home of career information

Search industries and occupations to find a career that’s right for you and what you can do to get there. Explore fee-free TAFE. Take an interactive quiz to see what literacy and numeracy skills you’ll use in your chosen industry. 

Click HERE to explore.

UNIVERSITY NEWS

Go to Open Days 2025 

All students who might be interested in attending university post-school are encouraged to attend university open days this term- go to at least two, so you get a point of comparison.

University Open Day Calendar 2025

Changed timing for early university offers 

In 2025, Year 12 students can apply to Western Australian university courses via TISC from Tuesday, 3 June. Offers will not be made until later in the year, most likely from September onwards. 

Check out the TISC University Admission Guide for 2026 HERE.

University Rankings

Read about how WA universities performed, according to student satisfaction data, in the Good Universities Guide and via QILT/CompareEd.    

Pathways to University are Changing 

Harmonisation of vocational and uni qualifications happening now

There is a government strategy called the Universities Accord. One of the goals of the Accord is to ensure that qualifications earned through VET are recognised by universities. 

For example, a Diploma in Work Safety and Health may be recognised by universities that offer a degree in Occupational Health and Safety. 

Identifying these opportunities under the Accord began in late 2024 and will gain momentum in 2025. 

When thinking about your pathway to university, consider doing a VET qualification and then seeking credit for your VET qualification at university. 

Advantages of this pathway:

• Many VET qualifications that are in high demand are free or heavily subsidised. 
• Vocational education classes are usually more like school classes rather than big lectures with hundreds of students. 
• When you get your VET qualification, you can work in your field, getting paid for your qualifications, while you study for your degree. 

Case Study 

A vocational education and training Diploma of Nursing takes 18 months and is currently fee-free in Western Australia. Graduates can work as Enrolled Nurses while they undertake their Bachelor of Nursing degrees. Notre Dame already offers one year of credit towards the Bachelor of Nursing at Notre Dame upon completion of the diploma.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Register for Scholarship Alerts

You can create scholarship alerts through the Good Universities Guide and Curtin. They send you emails so that you get information about scholarships as they come up:

• Good Universities Guide
• Curtin

UWA Fogarty Foundation Scholarships 

The UWA Fogarty Scholarship Program is Western Australia’s most prestigious undergraduate scholarship, awarded to exceptional students who excel academically, demonstrate leadership potential, and show a commitment to creating positive change in their communities. 

This prestigious Scholarship covers the full duration of a Scholar’s undergraduate and postgraduate education, complemented by an exceptional enrichment component featuring a bespoke leadership program. 

Download the 2025 Fogarty Foundation Scholarship Overview.

ANU Tuckwell Scholarship

Organisation: Australian National University

Location: Australia

Value: $26,000 AUD per year

Close Date: April 10, 2025

Find out more

Hansen Scholarship online information sessions

Students, families and teachers are invited to learn more about the Hansen Scholarship Program. Worth over $108,000, this scholarship offers fully funded accommodation at Little Hall, a living allowance, and tailored mentorship for your undergraduate degree in Melbourne.

Applications are open now to Year 12 students looking to start their undergraduate degree in 2026.

Join the online information session on Wednesday, 19 February or Thursday, 13 March. Hear from the program director and current Hansen Scholars, who'll share their experiences and provide tips on submitting a competitive application by the 31 March 2025 deadline.

View details

AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FORCE CAREERS

Become a Cadet

Schools and community groups run cadet programs in the Navy, Army and Air Force. 

Join your school cadet program or go here to find a community cadet program. 

Defence Force Work Experience

Defence Work Experience Program provides young Australians interested in Defence as a future career, the opportunity to sample life in Defence and learn more about the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the Australian Public Service (APS). 

The Defence Work Experience Program is pleased to advise that Defence is offering opportunities for work experience activities. As placements are planned and confirmed, they will be advertised through the “Placements” tab. We encourage you to check the website regularly.

Immersive Days for School Students:

Click here to browse face-to-face and online events from ADF Careers. Events take place every week regularly and are repeated throughout the year. Here are some happening soon:

Part Time Army for 17+ year olds

If you would like to join the army on a part-time basis, consider joining the Army Reserves.

You can choose to work from 20 – 100 days per year, in a block or on weekends. 

The hours are flexible, and training is provided. 

Check out what being a reservist involves HERE. 

Have Defence Pay For Your Degree

The ADF can pay students a salary and benefits while they study at university. 

• Aviation.
• Engineering.
• Software engineering.
• Systems engineering.
• Information technology.
• Cybersecurity.
• Space studies.
• Data science.

Find details HERE.

Australian Defence Force Academy

Have your career paid for and earn a salary while you complete your degree at the University of NSW in Canberra.

You can study lots of courses in the ADF; the video on the webpage has a medical and a dental student talking about their pathways. 

Check out the opportunities HERE. Then make an appointment to see an ADF recruitment officer. 

MEDICINE NEWS

2025 Medicine - University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) Dates 

If you want to apply for medicine in 2026, you will need to undertake a UCAT assessment. Book (when bookings open) via the UCAT ANZ website.

These are the important dates for UCAT in 2025:

Year 12 Opportunities

Curtin Entry to Medicine for 2026 

In Western Australia, only Curtin University takes students into medicine straight from school. 

Candidates from rural and regional areas and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and those from disadvantaged backgrounds will be prioritised. 

• Rural and remote applicants: TheMedicine Faculty at Curtin is keen to address the shortage of doctors in the bush in WA. Contact Associate Professor Keith McNaught - Rural Academic Lead, Curtin Medical School at Keith.Mcnaught@curtin.edu.au

Application Process

• Applicants need to have an ATAR of 95 or higher, including Chemistry with a final score of 50 or higher. (See P4 of the Admission Guide for details.)
• A competitive score on the Universal Clinical Aptitude Test. Bookings for the Test open 4 March. Testing begins 1 July. 
• Applicants then take the Casper Test which was introduced by Curtin last year. 
• Finalists then undertake Multiple Mini Interviews (See P8 of the Guide)

Please refer to the Domestic admissions guide for information. 

School leavers with an outstanding ATAR may be granted an Assured Pathway into post-graduated medicine or dentistry degrees at UWA. 

TRAINING AND VET NEWS

New Apprentice and Trainee Connect Providers

These are the WA organisations that connect apprentices and trainees with employers, and that support them through their training.

Apprentice Connect Australia Providers formerly the Australian Apprentice Support Network.

• BUSY At Work – The Apprenticeship Community (Women in male-dominated trades specialist) 13 28 79, Perth and Surrounds
• Apprenticeship Support Australia (ASA) (Clean Energy specialist) 1300 363 831 Perth and Surrounds, Outback Western Australia
• Apprenticeship Support Australia (ASA) (First Nations specialist) 1300 363 831 Perth and Surrounds, Outback Western Australia
• Apprenticeship Support Australia (ASA) (Women in male-dominated trades specialist) 1300 363 831, Perth and Surrounds, Outback Western Australia
• BUSY At Work – The Apprenticeship Community (Generalist) 13 28 79, Perth and Surrounds
• Apprenticeship Support Australia (ASA) (Generalist) 1300 363 831 Perth and Surrounds, Outback Western Australia
• MEGT (Australia) Ltd (Generalist) 13 6963 Perth and Surrounds, Outback Western Australia

Green Future Apprenticeships

Australia is gearing up to have skills required for green futures. Apprenticeship Support Australia has been identified to provide information and support to help West Australians to fill jobs of the future. 

You can register for information HERE.

GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES 

UWA+ Starter Microcredentials for Year 11 Students

John XXIII College is a UWA+Starter Partner School. Check the UWA+Starter Website for more information about the benefits of studying a UWA micro-credential while you are in Year 11. You can also browse course availability in Term 2, 3 and 4. Expressions of interest for courses in Term 2 close on Friday, 14 March and must be indicated in THIS EOI FORM.

Overview of the application process:

Weekly WA Police Recruitment Sessions – Saturday mornings 

There is no age limit for applying for the WA Police Force. You must be 17 years and 6 months or older to apply for a Police Officer (Entry-level) and over 17 to apply for Cadet or Police Auxiliary Officer roles. 

You can register for a session HERE.

UWA Years 10 & 11 Science, Health & Engineering Camp – July school holidays

This year both Years 10 and 11 students who are interested in any area of science are invited to attend. 

The residential camp is usually held annually in July for students in Years 10 and 11. It is held in Perth and includes visits to The University of Western Australia and other locations of scientific interest around the city. 

Find details HERE.

PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY OPPORTUNITIES

Applications Close 5 March: LeadAbility Course

The LeadAbility Course is a fully funded development opportunity to grow the potential of people with disability and those within the sector who have the potential to lead and generate change. 

Taking place over 7 days across three months, LeadAbility is delivered in person in the CBD. It is designed to build your skills and enable you to become a more influential, confident and effective leader. The Course includes dynamic activities and Community Projects, focusing on understanding leadership, effective communication, teamwork, and community.

Find details HERE.

CanDo Training

Long-time WA career professional Marilyn Garbin has been focusing on supporting school leavers with a disability. You can contact her at. admin@candotraining.com.au or go to https://candotraining.com.au/.

Support for Australian Apprentices with Disability

The Australian Government provides support to Australian Apprentices with disability to help them to reach their full potential as skilled workers. A range of assistance is available including tutorial, mentoring and interpreting services as well as the Disabled Australian Apprentice Wage Support (DAAWS) incentive, which is paid to employers.

Find out more and how to claim HERE. 

Employment Pathways for People with Intellectual Disability

Everyone Can Work is a website designed to help people with intellectual disability and their families understand the support available to get into open employment. 

SPOTLIGHT

Veterinary Science Degrees in 2025 

Included in this matrix is a range of courses specific to Veterinary Science or Veterinary Technology or Veterinary Medicine on offer across Australia. 

Veterinarians diagnose, treat, and help prevent disease and injury in animals. They advise on measures to prevent the occurrence or spread of diseases, ways to improve the health and productivity of animals, and supervision of safety standards for food supplies. (Good Careers Guide).

Veterinary Science and Veterinary Medicine are similar fields – both involve working with animals; however careers in veterinary medicine focus on hands-on animal care, while veterinary science careers tend to focus more on research and instruction (Indeed Careers Guide)

Jane Hedley

Head of Pathways and Transition

Direct: (08) 9383 0416

Email: Jane.Hedley@johnxxiii.edu.au