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: careers in Business  

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

NIE Offerings

Considering a Career in Medicine or Dentistry?

Students considering a career in medicine or dentistry, during Year 12 will need to sit a compulsory entry exam known as the UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) before they can apply for relevant placements in the aforementioned fields of study within most universities in Australia.

FREE webinar: Pathways into Medicine and Dentistry 

• Topics: UCAT / GAMSAT / Interviews / University Applications / University selection criteria / Gap year / Plan B, and much more...)
• When:  18 February 2025,  7:00pm – 9:00 pm (AEDT)
• Audience: An excellent opportunity for Year 10, 11 and 12 students, parents, and teachers. 
• Presenter: Zobair Bary (Author & coordinator of the NIE Medical and Dental School UCAT and interview training programs. Founder of the Future Doctors Australia Program).

REGISTER 

What else is on at NIE?

Available programs for Year 9, 10, 11 and 12 students

• Future Doctors Program: Medicine (4-day attendance: Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne).
• Academic Insights Program: Medicine, Psychology Engineering, Business Management, Creative Writing and Veterinary Studies (11-day residential summer holiday program in Sydney).
• Intensive Interview Preparation Workshop 
• UCAT Preparation Workshop - 4 UCAT sections covered + full mock exam under timed conditions + introduction to medical interviews. 
• UCAT Training Course - various levels of preparation and options available to meet individual student needs.

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

Business Pathway Spotlight

Business is all about creating and delivering products or services that meet people's needs. Whether it's a small local café or a major tech company, businesses need to understand what their customers want and how to provide it.

This pathway might be right for you if you are interested in the dynamics of the corporate world and enjoy strategising and problem-solving to drive success.

What do careers in this pathway involve? 

Business success requires strong communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills. You might find yourself launching new products, developing marketing strategies, or even starting your own company one day.

Since markets and technology always evolve, business careers offer plenty of opportunities to learn and grow professionally.

What are some important human skills for this pathway? 

• Innovation
• Collaboration
• Communication
• Decision-making
• Social awareness

What are some of the tasks involved? 

• Provide customer service
• Manage staff and operations
• Undertake sales and marketing activities
• Distribute, write, and edit documents
• Maintain records and files
• Procure supplies and stock
• Present information to others
• Perform administrative tasks
• Collaborate with clients and stakeholders

What kind of work environment and conditions can I expect? 

Many careers in this pathway involve working indoors, usually in an office or retail environment. Depending on your role, you may have the chance to travel to meet with clients and stakeholders. Opportunities to work remotely or from home are also common.

Lots of roles in this pathway are highly flexible, with opportunities for casual, part-time, and full-time work. Self-employment is also a viable option.

Where can a business pathway take me?

Interested in a career in business? There are many roles you might like to consider – here are just a few.

Entry level roles 

These jobs can be started with little or no training or experience, and are great as a stepping stone towards more senior roles in the pathway.

Company Secretary 

Manage the administrative requirements of an organisation, making sure the company runs smoothly and meets important deadlines while also supporting senior staff with their duties.

Contract Administrator 

Write up and file contracts between businesses and their clients or suppliers, making sure all the paperwork is correct, deadlines are met, and both parties fulfil their agreements.

Rostering Officer 

Create and manage staff work schedules, ensuring there are enough people working at the right times while considering factors like employee availability and budget constraints.

Wholesaler 

Buy products in bulk from manufacturers and sell them to retail stores or other businesses, acting as a middleperson between the people who make products and the stores that sell them to customers.

Importer or Exporter 

Manage the buying and selling of goods between different countries, handling everything from finding international business partners to organising shipping and making sure all customs requirements are met.

Mid-level roles 

Once you have some further study or experience under your belt, you might like to consider moving into one of these roles.

Accountant 

Help individuals or businesses manage their money by tracking income and expenses, preparing financial reports, handling tax matters, and giving advice on financial decisions.

Advertising Specialist 

Create advertising campaigns to promote products or services, coming up with creative ways to reach customers through different media like social media, TV, or billboards.

Human Resources Advisor 

Support other employees in a business with workplace concerns, career development, and training opportunities, as well as making sure everyone is treated fairly.

ICT Business Analyst 

Work with businesses to understand their technology needs, then recommend and help implement computer systems and software that will help the business work better.

Business Broker 

Help people buy and sell businesses, kind of like a real estate agent but for entire companies - find potential buyers, determine fair prices, and help with all the paperwork involved in the sale.

Marketing Specialist 

Develop strategies to promote products or services, studying what customers want and finding the best ways to reach them, whether through social media, events, emails, or other channels.

Senior level roles 

These jobs will require extensive further education or many years of experience, but are also highly rewarding.

Corporate Services Manager 

Oversee all the support services that help a business run smoothly, like office management, IT systems, and facilities, making sure everything works together efficiently.

Finance Manager 

Lead the financial operations of a business, making important decisions about budgets, investments, and spending while ensuring the company stays financially healthy.

Human Resources Manager 

Lead the HR team and all things people-related in an organisation, from creating workplace policies and managing recruitment to overseeing staff training and development programs.

Advertising Manager 

Make decisions about advertising campaigns and strategies while managing relationships with clients and creative teams to promote products or services effectively.

Business Development Manager 

Find ways to help a company grow by identifying new business opportunities, building relationships with potential clients, and developing strategies to increase sales and revenue.

Chief Executive or Managing Director 

The highest-ranking person in a company, making the big decisions about the organisation's future, setting overall goals, and leading the senior management team.

Corporate General Manager 

Manage the daily operations of a specific division or branch of a large company, ensuring they meet their goals while working with other managers across the organisation.

Similar pathways 

If these business pathways aren’t quite right for you, you might like to explore some other similar pathways instead.

Finance 

Analyse, strategise, and manage financial resources for individuals and organisations.

Management 

Organise, lead, and coordinate teams to achieve organisational goals.

Advertising 

Create persuasive campaigns, analyse market trends, and design visually appealing advertisements.

How can I build experience in this pathway? 

If you’re still in high school and want to find out if a career in business is right for you, here are some activities you can do:

• Conduct a market research survey to understand consumer needs
• Draft a simple business plan to learn business strategy
• Take a virtual corporate tour to see different business departments

Study Work Grow recommends studying these subjects in high school:

• English
• Mathematics
• Business
• Legal Studies

Here are some suggestions of places you might like to try and find work experience:

• Start-ups or small businesses in various industries
• Non-profit organisations or NGOs
• Government agencies or departments
• Trade associations or professional organisations
• Social enterprises or impact-driven companies

Where can I find out more? 

You can explore other career pathways and find in-depth information on specific jobs on the Study Work Grow website.

Jane Hedley

Head of Pathways and Transition

Direct: (08) 9383 0416

Email: Jane.Hedley@johnxxiii.edu.au