Careers and Pathways

A visit from Tas Fire

Earlier this term, we were fortunate to be visited by Alex from the Tasmanian Fire Service. Alex is a Recruitment Officer for Tas Fire, and he visited to run an information and activity session with some of our students. 

This group of students were first asked to outline what they thought the most necessary skills for firefighting were – most noting teamwork, communication, confidence and the ability to think quickly. Alex explained how all these skills (and more) are vital and ran our students through some team tasks to activate these skills. 

Our students most notably enjoyed the Arizona Vortex which is a rope support system firefighters use for rescues missions in confined spaces, heights, cliff tops and more. This activity really highlighted the need for teamwork and communication as the four students needed to come together to piece the Vortex together. 

Aspiring Year 12 firefighter, Zane Bennis, was the lucky candidate to dress in the full firefighting outfit – air tank and all! This was a real eye opener for the students to understand not just how heavy the firefighting gear is, but the complexity and order of putting it on. 

Alex was a great source of information for our students and fielded all their questions on recruitment and on-the job demands. We are excited for our next visit from Tas Fire in 2025 so be sure to put your name down for their next visit if this is a career pathway you have been considering. 

University of Tasmania – Know Your Options

Year 12s who are planning on attending UTAS next year are strongly encouraged to attend the Know Your Options day on Thursday 19 December.

This event will give you the opportunity to begin your course enrolments, gain assistance with setting up your HECS/HELP applications and have general questions answered as you move into your first year of university.

If you are attending, UTAS asks that you please bring the following:

• Your Tax File Number (TFN)
• Your Unique Student Identifier (USI)
• Your laptop (loan laptops will be available but you are strongly encouraged to bring your own) 

Non-Academic Capability Assessment Tool (NACAT)

Year 12s who were successful in their application to studying Education or Physical Education at UTAS will need to complete the NACAT as a final entry requirement for their application. 

This assessment tool requires applicants to answer two 500-word personal statements as well as responding to a few multiple-choice questions.

To read more, and access the link to the NACAT, please click here. 

Parent Webinar 6pm, Monday 2 December 2024

In September, UTAS launched their first parent information webinar in conjunction with their new parents and carer webpage. Given the overwhelming response from the community, they are pleased to announce our next webinar in December, which will continue discussions on transitioning to university, finances, and enrolment. 

UTAS will also be introducing a new Parent Information Guide at their December webinar, designed to provide comprehensive support for parents as their teens embark on their next journey.  

Register here 

Year 10 Work Experience 2025

Current Year 9s who will be heading into Year 10 at MacKillop for 2025 can officially begin thinking about their week of work experience! 

All Year 10 students will be required to go on a week of work experience. When students are on their ‘off week’ of work experience, they will complete a week of transition activities organised by the college. 

Monday 5 – Friday 9 May | Fitzroy, Penola and Rice houses on work experience 

Monday 12 – Friday 16 May | Sion, Tenison and Waterford houses on work experience 

I strongly encourage students to start thinking about where they would like to go and even make a few inquiries to see if you can secure your space early! 

Alternatively, if you are a member of our community who would be interested in taking a student for work experience then we would love to hear from you. If you are interested, you can reach out to me directly on sgurney@mackillop.tas.edu.au 

Careers Office Bookings:

A reminder to all students and families that the Careers Office is open for bookings and they can be made via the following link:

https://calendly.com/careers-mcc