Careers
Year 10 Students Explore Plumbing Careers at PICAC
Year 10 students recently attended the PICAC (Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre) Try-a-Trade Day at Glenwood to explore careers in the plumbing and fire protection industries.
Throughout the morning, students experienced what life as an apprentice can be like by completing practical activities using industry-standard tools and equipment. Under the guidance of experienced trainers, they assembled copper pipework by following technical plans and constructed plastic pipework to replicate a model. These activities highlighted the practical skills, accuracy and attention to detail required in the plumbing trade.
Students also learned about apprenticeship pathways, industry training and the wide range of career opportunities available in plumbing and fire protection. They had the opportunity to ask questions, develop practical skills and consider whether a trade pathway could be part of their future career plans.
A big thank you to the team at PICAC Glenwood for providing such an engaging and informative experience. We look forward to continuing this partnership and offering similar opportunities to students interested in vocational pathways.
Ashton Builds Carpentry Skills at TAFE
Last term, Year 10 student Ashton attended TAFE one day a week for six weeks to complete an Introduction to Carpentry course.
Through this hands-on, project-based program, Ashton developed foundation carpentry skills, including using tools, measuring, marking and setting out, reading plans, sanding and applying finishes. The course also introduced students to construction industry standards, workplace health and safety practices, and pathways into carpentry apprenticeships.
As part of the course, Ashton constructed the timber-framed structure pictured. This practical project allowed him to apply his measuring, marking, framing and tool-handling skills to a realistic construction task.
TAFE courses for Term 4 will be available soon. Interested students should contact Mrs Hicks in the Careers Office for more information.
Student Success – UNSW Engineering Work Experience
Congratulations to Andrew Huang, who has been recognised by the UNSW School of Civil and Environmental Engineering following his participation in its Civil and Environmental Engineering Work Experience Program from 25–29 May 2026.
Andrew’s work experience report was selected as one of the 30 most noteworthy reports submitted by students from across New South Wales. In recognition of this outstanding achievement, he received a gift voucher from UNSW.
This is a fantastic accomplishment, particularly given the high number of applications the program receives each year. We congratulate Andrew on representing Kellyville High School so well and wish him every success as he continues to explore engineering as a future career pathway.
Year 10 Opportunities
Work Experience
A number of Year 10 students have recently completed work experience across a range of industries, including veterinary services, primary education, media, medical services and financial services. Students have enjoyed gaining practical experience, learning about their chosen industries and developing valuable workplace skills.
There is still time for Year 10 students to organise work experience. It is an excellent opportunity to explore a possible career, build confidence and discover what working in an industry is really like.
REMINDER: Students and parents/carers are reminded that a Student Placement Record must be fully completed and submitted to Mrs Hicks for approval before a student begins work experience.
Students must not attend a placement until approval has been confirmed. If the required paperwork has not been submitted and approved:
- the work experience is not considered a school-endorsed activity
- leave from school to attend the placement has not been approved
- the student is not covered by the Department of Education’s insurance should an injury or incident occur.
Interested students should see Mrs Hicks in the Careers Office for information and application forms.
Sydney West Careers and Employment Expo
Parents and carers of Year 10 students are reminded to register their child for the Sydney West Careers and Employment Expo at Sydney Showground on Friday 28 August.
The expo is an excellent opportunity for students to explore future career and study options. They can speak directly with universities, TAFE, training providers and employers while learning about apprenticeships, traineeships and opportunities across a wide range of industries. This experience can help students make informed decisions about senior subjects, work experience and future pathways.
Students will travel to and from the venue by bus. Permission and payment must be completed through School Bytes by Monday 24 August.
Two Places Available – Site Skills Workshop
Two places are still available for the Site Skills Workshop being held at school on Friday 4 September.
This practical workshop will allow students to develop hands-on construction skills, learn about workplace safety and explore careers and pathways within the construction industry.
Students must already hold a valid White Card to participate. Interested students should register online. Places will be allocated to the first two eligible students who register.
Paid School-Based Traineeship in Early Childhood Education
Current Year 10 students can apply for a paid school-based traineeship in a NSW public preschool, commencing in Term 1, 2027.
Successful applicants will complete a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care while gaining 100 days of paid employment over two years. Students will generally work one day per week in a public preschool while balancing their school, work and vocational training commitments.
This opportunity would suit students who enjoy working with young children and are interested in early childhood education. Applications require several supporting documents and must be submitted online by 11:59 pm on Friday 28 August.
Interested students should see Mrs Hicks as soon as possible for assistance with the application. Further information is available on the NSW Department of Education website.
Years 10 and 11
TVET Applications Closing Soon
Applications for 2027 TVET courses close on Friday 11 September.
TVET allows students to study a vocational course at TAFE while completing Years 11 and 12. These courses can provide practical, industry-relevant skills, nationally recognised qualifications and valuable insight into a possible career pathway. Popular choices include Allied Health and Electrotechnology.
Many TVET courses count as two units towards the HSC, and selected courses may contribute to an ATAR when the required examination and assessment conditions are completed.
Interested students should see Mrs Hicks in the Careers Office for further information and an application form.
Year 11
Future Pathways Presentations
Year 11 students will attend Future Pathways presentations at school on Tuesday 25 August.
Students will hear from representatives from Macquarie University, UNSW, Western Sydney University or MEGT. The sessions will provide valuable information about university study, apprenticeships, traineeships and other post-school pathways.
Students will receive an email on Monday confirming their allocated presentation and room.
Year 12
Plan Your Next Steps
Year 12 students are encouraged to continue planning for study, training or employment in 2027.
Students considering university should ensure they have started their UAC application, researched course requirements and checked the closing dates for early-entry programs, the Schools Recommendation Scheme, the Educational Access Scheme and scholarships.
Students interested in TAFE, apprenticeships, traineeships or employment should begin researching opportunities and preparing an up-to-date resume. Every student is also encouraged to consider alternative pathways and develop a backup plan.
Students requiring assistance with course choices, UAC preferences or post-school options should make an appointment with Mrs Hicks in the Careers Office.
Trainee Structural Draftsperson Positions
ABC Consultants is seeking current Year 12 students for several full-time, paid Trainee Structural Draftsperson positions commencing after the HSC.
The traineeship would suit students interested in design, engineering and construction who are not planning to pursue a university degree. Trainees will work four days per week at the company’s Macquarie Park office and attend TAFE Ultimo one day per week to complete a Certificate IV in Engineering Drafting.
No previous experience with AutoCAD or Revit is required; however, applicants should demonstrate attention to detail, effective communication, reliability and a willingness to learn. Interested students can also visit the office to trial the design programs used in the role.
Visit the ABC Consultants website or see Mrs Hicks in the Careers Office for more information.
Macquarie University Leaders and Achievers Application Support
Students considering applying for the Macquarie University Leaders and Achievers Early Entry Scheme are invited to attend an application support workshop at school on Thursday 27 August from 10:50am–11:20am in the Connected Classroom.
Macquarie University student advisers will be available to answer questions and provide students with support and advice for their applications.
Applications close on 3 September, so students are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to receive assistance before submitting their application.
Students can register to attend through the Google Form.
Updated TAFE Sign-In and Sign-Out Process
The process for students signing in and out of school to attend TAFE will soon be updated. Students enrolled in a TVET course will receive a sign-in/sign-out card and must follow the procedures outlined by the school.
Students will not be permitted to leave school for TAFE before their scheduled departure time. They are expected to attend all school classes they can reasonably attend before leaving for TAFE or after returning from their course.
Some students need to leave school early to allow sufficient time to travel to their TVET course, while others may arrive at school later after attending TAFE. Managing these commitments responsibly is part of the privilege of completing a TVET qualification as part of the HSC and was included in the agreement students signed at the beginning of the year.
A meeting will be scheduled shortly to review these expectations and explain the updated process.
Students with any questions should speak with Mrs Hicks.