Careers & Pathways
Senior School Years 9 - 12
Important Dates
11 - 17 May: National Careers Week
Wed 13 May: Yr 9 Morrisby Testing
Wed 13 May: Yr 9 Mock Interviews
Wed 13 May: Yr 10 Swinburne Uni visit
25 - 29 May: Yr 10 Work Experience
Know Your Rights at Work
Starting work is an exciting step toward independence. Whether students are preparing for work experience or their first job, understanding workplace rights helps them feel confident, stay safe, and have positive experiences at work.
Being a good worker matters but being treated fairly matters too.
In Australia, all workers, including students, are protected by Fair Work laws. These laws apply to work experience, as well as casual and part‑time employment, and ensure everyone is treated fairly, safely, and with respect.
Young workers have the right to a safe workplace, proper training and supervision, clear information about hours, breaks, and pay (if employed), and respectful treatment free from bullying or harassment. It is also okay to ask questions or raise concerns.
Workplaces also have expectations. Students are expected to arrive on time, follow instructions, dress appropriately, and communicate respectfully if they are unwell or running late. Understanding both rights and responsibilities helps students build confidence and good work habits.
Although work experience is usually unpaid, students are still entitled to a safe environment, clear instructions, supervision, and support. Students should also know they can say no to unsafe tasks and ask for help if unsure. When starting paid work, students should understand their pay and breaks, and keep basic records. Unpaid trial shifts are usually not allowed.
Knowing where to get help allows students to enter the workforce feeling informed, supported, and safe.
Where Can Students Get Help?
If students have concerns or questions about work, they can seek help from a teacher, parent/guardian, or trusted adult. They can also contact any of the following services for advice or support:
Fair Work Ombudsman
Young Workers Centre
https://www.youngworkers.org.au
Youth Law Australia
WorkSafe Victoria https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au
Year 12 – VTAC CourseSearch
We continue to meet regularly with our Year 12 students to discuss their post‑school pathway options, and one resource comes up in every conversation VTAC CourseSearch.
VTAC CourseSearch is the one‑stop shop for exploring tertiary study options across universities and TAFE. During individual meetings, we show students how to use the platform effectively: how to search by area of interest, compare courses across different institutions, and identify key information such as ATAR requirements, prerequisite subjects, available majors and course structures. Once students identify courses of interest, we strongly encourage them to visit individual institution websites to explore course details in greater depth.
Now is the ideal time for students to begin or continue this research. Early exploration allows students to approach upcoming Open Days in July and August with purpose and confidence, asking informed questions and gaining a genuine feel for whether a course or institution is the right fit. Students who take the time to research now are far better positioned to make calm, confident and well‑informed VTAC preference decisions later in the year.
How Parents Can Help
Parents play an important role in this process, and support does not require expert knowledge of the tertiary system. Simple but powerful ways to help include:
Encouraging your child to regularly explore VTAC, not just once
Sitting down together to look at courses and asking questions such as:
What interests you about this course?
What subjects does it lead to?
Where could this qualification take you?
Talking about upcoming Open Days and helping plan which ones to attend
Reminding students to check prerequisites and understand entry requirements early
Encouraging open discussion without pressure, allowing interests to evolve
These conversations help students clarify their thinking and feel supported as they navigate important decisions.
Check out the Year 12 Guide for further information. We strongly encourage both students and parents to read through this and begin exploring together.
A little time invested now can make a significant difference later.
Items in the 24th April edition of the Career News include:
Dates to Diarise in Term 2
VCE and Careers Expo 2026
JMC Academy Open Day – May 2026
University of Melbourne: Open House 2026 - Residential Colleges
Collarts Information Sessions
Careers in Sports Medicine Evening
VU Early Entry Program
Torrens University: Free Interior Design and Decoration Short Course
News about the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education at Box Hill Institute
Accounting & Actuarial Science Degrees in Victoria in 2026
Banking and Finance Degrees in Victoria in 2026
Snapshot of La Trobe University in 2026
Items in the 1st May edition of the Career News include:
Dates to Diarise in Term 2
ANU Information Sessions in Melbourne
REMINDER: VCE and Careers Expo 2026
Jobs Projections to May 2035
ACU: Talk with Industry Webinars
Monash University - Business Explorer 2026
Bond University Scholarships – 2027 Entry
UTAS: Bachelor of Pharmacy with Honours – Fast Track
The Hotel School – Tourism Insights Melbourne Event
SAE: Create for a Day
Animals, Conservation, Wildlife & Zoology Degrees in Victoria in 2026
Snapshot of the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in 2026
Tanya Notman
tno@wantirnacollege.vic.edu.au
Tim Knowles
kno@wantirnacollege.vic.edu.au
Careers Practitioners