Careers Corner

Year 10 Work Experience - An important step toward the future

We would like to remind parents and students that Year 10 Work Experience Week is just around the corner, taking place from Monday 30th June to Friday 4th July. This week marks a significant milestone in our students’ educational journey and offers a valuable glimpse into the world beyond school.

 

Work experience is not just a break from routine, it is a critical opportunity for students to explore career interests, develop essential life skills, and gain confidence in a real-world setting. It allows students to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom to practical situations, helping them see the relevance of their education.

Why is Work Experience So Valuable?

Skill Development – Students build transferable skills such as communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and time management—skills that are highly valued in any profession.

 

Career Exploration – Trying out a job in a real workplace helps students clarify their interests, identify potential career paths, and even eliminate options that may not be the right fit.

 

Increased Employability – A meaningful placement can strengthen a student’s resume and provide valuable talking points for future interviews and applications.

 

Confidence and Independence – Stepping into a professional environment encourages responsibility, adaptability and self-awareness.

 

Networking Opportunities – Students may establish valuable connections that could lead to future part-time jobs, apprenticeships or industry mentoring.

How Can Students Make the Most of It?

We encourage all students to approach their placement with curiosity, enthusiasm and professionalism. Asking questions, taking initiative, and observing how teams collaborate will deepen their understanding of workplace dynamics.

 

We are here to support every student in making this experience meaningful and impactful.

How to choose the right career path?

How to Choose the Right Career Path (Even If You Have No Idea Yet!)

If you’re feeling unsure about what you want to do after school, you’re not alone. Choosing a career can feel like a massive decision, but the good news is that you don’t have to have it all figured out just yet. The key is to explore, stay open to opportunities, and take small steps toward discovering what excites you.

 

1. Start with What You Enjoy

Think about the subjects or activities you naturally enjoy. Do you love working with people? Solving problems? Being creative? Your interests can give you clues about careers that might suit you.

 

Tip: Try out a career quiz or explore the Career Tools platform to discover careers that match your interests.

 

2. Test the Waters

You don’t have to commit to a career straight away—test things out! Look for work experience, casual jobs, volunteering, or online courses to see what sparks your interest.

 

Example: If you think you might enjoy marketing, try running a social media page for a local business or club to see if you enjoy it.

 

3. Talk to People in the Industry

One of the best ways to learn about a career is to hear from people already in the field. Career expos, networking events, or even a simple chat with a teacher, parent, or career advisor can give you insights into different job options.

 

Try This: Reach out to professionals on LinkedIn or ask your career advisor about mentorship opportunities.

 

4. Keep an Open Mind

Many careers today didn’t exist 10 years ago—think about jobs in AI, social media, and sustainability! The workforce is always changing, so stay flexible and focus on building skills like communication, adaptability, and problem-solving.

 

Fun Fact: The average person changes careers 5-7 times in their lifetime, so your first job won’t be your last!

 

5. Don’t Stress—Your Career Journey is a Process

It’s okay if you don’t have all the answers right now. The most important thing is to take small steps, stay curious, and learn as you go. Every experience—whether it’s a part-time job, volunteering, or a short course—helps you figure out what you like (and don’t like).

 

 

VCE and Careers Expo 2025 - This Weekend!

 

Tomorrow (Saturday 3rd May) is the final day of the VCE and Careers Expo 2025 (from 9am until 3pm) at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. This is Australia's biggest education and careers event - now in its 33rd year.

 

For more information on this event, please click on the button below:

 

Get Your Guide to Accounting Careers

Looking for a different way into your dream industry? Accounting opens the doors to following your passions.

 

If you’re passionate about coming up with big-picture solutions and making a real impact on people’s lives, a career in accounting could be exactly what you’re looking for.

You could be at the heart of every business. As an accountant, you’re the problem solver behind every company, brand, and industry you love, using your expertise to help clients achieve their goals.

 

If becoming a business and strategic expert sounds interesting to you, Chartered Accountants ANZ has put together a guide to help you plot your journey.

 

Download your copy of the Career Tools new guide to kickstart your dream career!

 

In this guide, you’ll discover:

  • How your unique strengths and skills could make you a perfect fit for accounting.

  • How accounting is super in-demand, with plenty of career opportunities for the future.

  • The different types of accountants and how they bring different skills, interests and passions to the table.

  • How accountants are using cutting-edge technology like automation and AI to streamline routine tasks and deliver better outcomes for everyone.

  • What life is like as an accountant, including work-life balance, average income, transferable skills and exciting opportunities.

  • How accountants look beyond the dollars and cents to improve areas such as sustainability and social impacts.

  • Some study areas and subjects you could take on to help start on your journey towards becoming an accountant.

 

Are you interested in becoming a Construction Manager?

What is a Construction Manager?

Construction Managers plan, direct and oversee all aspects of the building process – from planning and design to development, construction and the day-to-day operation of the job site. They coordinate architects, engineers, and contractors to ensure projects are completed safely, on time, and within budget.

 

What skills and strengths are needed?

Strong leadership and communication skills to effectively manage teams and stakeholders. A solid understanding of construction methods and materials, along with problem-solving abilities to address challenges that arise. Attention to detail and organisation skills are crucial for keeping projects on track.

 

What are the pathways?

It’s possible to work your way up through experience and on-the-job training, however courses such as a Diploma or Bachelor of Construction Management are recommended.

 

Australian Signals Directorate Careers

Start a career where you’ll help keep Australia secure, do meaningful work and be supported to learn, develop and challenge yourself.

 

What is the Australian Signals Directorate?

The Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) is an Australian Government intelligence agency responsible for collecting foreign signals intelligence and cyber security. 

 

ASD defends Australia from global threats and advances our national interests.

 

Is a career at ASD right for you?

The Australian Signals Directorate are looking for people who are:

  • Curious,

  • Imaginative, and

  • Not deterred by difficult challenges.

ASD’s entry-level programs give school leavers, tertiary students and graduates the opportunity to start your career in an innovative workplace where different ways of thinking are celebrated.

 

No previous work experience is required. You must be an Australian citizen to be eligible for ASD’s entry-level programs.

 

Want to know what it’s like to work at ASD?

If you are interested in finding out the type of things you might be doing, test your problem-solving skills with unique challenges and puzzles designed by ASD staff.

 

Applications are now open for 2026 opportunities.

 

ASD Apprenticeship Program

If you’re in your final year of secondary school, you can apply now for ASD’s 2026 Apprenticeship Program. It offers a unique blend of practical experience, training and support as you start your career.

 

The ASD are looking for Apprentices who are interested in careers in areas including: 

  • Cyber security 

  • Data 

  • Engineering and technical roles 

  • Information and communications technology (ICT) 

  • Languages 

  • Project and program management.

As part of the program, you will: 

  • Do paid work 3 to 4 days per week on tasks that support Australia’s national security. 

  • Be mentored by leading experts while you complete a Certificate IV over 18 months. 

  • Put your new skills to use as you learn in an innovative and dynamic working environment. 

  • ASD will pay for your studies and grant you paid study time to complete your qualification. 

For more information and how to apply, visit ASD Careers.

 

Maths and Stats Research Competition

The 2025 Mathematics and Statistics Research Competition has officially launched!

 

How does it work?

  • It’s free.
  • It’s open to students from across Australia.
  • It’s not an exam - you write a report or make a poster.
  • There is a range of open-ended research topics to choose from.
  • You have until 31 July to undertake research and submit a project.
  • The highest-quality projects are eligible for cash prizes!
  • You may be invited to The University of Melbourne Parkville campus to deliver a presentation on your research!

You can find out more on the FAQ page and in the submission guidelines.

 

How do I enter?

The steps are:

  • Form a team of up to 3.
  • Select a topic from the competition booklet. Click here to be sent a copy.
  • Conduct research and create a report or visual display.
  • Submit your research by the deadline.

Prizes!

Students with the top project receive $500 each and finalists receive $200 each. There are also cash prizes for best visual displays! Check out the 2023 Finalist Projects for some inspiration.

 

Download 2024 Finalist Projects

 

Simpsons Barracks Open Day 2025

Simpson Barracks are holding an Open Day on Sunday, 18th May from 10am until 4pm. There will be military displays and demonstrations and you will be able to interact with soldiers and learn about their daily lives. This is a fantastic opportunity to experience military life up close and personal. 

 

This event is to showcase the various careers within the Army and Defence and students in Years 10 - 12 (as well as their parents) are encouraged to attend. 

 

Date: Sunday 18th May

Time: 10am - 4pm

 

To find out more and reserve your ticket (essential), please click on the button below:

 

PSC Careers Website

We have a fantastic resource available for students. The PSC Careers Website provides you with all of the latest information that will help you make decisions about your future career and your life beyond school. 

 

You can visit this site to find out about university or TAFE courses and any other type of course available across Australia. The site also has information about VCE, you can search for job vacancies and much more. 

 

In addition to this, please do feel free to drop into the Careers Office if you have any questions.