Careers & VET News

Transitional Pathways, Careers & VET

Career opportunities and information continues to be available for McCarthy students.

Your Future Starts Now: Planning for Year 10 and Beyond

As our Year 9 students approach the end of the school year, it’s a great time for them to start thinking ahead to life beyond Year 10. Next year will bring important decisions about subject selections, potential pathways, and career interests. Year 10 also provides valuable opportunities for students to explore different career options through work experience, helping them discover areas they might enjoy or wish to pursue further. Whether students continue with senior studies, take on a TAFE course, or move toward work-based learning pathways, early discussions with the Transitions and Pathways Team can make a big difference.

McCarthy Catholic College - Work Experience Program

Work Experience is a great way for students to “try before they buy” with a particular job - in other words, it gives students the opportunity to gain real-world insights and practical skills that will prepare them for future success.

To maximise this valuable opportunity, students need to follow a series of practical steps to set up and complete their work experience, with parents/carers’ support and encouragement playing a crucial role in helping us provide valuable opportunities for our students.

Key Steps for Students to Proceed with Work Experience

Discuss Work Experience Opportunities with the Careers Adviser
Students should begin by meeting with their careers adviser to explore potential industries and workplaces, get advice on suitable placements, and understand how our school facilitates work experience.
Collect the Work Experience Pack from the Careers Adviser
The pack contains all necessary forms and information regarding work experience, including agreements, and safety and insurance guidelines. As required by Catholic Schools NSW, students must complete and return all documentation in the pack to their careers adviser before the commencement of their work experience to comply with school policies and insurance requirements. Importantly, the work experience needs to be formally approved by the College Principal before it can proceed.
Decide on an Occupation or Industry
Based on discussions and interests, students select the type of work or industry they want to experience. (Please note: Students are required to hold a White Card if entering a construction site).
Find a Suitable Host Workplace
Students identify and approach workplaces that offer student work experience, with support from the careers adviser.
Set up the Work Experience
This involves securing approval from the College Principal, completing and signing all required forms and agreements by the student, parent/carer, employer, and school, and fulfilling any inductions or preparation.
Undertake Work Experience
Students participate actively in their work experience and follow workplace safety and guidelines. If a student is unable to attend their placement, both the school and the host employer must be notified as soon as possible.

Some students may receive employment opportunities after completing their work experience; however, specific steps must be followed to ensure compliance with education and employment regulations. Since 2010, all NSW students must complete Year 10. After Year 10 and until they turn 17, students must be engaged in one or a combination of the following:

Attending school or registered for home schooling
Enrolled in approved education or training
Employed full-time (averaging at least 25 hours per week).

Upon receiving an employment offer, students must inform and discuss the opportunity with the careers adviser, as students will be required to provide the College with:

A letter of offer from the employer
Employment contract
Training Plan (if undertaking an apprentice or traineeship)
McCarthy-specific paperwork (provided to the student).

All documentation must be received, signed, and approved by the College Principal and Armidale Catholic Schools. Students cannot commence employment during designated school hours until all paperwork and approvals are complete.

Work Experience

Year 10 students are also encouraged to take part in work experience opportunities - it’s a valuable chance to explore career interests, gain practical skills, and build confidence outside the classroom. Please see the Careers Adviser for more information.

EVET Success for Year 10 Students

Congratulations to our Year 10 students who have been successful in securing a place in an EVET (External Vocational Education and Training) course as part of their Year 11 and 12 study pathway. These students will have the opportunity to begin industry-recognised training through TAFE NSW and other providers, gaining valuable skills and experience while working towards their HSC. Their commitment and enthusiasm for pursuing a vocational learning pathway is commendable and the Transitions and Pathways Team look forward to supporting them as they take this important step toward their future careers.

Apprenticeship Success

A number of our students have been successful in gaining full-time apprenticeships for 2026. These outcomes have stemmed from the students’ participation in our Work Experience Program, which provided them with valuable opportunities to explore career interests, demonstrate their skills, and impress potential employers. We wish these students every success as they embark on their apprenticeship journeys.

Career Spotlight!

Wondering what’s possible? Check out this week’s Career Spotlight

How to become a Teacher

If you’re patient and resilient, have excellent communication skills, and want to make a difference in young people’s lives, teaching could be a great career to consider. You might like to find out how to get there in this Career Spotlight.

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