Careers News
Mrs Yvette Kennedy
September, 2025 - FACT: Those who have goals are 10 times more likely to succeed than those without goals.
National Skills Week 2025 was recently held, celebrating its 15th year of showcasing the power of Vocational Education and Training (VET). This year’s theme, “Explore ALL the Options!”, encourages Australians to consider the diverse and rewarding pathways available through VET across industries such as healthcare, construction, digital technology, engineering, tourism, and emerging fields like AI and cybersecurity. With skills shortages affecting many sectors, National Skills Week highlights the crucial role of VET in equipping people with practical, hands-on skills that fuel Australia’s economy and prepare students for the jobs of today and the future.
At St Aloysius College we proudly support the goals of National Skills Week by bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world industry experience. This term our students have participated in many meaningful work experiences, including participating in the Flight Simulator Experience, learning about careers in Aviation, along with students participating in the NSW Police “You Should Be A Cop” work experience program. Recently, 50 of our Yr 12 students completed their RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) training, providing formal qualifications for employment in the Hospitality industry. In addition to this, Year 11 students were fortunate to listen to a Career Presentation from Alana Kilmartin, author of the book “Unserious Careers”. In this lighthearted presentation, Alana encouraged our students to explore and enjoy their early career years through experimentation, self-discovery, and actionable strategies. She encouraged students to keep their eyes open to a variety of career options, and to take opportunities as they arise.
UAC News
With deadlines fast approaching, Year 12 students need to be aware of the following key dates for university applications:
30 September - Early Bird Deadline - Significant increase to application fee after this date
18 November - Educational Access Scheme (EAS) application and documentation deadline
18 December - ATARs released
23 December - UAC Offers released
University Updates
This time of the year is a big time for Open Days and Early Admission applications. Students need to be aware of closing dates to meet deadlines.
UNSW Open Day - 6 September
USYD Online Open Night - 18 September
Whether you’re exploring your study options, want to understand entry pathways and scholarships, or are curious about USYD, attend this Information Session. Register here:
ACU Guarantee Early Offer Program- closes 15 September. Year 12 students can apply for the ACU Guarantee program for an early university offer based on Year 11 results.
ACU Open Day, North Sydney - 6 September
ACU - Discover Teaching & Psychology - 1 October (Strathfield Campus)
Take part in hands-on workshops where you’ll gain practical insights into what it’s really like to work as a teacher or psychologist. Register here:
ACPE Open Day - 6 September
Discover more about study options for a career in the sport industry. Find out more and register
UTAS Open Day - 6 September
Visit the Open Day event in Sydney (Rozelle Campus). Find out more and register
University of Wollongong Future Talk - 15 September, 7.00pm (webinar)
What an Early Admission offer means, what’s next? This session will guide you through the next steps, including how to navigate UAC, finalise your enrolment, and prepare for university. Register here:
UNSW Elite Athlete Program, Applications close 1 December
The Elite Athletes, Performers and Leaders (EAPL) Program supports students with a flexible entry process that considers both academic and elite achievements and recognises these by awarding adjustment factors (more commonly known as bonus points). Learn more here:
UNSW Aviation Open Day, 20 September
For students who are passionate about flying or curious about a career in aviation. UNSW Aviation Open Day, is held at Bankstown Airport flight training facility. Register here:
ACU VET Pathways
Students who study VET/TAFE courses as part of their HSC can apply for entry to ACU. This pathway lets students start university after school, with their Certificate III given a selection rank of 67. Read more:
University Scholarships /Cadetships
In my last newsletter, I spoke about the value of spending time researching scholarships on offer at a number of universities. Many of these scholarships go unclaimed, so my advice is to research, research, research. Put in an application and see what happens!
Accounting Cadetships
Boroughs Chartered Accountants are offering an Accounting Cadetship for students who are interested in a career in accounting and tax. This program combines practical skills by working in industry, whilst concurrently undertaking an approved degree. For more information visit www.boroughs.net.au/cadets
USYD Scholarships, Information Webinar, September 17, 5.00pm
To make the process easier USYD have created a centralised form where you can be considered for a scholarship through one simple application. In this webinar you will learn about the scholarships on offer, find out about your eligibility, get tips on writing a strong scholarship application and have any questions answered. Register here:
UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture Undergraduate Scholarships, closes 30 September. Valued up to $6,000. Find out more here:
ACU All Points to Teaching (APTT) Program Scholarship - The APTT scholarship offers a fully funded pathway to become a qualified Secondary and/or Special Education teacher while working in select NSW and QLD schools. Learn more here
ACU NextGen Women in STEM Pathways Scholarship - closes 26 October. ACU is offering a $3,000 equity scholarship to support and empower women to pursue a Bachelor of Computer Science/Master of Data Science at ACU North Sydney. Learn more here:
UTS Women in Engineering and IT Cooperative Scholarship - closes 7 September. The aim of the program is to attract, retain and develop women in the fields of Engineering and Information Technology (IT). The scholarship will identify high achieving female students that have a passion and interest to pursue a career in Engineering or IT. Value is $66,000 + 3 internship placements. Learn more here:
TAFE/Colleges
TAFE NSW Fashion Design Studio
The TAFE NSW Fashion Design Studio (FDS) in Ultimo is a “fashion school of excellence.” Consistently ranked in the top 20 fashion design schools worldwide, FDS has over 60 years of creating fashion design excellence. Learn more here:
TAFE NSW Scholarships - Support Students to Study
Every year TAFE awards hundreds of scholarships to students. Learn more here:
NIDA, Applications for 2026 now open
Acting Applications Close 15 September, other degrees close throughout September, including degrees in costume, cultural leadership, design, directing, make-up, musical theatre, props, scenic construction, stage management, technical theatre, and writing. Apply here:
ACPE - Early Entry Pathway
Apply here:
Sydney Design School - Open Day, September 13, 10.00 - 12.00pm
Find our more about a qualification in interior design. Find out more and register
AFTRS Bachelor of Arts Screen - Production, closes 8 October
This course is designed for students with a passion and commitment to creating stories that are powerful and distinctively Australian. Learn more here:
Apprenticeships / Traineeships
Transport for NSW Apprenticeship and Traineeship Programs - Apply now for apprenticeships and traineeships across the state.
J.P. Morgan | 2026 Traineeship Program For current Year 12 students with an interest in working in commercial and investment banking. Apply here:
NECA Electrical Apprenticeships Expression of Interest
Apprenticeships in all electrical fields are available. Express your interest here:
Automotive Apprenticeships - Apprenticeships Are Us
Apprenticeships R Us provides a simple way for automotive businesses across New South Wales to hire apprentices and trainees. Light Vehicle - Heavy Vehicle - Motor Cycle - Spray Painting - Panel Beating - Auto Electrical - Tyre Fitting - Steering and Suspension - Radiator Repairs - Car Detailing - Parts Sales - Automotive Administration. Apply here:
My Trade Start Automotive Pre-Apprenticeship Courses
Our purpose at My Trade Start, is to increase the knowledge and skill level of students, with the aim of preparing them to successfully find an apprenticeship in the Automotive Industry. The course offered by My Trade will be free of charge for all students. Learn more here:
Qantas Cabin Crew
As cabin crew, you’ll join a passionate team committed to exceptional customer service and safety. https://careers.qantas.com/teams-cabin-crew
Other
Western Sydney University HSC Study Sessions, 29 September - 3 October
These will be delivered by highly qualified senior teachers with 24 free sessions across 15 key HSC subject areas, with sessions that include content analysis, tips and strategies, and a detailed exploration of key syllabus and curriculum areas. Students also have the opportunity to sit a practice exam and deconstruction, with feedback and advice from experts.
Sessions Include:
● English Advanced and Standard
● Mathematics Advanced and Standard
● Chemistry
● Physics
● Biology
● Business Studies
● Legal Studies
● Ancient History
● Studies of Religion
● Modern History
● Community & Family Studies
● PDHPE
Register here:
Positions Vacant
Armstrong and Co Projects
Carpentry Apprenticeship
alice@armstrongandco.com.au
0411620084.
As you can see there are many opportunities for our senior students at St Aloysius College, Cronulla. I can be contacted if any students need career advice as they enter into their senior studies or transition from school.
Mrs Yvette Kennedy
Instructional Leader Pathways and Planning
8522 1500