Careers News

Nicole WILSON

Leading Teacher - Pathways and Transitions

Classroom Teacher

Swinburne University Experience

On Friday 28 August, the Careers team took our Year 11 cohort to Swinburne University for a full-day careers experience. Students made their own way to the venue, meeting staff at the train station located inside the Swinburne campus.

The day began with an introductory lecture, where a Swinburne staff member outlined the university's programs and courses. She highlighted that Swinburne is Victoria's highest-rated university for graduate employment, a result of its strong industry connections and the work experience opportunities built into its courses. She also spoke about Swinburne's early entry program, encouraging students to apply in May next year, and gave an overview of the different campuses and course offerings.

Students then took part in two workshops of their choosing, selected from a wide range of industry areas including astronomy, aviation, business, health, engineering, design, law and fashion. I personally attended the astronomy and aviation workshops. In the aviation workshop, students had the chance to "fly" an A320 aeroplane simulator, taking turns at guided take-offs and landings — a definite highlight of the day that students thoroughly enjoyed.

After lunch, students heard from three current Swinburne students, one of whom is a Highvale alumnus. They shared their pathways to university, their experiences so far, their future goals and what university life is really like, before taking questions from students.

Feedback from students was overwhelmingly positive, and we're looking forward to making this an annual program.

Careers Education

During Connect lessons in recent weeks, the Careers team have been providing students with a range of valuable opportunities.

The Year 9 cohort have been learning about getting a job, starting with a presentation led by Ms Kellie Egan, one of Highvale's careers practitioners. This was followed by lessons on creating a resume, applying for jobs and preparing for interviews. As many Year 9 students are reaching the age where they might start applying for work, these sessions were designed to help them stand out from the crowd and give them the best chance of landing their first job.

Our Year 8 cohort have also been taking part in careers lessons exploring what work is, why people work, and the benefits of both paid and unpaid work. Students are learning about the value of volunteering, the range of volunteering opportunities available, and how volunteering can help build skills for future employment. This has been delivered through the Career Tools Platform.

The Careers team have also been working closely with our Year 12 students to prepare them for further study or work beyond secondary school. Ms Egan and Ms Giles both presented to students, explaining the process for applying to post-school institutions through the VTAC website. The team, along with Connect teachers, then supported students to create their VTAC accounts and begin entering their preferences. They are also spending considerable time working individually with Year 12 students to support their applications. Students and parents are encouraged to look at compass newsfeed where Ms Egan has posted the presentation and many other useful guides to support students with the VTAC/SEAS and scholarship process.

SEPTEMBER SCHOOL HOLIDAY EVENTS 2026

Please see below some great opportunities for students in the upcoming holidays.

ACU – Guided Tours

ACU will be running guided tours during the September holidays.

La Trobe Bundoora (Melbourne) Campus – Talk & Tours

Campus Talk and Tours are back for the September school holidays! This is an excellent opportunity for those students who missed out on the Open Day. Tours depart at 10.00am and 12.00pm and take around 45 minutes. Afterwards, students who do not take the

accommodation tour can sit down with a course advisor to chat about study options.

Dates:         Tuesday 22 September - Wednesday 23 September 2026

Times:        10.00am - 1.00pm each day

Location:   La Trobe University, Plenty Rd, Bundoora

Book at tour at Bundoora Campus Talk & Tours.

Melbourne Zoo: Voice for Wildlife Program

Over four action-packed days this program will explore animal welfare, community campaigns, and behaviour change—all through the lens of Zoos Victoria’s Safe Cat, Safe Wildlife campaign. Open to students in 14 -18 years old, and limited to thirty participants, so students should act quickly!

Dates:      Monday 21 September & Tuesday 24 September 2026

Times:     9.30am – 3.30pm

Cost:        Zoo Member: $495 and Non-Zoo Member: $550

Book a spot at Voice for Wildlife Program | Melbourne Zoo.  

Monash University: School Holiday Campus Tours

Ready to explore all that Monash has to offer? Whether you’re seeking general insights, tailored course advice, a campus experience, or the chance to connect with our students and staff, our events provide the perfect starting point. We can’t wait to welcome you!

Register at Events - Discover Monash.

Monash University: Experience Day Workshops

Discover Monash Art, Design and Architecture these coming school holidays. Explore our Caulfield studios, learn from expert lecturers, and choose from workshops in drawing, design, architecture, or curating. These workshops are best suited to Year 11 and 12 students.

Register at Experience day workshops - Art, Design and Architecture

Monash University: Health Student Experience Day

Open to all Year 10 to 12 students interested in a career in health. Explore occupational therapy, physiotherapy, paramedicine, speech pathology, and nursing and midwifery through interactive workshops.

Date:                Tuesday 22 September 2026

Time:               10.00am – 2.00pm

Location:        Monash University Peninsula Campus Frankston

Register at Health Student Experience Day at Peninsula Campus.

RMIT Student for a Day

Students in Years 10 – 12 are invited to get some hands-on time with a study area they are interested in, explore something entirely new, and experience their future Uni campus.

Date:               Wednesday 30 September 2026

Time:              10.00am – 3.30pm

Location:       Storey Hall auditorium, Building 16 RMIT University City Campus

Find out more about the program and/or register at RMIT Student for a Day.

AE Institute – Create for a Day

Dive into creative projects just like a real SAE student. Create for a Day is all about exploring what you love. Choose from a range of hands-on creative workshops led by SAE mentors and dive into a project that inspires you.

Date:                  Saturday 3 October 2026

Time:                 10.00am – 3.00pm

Location:          235 Normanby Road in South Melbourne

Cost:                  $25 (including lunch)

Find out more about the program and/or register at SAE Institute – Create for a Day Melbourne.

Whitehouse Institute of Design Workshops

Whitehouse Institute of Design is running a couple of workshops over the holidays. Students interested in fashion – whether it is creating garments, or fashion photography – might be keen on signing up for one of the following: 

STUDIO LIGHTING AND FASHION PHOTOGRAPHY

This is a hands-on 1-day workshop designed for aspiring photographers eager to learn the fundamentals of camera settings, studio lighting, and fashion photography.

Dates:              Monday 21 September 2026

Time:               10.00am – 4.00pm

Venue:             Whitehouse Institute of Design, Level 4/672 Bourke St, Melbourne

Book a spot here for the workshop.

FOUNDATIONAL SEWING WORKSHOP

This workshop is for aspiring designers and recommended as a starting point for those wishing to develop their illustration skills. At the end of this workshop, you will have the skills to produce a strong portfolio.

Dates:             Saturday 19 September 2026

Time:              10.00am – 3.00pm

Venue:            Whitehouse Institute of Design, Level 4/672 Bourke St, Melbourne

Book a spot here for the workshop.

William Angliss Institute Patisserie Experience Day

Year 10 – 12 students will create delicious treats, enjoy lunch at one of the student-run venues, and discover the sweet side of culinary arts.

Date:                Tuesday 22 September 2026

Time:               9.00am – 1.00pm OR 12.00pm – 4.00pm (pick a session)

Location:        William Angliss Institute, 555 La Trobe St, Melbourne 

Cost:                $45

Find out more and/or register at Patisserie Experience Day.