Careers News
Mrs Yvette Kennedy
At the end of last month was National Skills Week. August 19th-25th is a week dedicated to all Australians looking for work, developing their skills and displaying their talents. One of the main focuses of the celebration is to raise the profile and status of vocational learning as a career pathway, which is an area very close to my heart. I encourage you to check out some of the great resources available and events taking place and to hear more about current skill shortages, emerging industries, and opportunities available to young people.
As part of National Skills Week 2024, The Youth Partnership held their annual Excellence in VET Award Ceremony at Parliament of NSW. This prestigious award went to Year 12 Construction student Johnathan Prokopis. Johnathan will complete his HSC with several VET qualifications, including Certificate II Construction Pathways, Certificate III Electrotechnology, and White Card. In addition to this, Year 11 VET students Christopher Hilford and Jett Murphy received recognition for their work with The Youth Partnership Youth Council. We congratulate all of our VET students for their achievements.
Year 12 School Based Apprentices and Trainees
As Year 12 is nearing the completion of their formal studies, I would like to draw your attention to a group of students who have successfully completed the first year of their apprenticeship/traineeship whilst also achieving their HSC. These students have been able to combine part time work with TAFE and studies at school. Congratulations to the following Year 12 School Based Apprentices and Trainees -
Abbey Gorman (Little Shepherd’s Kindy)
Zach Howie (SOL Plumbing)
Lindsay Ireland (SWF Construction)
Zara Jensen (Bixie Colour Salon)
Gracie Kelso (Kareena Hospitality)
Caitlin Schneider (Kareena Hospital)
Timothy Kukevski (Be Inspired Kitchens)
Oliver Lester (NM Electrical)
Taj Tattle-Stewart (NM Electrical)
Christian Manton (Sutton’s Motor)
Stephen Ngu (Mardino Automotive)
Blake Poland (Up N Plumbing)
UAC News
As students complete their university enrolments, a reminder that UAC will be closing for Early Bird applications on 30 September. For anyone wanting to apply for undergraduate study in 2025, I encourage you to complete and pay for your application before midnight on 30 September, when the processing charge increases. Once you’ve applied, you can change your preferences as many times as you like.
Keep your options open by taking the time to understand how the university application process works, how institutions use the ATAR to select students, non-ATAR pathways to tertiary study, and the many levels of financial support available to you. Learn more here:
How to transfer to a different degree
Many students enrol in a course with a plan to transfer into another course after completing a year’s study. A typical example is completing one year of a general degree (such as Arts) and then transferring to a more specialised degree (such as Arts/Law). Learn more about how to transfer to a different degree here:
Educational Access Scheme (EAS)
Any student who believes that they have experienced disrupted schooling (due to difficult circumstances) may be entitled to apply for the Educational Access Scheme (EAS). Support documents need to be loaded onto UAC. Applications will close on 21 November. For more information, visit here:
University Updates
UOW Pre-Medicine Degree
The Bachelor of Pre-Medicine, Science and Health is a three-year undergraduate degree providing a solid foundation towards graduate medicine, dentistry, veterinary studies, optometry, podiatry, physiotherapy or pharmacy. This degree will explore core content for medical school entry including academic literacy, critical thinking skills and an understanding of what it takes to be a successful health practitioner. Learn more here:
UOW Journalism School Holiday Workshops, 1 & 2 October
Passionate about communication and news? Ever dreamt of being on TV? Sign up now to attend workshops on Audio Journalism or Video Journalism. Learn more here:
UTS Early Entry Program offer and enrolment session, 27 September, 4pm
Received an early entry offer? Attend this session to learn more about the acceptance process and enrollment. Register here:
UTS - Support your UAC application with the Engineering and IT Questionnaire
If you fall short of the selection rank requirement by one to three points, UTS will consider your application if you submit the Engineering and IT Questionnaire. You must select UTS Engineering or IT as your first preference in UAC.
UNSW Experience Engineering Day, 9 October
UNSW invites Years 10-12 students to Experience Engineering Day event. Take part in interactive and hands-on learning experiences. Register here:
ACU - Discover Law and Criminology, 28 November, 4 - 6pm
These hands-on activities will provide you with an insight into the Australian legal system and its functions. Find out more
TAFE/Colleges
TAFE Degrees
You don't need an ATAR to study a degree with TAFE NSW, but can graduate with a bachelor degree. Learn more here:
5 Free TAFE Courses For a Rewarding Career in Science
A TAFE qualification could help you transition from school to uni, or it could get you the entry-level position you need to kickstart your dream career in science. Learn more here:
TAFE NSW - Supporting You Every Step of the Way
The TAFE NSW Counselling and Career Development Service is free and is designed to help you succeed in your studies at TAFE NSW. Learn more here:
Sydney Design School - Interior Decoration Workshop, 2-3 October
If you love interiors this two day workshop is for you. Learn more here:
ACPE Open Day, 28 September
Exploring study options for a career in the sport industry? Learn more at this ACPE Open Day.
JMC Academy - Early Entry Program. Apply here:
Scholarships
Each year I encourage our students to research scholarships available to them as they complete further study. The application may take some time, but the rewards are definitely worth it.
University of Wollongong
Real Futures Grant Now Open, Closes 31 October
The value of this Grant is $5,000. To be eligible you must be enrolled full-time in an accredited Australian Tertiary Education Institution and be studying for a certificate, diploma, degree or traineeship in any of the following areas: Business, Finance, Medicine or Health Care. Learn more here:
Westpac Young Technologists Scholarship, closes 13 January 2025
The Westpac Young Technologists Scholarship was made for talented and inquisitive high school graduates looking to strengthen their passion and expertise in technology to innovate and create new opportunities and inspire good in the world of STEM. Scholarship is valued up to $20,000 and is awarded annually to approximately 35 people. Find out more
Apprenticeships, Traineeships
Autosports Group Apprenticeship Opportunities Autosports Group are planning the next intake of Apprentices for the end of 2024, start of 2025. If interested contact: 1300 125 179.
Master Builders Association NSW Master Builders is now taking applications for apprenticeship or traineeship opportunities in the building and construction industry. For more information, visit https://www.mbaapprenticeship.com.au/
Master Builders Association of NSW Pre-Apprenticeships, starting 4th November. This 3-week entry level training program provides an introduction into both the industry and a carpentry trade prior to commencing an apprenticeship. Learn more here:
NECA Electrical Apprenticeship Open Day, 2 October. Register here:
Other
WSU | Free Online HSC Study Sessions, September 30 to October 4
Western Sydney University will be offering a range of online study sessions to assist Year 12 students in their preparations for the HSC. Delivered by highly qualified senior teachers with 24 free sessions across 15 key HSC subject areas, the sessions will 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. Find out more
Job Vacancies
Warren Saunders Insurance
Traineeship - General Insurance
No experience required
Contact: Marika Fitzjohn
J.Gillette Plumbing
1st year Plumbing Apprenticeship
Contact: Tara Gillette
02 9188 6206
Entrenched Landscape and Design
1st year apprenticeship
Contact: Mr Callendar
david.callander@syd.catholic.edu.au
St Aloysius College
SummerJobs.com.au
Casual jobs - https://summerjobs.com.au
Careers at Council Current Vacancies
A huge range of traineeships, apprenticeships and cadetships are available in councils across NSW. For more information - https://www.careersatcouncil.com.au/jobs/
Musical Instrument Repair Technician (Woodwind & Brass)
Leisure Coast Windward and Brass,
Kiera Street, Wollongong
To apply, visit www.lcwb.com.au/jobs.
As students are completing their HSC or Preliminary Year, I am available to meet to discuss pathways for further study or careers post school. Please contact me via email or phone.
Mrs Yvette Kennedy
Instructional Leader Pathways and Partnerships
yvette.kennedy@syd.catholic.edu.au
8522 1500