Pathways and Transition

Jane Hedley, Head of Pathways and Transition, can be contacted on 08 9383 0416 or pathways@johnxxiii.edu.au You can make an appointment to see Ms Hedley using this booking link (which is also on the student SEQTA Splash page) .

In this week’s Pathways and Transition newsletter read about:

• Careers resources for families 
• University news 
• Scholarships
• Australian Defence Force careers
• Medicine news
• Training and VET news
• Growth and development opportunities
• People with a disability news
• Weekly spotlight: La Trobe University (VIC) in 2025

FOR FAMILIES

2025 Career Conversations (free events from The Department of Education WA)

In 2025, the Department of Education (DoE) is excited to bring back the highly anticipated Career Conversations events, offering valuable insights for families and schools across the state. Both parents and students are invited to join a session and discover a wealth of information about:

• where to find the most accurate, up-to-date career pathway info
• exploring university and training pathways
• career pathway information for young people with disabilities
• where the jobs are
• what employers and industries are looking for.

DoE is hosting the following Career Conversations – Pathways and opportunities 2025 events for Term 1 in the metropolitan region:

Don’t miss out – reserve your place today by booking through the link below:

Reserve Your Spot

The Morrisby Profile

All John XXIII College students in Years 10, 11 and 12 have completed their Morrisby Profile (in Years 9 or 10) and have a valuable resource to delve into for career exploration and pathway planning. Students are encouraged to log back into their Morrisby Profiles regularly to view new career matches and information. Morrisby can also be a useful tool to facilitate career discussions between young people and their parents. Troubleshooting with logins can be directed to Ms Hedley, Head of Pathways and Transition.

MyFuture – your one stop shop for career information 

Do quizzes, watch career videos, check out courses, and see what happens when you get into the job. MyFuture takes you on a career exploration pathway. 

• MyFuture is thorough and delivers loads of free information.
• It is supported by ALL Australian governments. 
• The information is not biased by someone trying to sell you something. 
• They have a strong privacy policy and DO NOT share your data. 

You can register HERE.

Your Career – The home of career information

Search industries and occupations to find a career that’s right for you and what you can do to get there. Explore fee-free TAFE. Take an interactive quiz to see what literacy and numeracy skills you’ll use in your chosen industry. 

Click HERE to explore.

Jobs and Skills Centre for Apprenticeships and Traineeships

Parents, employers and students can get free, government funded information and guidance about apprenticeships and traineeships from one of the Jobs and Skills Centres.

If you think a trade or traineeship could be a good pathway for you go to a Jobs and Skills Centre. 

UNIVERSITY NEWS

Go to Open Days 2025 

All students who might be interested in attending university post-school are encouraged to attend university open days this term- go to at least two, so you get a point of comparison.

University Open Day Calendar 2025

Australian National University

Students can begin applying direct to the Australian National University in just a few weeks with applications opening on 3 March 2025.

Applications are free and include applying for admission, accommodation and scholarships in one application.

Offers will be initially released in September using Year 11 or equivalent results and adjustment factors to calculate their selection rank. Students who receive an offer need to complete their final year and obtain an ATAR or equivalent.

Find out more.

Direct application timeline

The University of Sydney undergraduate events

The University of Sydney will run dozens of on-campus and online events for those interested in studying at USYD. Check out their undergraduate events page to book in.

Changed timing for early university offers 

In 2025, Year 12 students can apply to Western Australian university courses via TISC from Tuesday, 3 June. Offers will not be made until later in the year, most likely from September onwards. 

Check out the TISC University Admission Guide for 2026 HERE.

University Rankings

Read about how WA universities performed, according to student satisfaction data, in the Good Universities Guide and via QILT/CompareEd.    

Pathways to University are Changing 

Harmonisation of vocational and uni qualifications happening now

There is a government strategy called the Universities Accord. One of the goals of the Accord is to ensure that qualifications earned through VET are recognised by universities. 

For example, a Diploma in Work Safety and Health may be recognised by universities that offer a degree in Occupational Health and Safety. 

Identifying these opportunities under the Accord began in late 2024 and will gain momentum in 2025. 

When thinking about your pathway to university, consider doing a VET qualification and then seeking credit for your VET qualification at university. 

Advantages of this pathway:

• Many VET qualifications that are in high demand are free or heavily subsidised. 
• Vocational education classes are usually more like school classes rather than big lectures with hundreds of students. 
• When you get your VET qualification, you can work in your field, getting paid for your qualifications, while you study for your degree. 

Case Study 

A vocational education and training Diploma of Nursing takes 18 months and is currently fee-free in Western Australia. Graduates can work as Enrolled Nurses while they undertake their Bachelor of Nursing degrees. Notre Dame already offers one year of credit towards the Bachelor of Nursing at Notre Dame upon completion of the diploma.

Want to become a teacher? ECU Teacher Education School to Split between Joondalup and New Perth Campus

ECU Mt Lawley Campus is to close at the end of this year. 

Some faculties, like Business, IT and Creative Industries, which includes WAAPA, are moving to the new ECU campus being built next to Perth train station. 

The Teacher Education School is to be split across both Joondalup and the city campus. 

Read what is happening to different teacher education degrees HERE. 

SCHOLARSHIPS

Register for Scholarship Alerts

You can create scholarship alerts through the Good Universities Guide and Curtin. They send you emails so that you get information about scholarships as they come up:

• Good Universities Guide
• Curtin

UWA Scholarships 

UWA Fogarty Foundation Scholarship

Open now – closes 20 May 2025

• Up to 10 scholarships for WA Year 12 students*
• Predicted ATAR of 98+ (or 95+ for Broadway UWA schools)
• $12,500 per year for undergraduate study + $10,000 per year for postgraduate study

*Be enrolled as a domestic student in Year 12 at a Western Australian secondary school at the time of application

More details here.

UWA Winthrop Scholarship

Open now – closes 20 June 2025

• Up to five scholarships available
• Domestic* Year 12 students with an ATAR of 95+
• Recognises academic excellence, leadership vision, and community involvement
• $10,000 per year for undergraduate and postgraduate study

*An Australian citizen or permanent resident or holder of a Permanent Humanitarian Visa or a New Zealand citizen.

More details here.

ANU Tuckwell Scholarship

Organisation: Australian National University

Location: Australia

Value: $26,000 AUD per year

Close Date: April 10, 2025

Find out more

AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FORCE CAREERS

Become a Cadet

Schools and community groups run cadet programs in the Navy, Army and Air Force. 

Join your school cadet program or go here to find a community cadet program. 

Defence Force Work Experience

Defence Work Experience Program provides young Australians interested in Defence as a future career, the opportunity to sample life in Defence and learn more about the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the Australian Public Service (APS). 

The Defence Work Experience Program is pleased to advise that Defence is offering opportunities for work experience activities. As placements are planned and confirmed, they will be advertised through the “Placements” tab. We encourage you to check the website regularly.

Immersive Days for School Students:

Click here to browse face-to-face and online events from ADF Careers. Events take place every week regularly and are repeated throughout the year. Here are some happening soon:

Part Time Army for 17+ year olds

If you would like to join the army on a part-time basis, consider joining the Army Reserves.

You can choose to work from 20 – 100 days per year, in a block or on weekends. 

The hours are flexible, and training is provided. 

Check out what being a reservist involves HERE. 

Have Defence Pay For Your Degree

The ADF can pay students a salary and benefits while they study at university. 

• Aviation.
• Engineering.
• Software engineering.
• Systems engineering.
• Information technology.
• Cybersecurity.
• Space studies.
• Data science.

Find details HERE.

Australian Defence Force Academy

Have your career paid for and earn a salary while you complete your degree at the University of NSW in Canberra.

You can study lots of courses in the ADF; the video on the webpage has a medical and a dental student talking about their pathways. 

Check out the opportunities HERE. Then make an appointment to see an ADF recruitment officer. 

MEDICINE NEWS

Medicine Matrix 

The document below shows all Medicine study options, Australia-wide. 

Dentistry Matrix

The document below shows all Dentistry study options, Australia-wide. 

NIE Available programs for Year 9, 10, 11 and 12 students

• Future Doctors Program: Medicine (4-day attendance: Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne).
• Academic Insights Program: Medicine, Psychology Engineering, Business Management, Creative Writing and Veterinary Studies (11-day residential summer holiday program in Sydney).
• Intensive Interview Preparation Workshop 
• UCAT Preparation Workshop - 4 UCAT sections covered + full mock exam under timed conditions + introduction to medical interviews. 
• UCAT Training Course - various levels of preparation and options available to meet individual student needs.

2025 Medicine - University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) Dates 

If you want to apply for medicine in 2026, you will need to undertake a UCAT assessment. Book (when bookings open) via the UCAT ANZ website.

These are the important dates for UCAT in 2025:

Year 12 Opportunities

Curtin Entry to Medicine for 2026 

In Western Australia, only Curtin University takes students into medicine straight from school. 

Candidates from rural and regional areas and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and those from disadvantaged backgrounds will be prioritised. 

• Rural and remote applicants: TheMedicine Faculty at Curtin is keen to address the shortage of doctors in the bush in WA. Contact Associate Professor Keith McNaught - Rural Academic Lead, Curtin Medical School at Keith.Mcnaught@curtin.edu.au

Application Process

• Applicants need to have an ATAR of 95 or higher, including Chemistry with a final score of 50 or higher. (See P4 of the Admission Guide for details.)
• A competitive score on the Universal Clinical Aptitude Test. Bookings for the Test open 4 March. Testing begins 1 July. 
• Applicants then take the Casper Test which was introduced by Curtin last year. 
• Finalists then undertake Multiple Mini Interviews (See P8 of the Guide)

Please refer to the Domestic admissions guide for information. 

School leavers with an outstanding ATAR may be granted an Assured Pathway into post-graduated medicine or dentistry degrees at UWA. 

Work experience options for future medicine students

When it comes to a career in medicine, gaining first-hand experience early on can be invaluable. Work experience, including volunteering, offers you a chance to step into the shoes of medical professionals, providing insights that textbooks simply can't replicate. Read this article from Study Work Grow to gain some work experience ideas for students who are thinking of studying medicine in the future. A reminder that John XXIII College students following a Uni Direct Pathway must organise their own work experience outside of the school term.

TRAINING AND VET NEWS

$10,000 payment to plumbers, electricians and carpenters

Governments are making every effort to increase skilled construction workers. 

Apprentice plumbers, electricians and carpenters are to receive $10,000 payment from the Commonwealth government, spread over their 4-year apprenticeship. Apprentices will receive $2,000 at six, 12, 24, 36 months, and at the completion of their apprenticeship.

What money is already available?

The Construction Training Fund provides information on:

• The $1000 Apprentice Support Bonus
• The $1000 Apprentice Tool Allowance
• The Apprentice Travel and Accommodation Allowance
• The $500 Pre-Apprenticeship Award Payment 

Go HERE to find information on: 

• Try-a-Trade Programs
• Women in the Construction Industry 
• Apprentice support services
• Scholarships

I’ve collated information in Building apprentices‘ road to riches – What support is available for WA construction apprentices. 

Financial support for apprentices in priority occupations

Skills and qualifications that are in high demand, get extra support if you train in a priority occupation.

NEW

There is a new function on the government site that helps you explore priority occupations and find the wages, day-to-day activities and study pathways. 

Find details HERE.

New Apprentice and Trainee Connect Providers

These are the WA organisations that connect apprentices and trainees with employers, and that support them through their training.

Apprentice Connect Australia Providers formerly the Australian Apprentice Support Network.

• BUSY At Work – The Apprenticeship Community (Women in male-dominated trades specialist) 13 28 79, Perth and Surrounds
• Apprenticeship Support Australia (ASA) (Clean Energy specialist) 1300 363 831 Perth and Surrounds, Outback Western Australia
• Apprenticeship Support Australia (ASA) (First Nations specialist) 1300 363 831 Perth and Surrounds, Outback Western Australia
• Apprenticeship Support Australia (ASA) (Women in male-dominated trades specialist) 1300 363 831, Perth and Surrounds, Outback Western Australia
• BUSY At Work – The Apprenticeship Community (Generalist) 13 28 79, Perth and Surrounds
• Apprenticeship Support Australia (ASA) (Generalist) 1300 363 831 Perth and Surrounds, Outback Western Australia
• MEGT (Australia) Ltd (Generalist) 13 6963 Perth and Surrounds, Outback Western Australia

Apprenticeship Support Australia Intake Guide

The Apprenticeship Support Australia booklet is great for West Australian students thinking of an apprenticeship or traineeship. You can find it HERE.

Green Future Apprenticeships

Australia is gearing up to have skills required for green futures. Apprenticeship Support Australia has been identified to provide information and support to help West Australians to fill jobs of the future. 

You can register for information HERE.

GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES 

Register by 21 March: UWA Young Leaders’ Council Workshops for Years 11 & 12

Monday 14 April & Friday 18 July

The UWA Young Leaders’ Council is a subsidiary council of the UWA Student Guild, established in partnership with the University of Western Australia, with the goal of connecting student leaders from across Western Australia and developing practical and applicable leadership skills to be utilised within school and broader community contexts. 

Details on sessions will be posted on the Young Leaders’ Council webpage

31 March 2025: Rotary Youth Exchange for 2026 Applications Close 

Rotary Youth Exchange students spend up to a year in a foreign country with board and accommodation provided by host families. 

It delivers an opportunity to:

• make lifelong friends, 
• expand world views and 
• live and learn in another country. 

Students must be between the ages of 15 and 18 on the 1 January of the year of their exchange. Contact Rotary Youth Exchange Western Australia for details on how to apply. 

WA Government Kickstart Program

About a third of Australia’s jobs are in government. Whether you want to work in agriculture or the arts, there could be an opportunity that will be perfect for you. 

Check out all the different government departments, just in Western Australia. 

The State government has opportunities for:

• Traineeships
• Work experience
• Internships and vacation programs
• Graduate cadetships. 

Explore opportunities to do work experience in a government office HERE. 

Innovators Tea Party Events

The Innovators’ Tea Party links successful women working and training in STEM with high school students through a range of engaging events. 

22 March Speed Networking Saturday STEM Online 

Speed Networking is a free careers event for students in years 10 – 12 who are interested in careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Meet a group of Women in STEM Mentors who share their career stories. Students will have ~10 minutes with each of our incredible Women in STEM mentors before moving on to the next station. Depending on the number of bookings, students may interact 1-1 with each mentor or be in small groups of 2-4.tickets HERE. 

Keeper Careers School Holiday Program

Organisation: Perth Zoo

Location: Perth Zoo

Date: April 16 to April 23, 2025

Have you always dreamed of working with the world's most wondersome animals?

Join our keepers for a day focusing on some of Perth Zoo’s most amazing animals. See parts of the Zoo that you've never seen before, learn about the best job in the world and be introduced to some of our incredible residents.

Suitable for students in Year 9 to Year 12.

Find out more and register

Wild Vets School Holiday Program

Organisation: Perth Zoo

Location: Perth Zoo

Date: July 9 to July 16, 2025

Come and learn from some of Australia's best Vets in this hands-on program.

From tiny frogs to mega rhinos, discover the diverse range of native Australian fauna and exotic wildlife and how they are care for.

Participants spend a day with an inspiring Perth Zoo veterinarian, going behind-the-scenes and gaining a unique perspective of the day-in-the-life of a Zoo Vet.

Suitable for students in Year 9 to Year 12.

Find out more and register.

Experience university with Oxford Royale Summer School

Oxford Royale is the most experienced and professional summer school in the UK and US, giving high school students from around the world the chance to experience student life at some of the world's top universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial London in the UK, and Yale and Berkeley in the US.

What are the benefits of Oxford Royale Summer School? 

Their 2-week courses will allow you to:

• Get a taste of a career area
• Immerse yourself via debates, seminars, guest speakers, and site visits
• Learn about a top UK institution and get a taste of living on campus
• Have fun with students from all over the world – social activities are included
• Learn about how to craft an application to get into the best universities in the world
• Attend inspirational venues and exclusive events
• Network with students from all over the world

What courses are on offer? 

Oxford Royale offers courses in a variety of different areas, catered for students 13-15 years old and 16-18 years old, which include:

• Law and Politics
• Medicine
• Engineering and Technology
• Mathematics
• And many more - you can see their full list of courses here.

When do courses run? 

Courses are typically run 2-3 times a year in July and August and are 2 weeks in length. This makes it possible for international students to travel and attend during the school holidays.

Where can I find out more? 

Learn more about the Oxford Royal Summer School and browse upcoming courses on their website here.

Weekly WA Police Recruitment Sessions – Saturday mornings 

There is no age limit for applying for the WA Police Force. You must be 17 years and 6 months or older to apply for a Police Officer (Entry-level) and over 17 to apply for Cadet or Police Auxiliary Officer roles. 

You can register for a session HERE.

UWA Years 10 & 11 Science, Health & Engineering Camp – July school holidays

This year both Years 10 and 11 students who are interested in any area of science are invited to attend. 

The residential camp is usually held annually in July for students in Years 10 and 11. It is held in Perth and includes visits to The University of Western Australia and other locations of scientific interest around the city. 

Find details HERE.

Online Campus Day AIE

Organisation: Academy of Interactive Entertainment

Location: Online

Date: June 7, 2025

Discover the courses designed to get you started in game development, 3D animation, film and visual effects at the AIE Online Campus Day. AIE will be running this event for students interested in studying online. You will be able to meet their teachers, explore how classes will run, course options, career pathways and see amazing student work.

They will be covering everything you need to know about the:

• careers in games and VFX that we train students for;
• studios and industries that we work with;
• courses we offer - from beginners to professional mastery, and;
• the software, skills and knowledge we teach.

Find out more and register

PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY OPPORTUNITIES

26 March WA Digital Inclusion Project Expo

Families of people with disability. 

This event is designed for people who want to know how the latest technology can support people who have a disability. 

It is on at Boorla Bardip from 9am – 3pm. Get details HERE.

CanDo Training

Long-time WA career professional Marilyn Garbin has been focusing on supporting school leavers with a disability. You can contact her at. admin@candotraining.com.au or go to https://candotraining.com.au/.

Support for Australian Apprentices with Disability

The Australian Government provides support to Australian Apprentices with disability to help them to reach their full potential as skilled workers. A range of assistance is available including tutorial, mentoring and interpreting services as well as the Disabled Australian Apprentice Wage Support (DAAWS) incentive, which is paid to employers.

Find out more and how to claim HERE. 

Employment Pathways for People with Intellectual Disability

Everyone Can Work is a website designed to help people with intellectual disability and their families understand the support available to get into open employment. 

SPOTLIGHT

Snapshot of La Trobe University in 2025

• La Trobe is over 50 years old having enrolled its first students in 1967.
• La Trobe University is ranked in the world’s top 300 universities by Times Higher Education World University rankings 2025, is ranked #45 among the world’s best universities established between 1945 and 1967, and in the top 1% of universities worldwide - Rankings & Ratings. 
• La Trobe has more than 36 000 students and over 3 000 staff, with many courses on offer including numerous double degree options, and postgraduate courses too.
• La Trobe has three metro and four regional campuses plus a number of residential facilities. 
• Over 50% of students who study at the Bendigo campus come from outside of Bendigo - La Trobe - Bendigo with over 500 students living on campus - La Trobe Bendigo Accommodation. 
• La Trobe offers many scholarships – both access and equity scholarships, and academic merit scholarships.
• Student Exchange opportunities are extensive at La Trobe.
• La Trobe ensures that there are opportunities for students to develop skills beyond the knowledge they are gaining at university through work experience, volunteering, and student exchange opportunities, etc. 
• La Trobe has the following Schools and Departments: 
  • La Trobe Business School
  • La Trobe Law School
  • La Trobe Rural Health School
  • School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment
  • School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport
  • School of Computing, Engineering and Mathematical Sciences
  • School of Education
  • School of Humanities and Social Sciences
  • School of Nursing and Midwifery
  • School of Psychology and Public Health
• La Trobe’s Student Excellence Academy provides life changing support and enrichment opportunities that expand on current study and give employment advantages to students.
• La Trobe offers an early admissions program called the Aspire Early Entry Program which is a way to access an adjusted Aspire ATAR for a preferred course and secure an early conditional offer.  There are multiple streams to choose from, so students who give back to their community and achieved good results in Year 11, may be offered a place in their preferred course before they complete Year 12.  These students are also eligible for one of 40 Aspire Scholarships.
• La Trobe offers a range of allied health courses not offered at many other institutions -
  • Health.  Some of these allied health courses offered at La Trobe include:
  • Bachelor of Orthoptics (Honours)
  • Bachelor of Podiatry (Honours)Bachelor of Prosthetics and Orthotics (Honours)

Jane Hedley

Head of Pathways and Transition

Direct: (08) 9383 0416

Email: Jane.Hedley@johnxxiii.edu.au