Careers and Transition

CAT Faculty Update

It has been another busy and exciting term in the CAT Faculty, with students engaging in a wide range of valuable career development opportunities. It has been wonderful to see so many students taking advantage of experiences that help them explore future pathways, connect with industry professionals and build confidence in planning for life beyond school.

Newcastle University UniSteps Alumni Lunch

Selected Year 10, 11 and 12 students recently attended the Newcastle University UniSteps Alumni Lunch. The event provided students with the opportunity to reconnect with the UniSteps program, hear from alumni and university staff, and further explore future study and career pathways. A highlight of the day was the delicious catering prepared by Ms Bryson and our talented Year 10 Food Technology students, who did an outstanding job creating a scrumptious menu enjoyed by all attendees. We are incredibly proud of the professionalism and skill demonstrated by our students.

Hunter Valley Careers Expo

On Friday 15th May, 79 students from Years 10, 11 and 12 attended the Hunter Valley Careers Expo. With approximately 100 exhibitors in attendance, students had access to a huge range of information relating to universities, training organisations, apprenticeships, traineeships, employment opportunities and industry pathways. Students represented the school exceptionally well and embraced the opportunity to speak with exhibitors, ask questions and gather valuable information to support their future career planning.

Year 10 UniSteps – Construction and Architecture Program

On Thursday 14th May selected Year 10 students participated in the Newcastle University UniSteps Construction and Architecture Program. Students enjoyed a fantastic day working alongside university academics and industry professionals, gaining insight into careers within construction, architecture and the built environment. The hands-on experiences and discussions provided students with a greater understanding of the wide variety of pathways available within these growing industries.

Mining HER Future Program

A group of students recently attended the Mining HER Future program presented by the Educational Pathways Program and THEISS at Singleton Civic Centre. This engaging and inspiring day provided students with the opportunity to learn more about careers available within the mining and resources industry while hearing directly from women currently working in the field. Students who attended this opportunity will also have the chance to participate in a follow-up program, providing further industry exposure, mentoring and pathway exploration. The day was an excellent opportunity for students to broaden their understanding of careers within this important industry sector.

Master Chef Program

Students recently took part in an exciting MasterChef program delivered through the Educational Pathways Program, where they had the unique opportunity to cook alongside renowned chef Brett Pepper. Throughout the session, students worked collaboratively to recreate one of Chef Pepper’s signature dishes, gaining hands-on experience in professional culinary techniques, food presentation, and kitchen safety.

The experience not only challenged students to develop their practical cooking skills, but also provided valuable insight into the creativity, precision, and teamwork required in the hospitality industry. It was an inspiring opportunity that sparked enthusiasm for future pathways in cooking and hospitality, with many students proudly showcasing their finished dishes at the conclusion of the program.

Year 8 UniSteps – Music Production Program

Year 8 students recently participated in the Newcastle University UniSteps Music Production Program. Students were introduced to the exciting world of music production and technology through hands-on activities and workshops facilitated by university staff and industry experts. The program gave students valuable insight into creative industries and the many career pathways connected to music, sound and digital production. Students thoroughly enjoyed the experience and embraced the opportunity to explore their creativity in a university learning environment.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

There are many exciting opportunities coming up for students across a range of industries and career areas. Keep an eye on the Year group Microsoft Teams page - Careers Training & Opportunities channel for information. You child has access to this page. 

Upcoming opportunities include:

• White Card Training

• First Aid Training Course

• Pre-Traineeship Head Start Program – Community Services and Allied Health

• Defence Trade Excursion – Royal Australian Navy

• Pre-Traineeship Head Start Program - Early Education and Care Course

• Term 3 Start Your Future EOIs NOW OPEN (TAFE Tasters)

• Australian Defence Force (ADF) Presentation

• Flying Her Future Program - Females interested in Aviation

• Fitting and Machining Trade Readiness Program

• Pre-apprenticeship Head Start Program - Electrotechnology 

• Trade Taster Course - Automotive, Electrotechnology & Engineering

Work Experience

As part of our Career and Transition Find My Way program, Mathew (Year 12) has been attending an ongoing work experience placement at CDC - Hunter Valley Buses, Thornton, every Thursday for several months. 

Mathew is keen to become a qualified Heavy Diesel Mechanic and has completed many work-experience placements with local companies, including ARTC (Maitland Trains)and Walton Mine Services (Beresfield).

Mathew has successfully completed the White Card course and also the Safely Access The Rail Corridor course to further support his chosen career pathway.

Another participant in the Find My Way program, Jack Morley (Year 11) has been attending an ongoing work experience placement at Maitland Train Station every Wednesday morning for the past 6 months.

His role is to support the Customer Service Attendants (CSA) at the station and assist with any duties they perform. Jack also helped the Maitland train staff with the annual Maitland Steamfest and was able to enjoy a ride on one of the locomotives on the day.

The Station Master, Antony Gorman, has commented on how well Jack works with the staff and his polite and mature approach to his work, He is confident using the stations computer system to schedule platform announcements and maintains an accurate record of all trains entering and departing the platform. He has a friendly and welcoming smile to all the customers he meets and is able to answer most of their questions about their travel journey.

Declan (Year 12) is interested in pursuing a career pathway in hospitality and bakery and is completing a 2-week work experience placement at Easts Leisure and Golf (East Maitland). 

Through our school Career and Transition programs, Declan has already completed his White Card training certificate, First Aid certificate and attended Hamilton TAFE for a Start Your Future course in Hospitality and Bakery.

Malakai (Year 12) has completed several weeks of work experience placements last year in an industrial / trade-based company but has realised that his career focus is on helping others in our community.

Malakai would like to pursue a career as a Disability Support worker and is gaining some 'hands-on' experience within several of our local primary schools, assisting the Support classroom teachers in their classrooms.

The CAT Faculty looks forward to continuing to provide students with meaningful opportunities to explore their interests, strengths and future aspirations throughout the remainder of the year.