Careers News
Mrs Yvette Kennedy
August, 2025 - FACT: Those who have goals are 10 times more likely to succeed than those without goals.
As Year 12 students are completing their Trial HSC exams, students are working towards planning their options post school. For some students this may involve further study at University, private institution or TAFE, and for other students this may be transition to full time employment. Some students are uncertain about their next steps so it is vital to complete research and self-reflection. Included in this newsletter is the Open Days for a number of institutions. I urge students to attend these Open Days to make informed decisions about the next step in their education.
In a recent article, The State of Global Teenage Career Preparation (Preparing Teenagers for their Future, OECD, 2025), it was reported that “By the age of 15, 39% of students are unclear about their career expectations – double the figure from 2015. The OECD report explains, ‘students who participate more in career development activities tend to have clearer career plans and better employment outcomes.’
At St Aloysius College we aim to expose students to a wide variety of career options and opportunities post school. By doing this, we aim to support our students to make informed choices about their career goals as they embark on the next stage of their lives.
MyFuture is hosting an upcoming webinar which I can highly recommend to students and parents - “Navigating your post-school plans with confidence” (21 August, 6:00pm). In this webinar, you’ll hear about six simple ideas that will help you think about your future with confidence.
• Different kinds of post-school pathways
• Why is it OK if you don’t know what you want to do.
• Why it’s OK to change your mind.
• Why ATAR might not be as important as you think.
• How to research your options.
• Who to talk to for help.
Register now for this event.
It has been a busy term as several universities and colleges have presented at our Tuesday afternoon THRIVE sessions. This has allowed students to discover options for further study as well as explore scholarship opportunities. We thank the following tertiary institutions and apprenticeship centres - University of Wollongong, University Notre Dame, Australian Catholic University, UNSW, University of Sydney, UTS, UTS Elite Athletes, Torrens University, University of Western Sydney, Master Builders Association, MEGT, and Summer Camp USA.
In addition to this, many of our students have been completing work experience, to explore career pathways and options for their future. I thank QANTAS for hosting Mia Russell for her work placement in Business Services. Mia was exposed to a number of key departments at QANTAS -
“I did cabin crew training, visited the airport to shadow baggage check in and customer service, joined HR for interview skills and attended the HR offsite, it was such a valuable and insightful week. I met various department managers in the IOC which gave me a greater appreciation for just how much thought goes into running the company.”
Another amazing experience for our students was at Bankstown Airport. A small group of Year 11 and 12 students participated in a flight simulation experience. They also worked with the trainee pilots to design and calculate flight plans for the smaller planes to travel to Shoalhaven airport and had a hands on tour of the small planes. A very exciting day!
Industry Partnerships
Community Partnerships with The Pines and Sea Level
Recently our Year 12 Hospitality students had the opportunity to partner with local restaurants The Pines and Sea Level. Over two exquisite evenings, our students worked with head chefs Nick (The Pines), Chris Russo (Sealevel), and Huon Muntz (Kin Cafe) to produce a three course menu for over 130 guests. Both events were amazing, where our students learned valuable industry skills and were able to hone their hospitality skills. As noted by Mary Bancks, VET Manager of Sydney Catholic Schools, “the event was an educational experience that allowed students to work in a professional kitchen environment, learning from some of the best in the industry. The success of the event not only highlighted the talents of the students but also underscored the importance of industry partnerships in education.”
UAC News
UAC - I’m in Year 12: when will I get my uni offer?
Here is a rundown of the most important offer rounds for Year 12 students in the lead up to semester 1, 2026.
UAC - How the Elite Athlete and Performer Scheme works
If you are an elite athlete or performer and your training, rehearsals, or competitive commitments have significantly affected your Year 12 studies, UAC’s Elite Athlete and Performer Scheme (EAPS) provides a pathway where institutions can consider both your academic and elite achievements. Through this scheme, you may receive adjustment factors (points) to enhance your selection rank when applying for eligible courses at participating institutions. Read more here:
University Updates
University Open Days - Open days are invaluable in helping students make informed decisions about their course preferences. Most open days take place at this time of year, so be sure to be up to date of the Uni Open Days,
Western Sydney University - HSC True Reward (Early Admission), closes 3 September
University of Notre Dame - Young Achievers Early Offer - closes 18 August
ACU Guarantee: Early offer Applications, closes 15 September.
UTS Webinar - New Creative Production and Communication Courses at UTS, 21 August Exciting new course offered by UTS, Bachelor of Creative Production bringing together Animation, Media, Arts, and Music & Sound Design. Register here:
UNSW Aviation Open Day, 20 September - for students interested in flying or a career in aviation. Held at Bankstown Airport Flight Training Centre. Register your interest here:
University of Sydney Webinar - Exercise and Sport Science, Exercise Physiology at USYD, 20 August. Learn about the differences in a career in each of these degrees. Register here:
Discover ACU Series - Discover ACU workshops offer students in Years 10–12 an exciting introduction to specific disciplines through hands-on sessions. Choose from Teaching & Psychology at Strathfield (1 October) or Business at North Sydney (3 October) during the school holidays. Explore your local campus, talk to current students, and experience life as an ACU student. Registration is free:
University Scholarships/Cadetships
Scholarships are a great way to help you fund your future studies. One type of scholarship that can provide significant help is industry-specific scholarships. These scholarships are often sponsored by companies and are designed to support students who are interested in pursuing a career in that field. Each university has its own scholarship program to investigate, some of which are included here. I encourage students to submit applications for scholarships, as many go unclaimed.
Western Sydney University Scholarships, Applications are now open.
Western Sydney University offers $20 million in scholarships every year. This includes a generous range of University and donor-funded opportunities.
Elevate Scholarships - Women in STEM, Applications Now Open
Elevate: Boosting women in STEM program will award up to 500 undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships to women and non-binary people in STEM. Elevate aims to address gender inequities in STEM through fostering more women and non-binary led industry-academia collaborations in applied research and business, growing professional skills of women in STEM and propelling women and non-binary people into leadership.
BlueScope Engineering Cadetships 2026, Applications close 17 August
Step into a Cadetship at the Port Kembla Steelworks where you can launch your career while you study. BlueScope offers amazing opportunities for motivated students to join the team in Electrical, Materials, Mechanical, Civil/Structural, and Computer Engineering. Learn more here:
WiseTech Earn & Learn - applications close 31 August
Become a software developer straight out of school. WiseTech Earn & Learn program gives you a full-time, paid job as a software developer while also supporting you through a four-year university degree. Learn more here:
UTS Engineering and IT Scholarships
The Faculty of Engineering and IT has a range of entry schemes, programs, cadetships and scholarships that you can access; some providing scholarship payments of around $49,500 to support you throughout your learning journey. Learn more here:
TAFE NSW Scholarships Support Students to Study
TAFE NSW awards hundreds of scholarships to students. Learn more here:
TAFE/Colleges
TAFE Information Sessions - Check for online sessions on a variety of courses.
TAFE Study Seeker - TAFE have developed a quiz to help prospective students find courses that they may be interested in.
SAE Sydney Open Day, 16 August. Explore your study and career pathways across animation, audio, design, film, games, music, VFX and more. Register here:
SAE Early Entry - Now Open. Learn more here:
AIE Open Day, 17 August
Discover the courses designed to get you started in Game Development, 3D animation, Film and Visual Effects. Register here:
Sydney Design School Info Session, 13 August, 6.00pm Curious about a future in interior design? Register here:
Apprenticeships, Traineeships
HIA Building Apprenticeships
How to apply for an apprenticeship in the Building Industry. Learn more here:
Australian Cabinet & Furniture Association Apprenticeships
The workplace-based training model brings flexibility to this apprenticeship. Learn more here:
MIGAS Apprenticeships and Traineeships
MIGAS specialises in skilled and traditional trade apprenticeships and traineeships in industries such as engineering, mining, energy, manufacturing, building and construction, and warehousing. Learn more here:
Master Builders Association of NSW Pre-Apprenticeships
5-23 January, 19 January - 6 February, 2026
Want to be a carpenter? This is your best first step. Master Builders will help prepare you to become the best 1st-year carpentry apprentice. 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:
Other
Camp America Information Session, 12 August
Learn how Camp America works, finding the right camp for you and the application
Process. Register for the webinar here:
Positions Vacant
Burraneer Activity Centre
Part time work - out of school hours, would suit university student.
0455 940 429
Rezzy Build Construction
1st year Apprenticeship
Contact Geoff Whitford - 0404 446 881
Savcon Construction
1st year Apprenticeship
Send resume to - careers@savcon.com.au
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