Careers Corner

University Roadshow 

On Monday the 19th of February, O’Connor hosted the Annual University Roadshow. We were very lucky to hear from a range of speakers from The University of New England (UNE), University of Newcastle (UoN), Southern Cross University (SCU), and Charles Sturt University (CSU). Students in years 11 and 12 learned about the different aspects of living on and off campus and completing university courses online. The presenters explained the process and requirements for early entry to university for all students, including those who are not eligible for an ATAR. 

Early Entry for Year 12 Students 

While the ATAR is still the main selection tool used by most unis, there are other ways for you to show that you’re ready to succeed at tertiary study. Many institutions have one or more early offer schemes for Year 12 students. Through these schemes, the institutions will assess you using criteria other than (or in addition to) your ATAR. Always check the institution websites to make sure the courses you are applying for are covered by the schemes.

Early Entry applications will open over the coming months, as early as April for some universities. For more specific information for each institution, check out the University Admissions Centre (UAC) website. 

University of Wollongong College - Online Pathways Information Session

When: 28 March

What: Looking for a pathway to get into uni? Use your time wisely and get started on your pathway to UOW. UOW College offers pathway courses that can guarantee* entry into a range of bachelor programs, some with direct entry into the second year. Please join us for our upcoming online info session to find out more about our range of courses, scholarships and how to apply. If you have already applied or received an offer, please come along and find out more about what to expect when classes commence, student support and a previous college students experience. Staff will be available on the night to answer your questions.

How: Use this link to register

CSIRO - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cadetships

Calling all Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander undergraduate students! Take on a paid cadetship in an exciting and stimulating workplace with real life projects, excellent career development opportunities, study support and access to the latest research and state-of-the-art technology. Find out more

TAFE and Traineeships 

At O’Connor, we have an ever increasing number of students engaging in TVET and School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships, everything from Animal Care to Nursing to Engineering. It is fantastic to see students being proactive and engaged in their future pathways. TAFE for 2024 started back in week 3 of this term with students typically attending a half to full day. While students are engaged in their learning at TAFE, they will need to keep in regular contact with their class teachers to ensure that they keep up to date with learning in their other subjects. If you are sick or unable to attend your TAFE session, please ring the school office. If you are a TAFE student and worried about missed work please reach out for support from your class teacher or Mrs Galvin. 

How to find and prepare for an apprenticeship

Searching and applying for an Australian Apprenticeship is very much like hunting for any job. An employer has to create a vacancy and decide to use Australian Apprenticeships as a way to employ and train their staff. The following steps will explain the process of getting an apprenticeship or traineeship, from the research stage to when the training begins. Click on each of the steps to find out more about what is involved in each stage. Link here

University of Sydney HSC Preparation Courses (Years 10-12)

Enrolment Open for April Classes

Are you nervous about tackling the HSC? Take it from us – every successful HSC begins with preparation. And now, our team of experienced educators have got you covered, with a comprehensive program of HSC preparation courses. Led by our highly experienced team of educators, each intensive course is tailored around a critical aspect of the HSC curriculum and offers up-to-date subject knowledge and skills. These intensive holiday courses are perfect for consolidating your school studies and developing key subject knowledge that’ll give you an

edge when it comes time to sit your exams. Plus, our expert tutors will teach you examination skills designed to invigorate and challenge your approach to the test material.

Classes available for:

• Essay Writing (Yrs 10-12)

• Study Methods (Yrs 10-12)

• HSC Business Studies

• HSC Chemistry

• HSC Physics

• HSC Economics

• HSC English Advanced

• HSC Biology

• HSC Mathematics - Standard 2