CAREERS

Careers Team

The Careers Office is located next to Student Services. The Careers Practitioners for 2026 are:

• Tim Kogelman
• Kerri Skewes

The Careers team is here to support students in making informed decisions about future careers and study options.

Throughout the year, all students will have opportunities to meet individually or in groups to discuss career pathways, subject choices, and study skills. The following timeline outlines some of the key career programs students will participate in during 2026.

If you would like some advice on career pathways or training options please book an appointment with the Careers Office on 9735 5644. 

LHS Careers Website

The Lilydale High School Careers Website contains a wide range of valuable information and should be your first stop when seeking guidance on jobs, career pathways, university and TAFE options - and much more.

The site also features a dedicated student area where students can log in to complete skills and interest assessments to help guide their future planning.

🎓 Career News

Stay up to date with the latest opportunities, events and important information.

Items in this edition include:

• 📅 Dates to Diarise in Term 1
• 🏫 News from Holmesglen Institute
• 🌙 Thursday Open Days
• ⚽ St Kilda Career Pathways
• 🏀Learn the Steps to Study in the U.S.    as a Student-Athlete
• 🔬 Discover Monash University Events
• 🏛️ News from Australian National University
• 📝 Applications for 2027 Entry
• 📣 Reminder: ANU Open Day 2026
• 🌏 Projects Abroad
• 🩺 New Pathway to Medicine at University of Queensland in 2027

School Leaving Age

From January 1 2010, the Government brought in new requirements for the school leaving age.

Before a student is allowed to leave school they must satisfactorily complete Year 10 and until the age of 17, they must be in some form of full time training or employment.

Training options can include:

• VCE (Victorian Certificate of Education)

• VCE-VM (Victorian Certificate of Education – Vocational Major)

• VPC (Victorian Pathways Certificate)

• Full Time TAFE

• Full Time Apprenticeship

Any students wishing to leave school before these requirements are met must put in a request for exemption to the Regional Director in consultation with Lilydale High School.

All students leaving school before the end of Year 12 are required to fill in an exit form and complete a Careers appointment.

Leaving school or not attending school can result in non-payment of Centrelink benefits.

Work Experience Opportunities – Years 10–12

Students in Years 10 to 12 have the opportunity to undertake Work Experience this year. This program supports students to develop an understanding of appropriate attitudes and behaviours in real workplace environments, explore employment and career options, build connections with potential employers, and observe the practical application of skills learned at school.

Year 10 Students

Students in Year 10 who are not attending the Year 10 Camp this year will be required to undertake Work Experience from Monday 4 May to Friday 8 May, 2026.

On February 9, Year 10 students attended a Work Experience Assembly during Thrive to learn about the Work experience expectations, requirements and dates for 2026, OHS requirements, white card courses and upcoming programs

Please note for students attending the Year 10 Camp are invited to complete Work Experience at negotiated times throughout the year.

Years 11 and 12 Students

For students in Years 11 and 12 at Lilydale High School, Work Experience may occur at any time during the school year for up to 5 school days (or 10 days total). Please note that Work Experience cannot take place during exam periods or school holidays.

Students interested in participating in Work Experience should speak with a Careers Practitioner, who will explain the required processes and provide access to the WBL Portal to complete the Work Experience agreement with their chosen employer.

White Card Course

For students undertaking Work Experience in the building and construction industry - including plumbing - a White Card is a mandatory requirement.

White Card training will be held at Lilydale High School on:

📅 25/3/26 & 26/3/26💲 Cost: $150

⚠️ VERY LIMITED places available

Students interested in attending must see the Careers Team as soon as possible to secure a place in the course.

Tax File Number (TFN)

Any student will need at tax file number if he/she starts work (part-time and full-time) and all students planning on a tertiary education require one when they start. 

Importantly, current Year 12 students are reminded that they cannot enrol in a CSP (Commonwealth Support Place) course at university without a Tax File Number, so it is worthwhile getting an application submitted early! 

Students must apply for a TFN online and have their identity verified through an interview at a participating Australia Post office.  

To apply and also to find out about participating Post Offices, visit TFN Application