TRANSITION AND PATHWAYS SUPPORT

Ms Arenas - Transitions and Pathways Specialist

Whether you're considering work, a traineeship or apprenticeship, university, TAFE, or even taking a gap year, planning and organisation are key to making the right decisions.

Remember, you don't have to navigate this alone. If you need help or advice with any of these options, I'm here to support you. Feel free to reach out via email or phone whenever you need.

Best regards,  

Ms. Arenas

P: 02 4423 1666

arenasm01@dow.catholic.edu.au

RECENT EVENTS 

Shoalhaven Education Fund Recipients 2025!

We are proud to announce the SJE students who have been recognised by the Shoalhaven Education Fund as 2025 scholarship recipients. They are:

• Abigayle Balanag-Duyson
• Fiona Sarker
• Andrew Percy
• Cameron Hertzberg
• Isabella Menzies
• Peta Harris
• Rylee Woods

These scholarships will provide invaluable financial support, easing their transition into the next phase of their educational journeys. The application process was highly competitive, and each recipient should be commended for their dedication and achievement.

Congratulations to all recipients—we wish you every success as you embark on this exciting new chapter!

White Card Training - Final session for 2024

The final training session for 2024 was held on November 26, marking it as one of the most sought-after courses at SJE. This year, 80 students participated enthusiastically, successfully completing the course and earning their White Card. Congratulations to all involved! If you’re interested in obtaining your White Card, another opportunity will be available in Term 1, 2025.

Hydrogen Grand Prix PRO: A Day of STEM Innovation and Excitement!

Last week, students had an incredible experience at the Hydrogen Grand Prix PRO event, starting with an exciting ride on the Premier's hydrogen bus—an emissions-free marvel that left everyone in awe. The event, hosted at Bomaderry High School, brought together five high schools for an epic four-hour endurance race featuring hydrogen-powered remote-controlled cars designed and built by the students themselves.

Our students were inspired by special exhibitors who shared insights into the cutting-edge opportunities opening up in the STEM space. Representatives from BOC, CoreGas, TAFE NSW, the NSW Decarbonisation Innovation Hub, and HMAS Albatross showcased pathways in clean energy, sustainability, and future mobility.

A huge thank you to Mr. Elton for supporting our students throughout the day! They are already buzzing with ideas and eager to assemble their team for the 2025 Hydrogen Grand Prix PRO.

Stay tuned for next year’s race, and if you’re a STEM enthusiast or just love innovative technology, don’t miss your chance to get involved!

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Getting ready for life after school doesn’t mean you have to wait until graduation. There are lots of valuable skills and qualifications you can start building right now while you’re still at school. Whether you’re looking to boost your resume, explore potential career paths, or just learn something new, there are plenty of options available – let’s take a look

Read more

UNSW Engineering Residential Program - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students - FREE

ADFA Trainee Officer

Our undergraduate programs are tailored to the educational needs of the Australian Defence Force. Officer cadets and midshipmen accepted into the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) program undertake undergraduate degrees alongside their military education and training. They graduate with a bachelor's degree from one of Australia’s top universities, the University of New South Wales. Explore your study options across Arts, Business, Engineering, Information Technology and Science. Choose the degree that’s right for you. All our courses are designed to prepare you to begin a successful career in the Army, Navy or Air Force. 

Code Your Career with CommBank and Year13!

Software Engineers or ‘developers’ are the architects of our digital age. They specialise in creating software solutions that innovate, automate, and simulate to power our interconnected world. 

At CommBank, Software Engineers are the backbone, developing and maintaining crucial systems that ensure a seamless and secure experience for customers. They craft every aspect of the Bank's website and app and the complex systems behind-thescenes to protect customers’ money.

Experience life as a Software Engineer with the Year13 X CommBank Virtual Work Experience. You’ll get to: 

• Participate in real workplace activities. 
• Learn about the daily work of Software Engineers from the CommBank team. Explore the intricacies of writing code, testing, and debugging. 
• Gain insight into the ever-evolving world of tech. Understand Software Engineering study pathways. 

Upon completion, you'll receive a certificate to add to your resume, but best of all, you’ll have a real sense of how your future could look and feel as a Software Engineer. 

Discover the exciting possibilities in Software Engineering by visiting the Year13 X CommBank Virtual Work Experience!

Link Here

Western Sydney University, Free HSC support

Students in their senior years can find a wealth of resources and information, including free HSC study sessions, on the Western Year 12 Student Info Hub. Made for senior high school students, this hub contains all the information you need to get started on your journey to university. Program information, upcoming events, how uni works – it’s all here in one convenient place. We’ve got you covered.

Go to Link

NEW! Tertiary Health Study subsidies

The Tertiary Health Study Subsidy Program will support 12,000 students from 2024. The subsidies incentivise students to enter the NSW Health workforce by reducing financial barriers to study.

The payments can assist students with fees, technology, travel, or other associated personal costs.

What subsidies are available?

NSW Health offers two subsidies:

1. $12,000 subsidy paid over three years to students commencing study, and intending to work for NSW Health upon completion.
2. $8,000 one-off subsidy paid to students graduating study with employment in NSW Health.

Each subsidy will see 2,000 students awarded annually for the next three years.

Find out more:

Health Subsidies Link

Western University Webinars

View and register for 2024 webinars. Watch our webinars covering a range of individual study areas.Want to know more about careers and degrees in the fields of most interest to you? Not sure what subjects to select for your senior years? Let us support you to make informed decisions and discover more about why you should study at Western. 

Head to: Link or the Careers Classroom for more information

Destination Australia Scholarships are funded by the Commonwealth Government, and are designed to attract and support students who choose to live and study in regional communities. Each Scholarship provides $15,000\* per student per year of course enrolment to support costs for living and studying in regional Australia. Scholarships are provided for specific courses and locations only, as shown below, and require full time class attendance for a minimum of 20 hours per week. 

Link Here

TAFE

WOLLONGONG TAFE

Fee free apprenticeships are a great way for students to launch their careers

There’s never been a better time to start an apprenticeship in NSW. The NSW Government is paying the course cost for 100,000 new apprenticeships – meaning apprentices undertaking a government funded apprenticeship no longer face a student fee of up to $2000. Apprenticeships are a great career path-way. They combine on-the-job training with classroom study to give you the skills and experience employers are looking for. Apprenticeships generally take around 3-4 years to complete, and apprentices earn a salary while they learn. There are more than 120 different apprenticeship courses available in NSW, in a range of industries including construction, cooking, aviation and automotive.

Link Here

Supporting You Every Step of the Way with TAFE NSW

Get the help you need to succeed

The TAFE NSW Counselling and Career Development Service is free and confidential* and is designed to help you succeed in your studies at TAFE NSW, as well as in your chosen career.

Prospective TAFE NSW students are able to access the service to assist with course choice decisions and career planning.

Students enrolled with TAFE NSW are able to access a range of services to assist in career development and personal support.

https://www.tafensw.edu.au/counselling-career-development-services

I Am Finishing School This Year Info Page

Whatever you're interested in, TAFE NSW has a pathway to get you there.

With hundreds of courses to choose from, including degrees, we can help you find your passion.

https://www.tafensw.edu.au/open-day/i-am-finishing-school-this-year

TAFE NSW Degrees and Undergrad Certificates

You don't need an ATAR to study a degree with TAFE NSW, but you will graduate with a qualification that will change your future.

Study a Bachelor degree, post graduate or higher education qualification with TAFE NSW, and graduate with strong theoretical knowledge, practical experience and industry connections that will give you a head start on your career.

https://www.tafensw.edu.au/degrees

TAFE-delivered Vocational Education and Training (TVET) courses help students build practical skills and industry-specific knowledge, and count toward school outcomes, with some courses contributing towards an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR).

TAFE NSW TVET Guide 2024

NSW Police Force - Eligibility Quiz

Take the quiz to see if you may be eligible to commence an application to the NSW Police Force. ‘Aquatic Rescue Sequence’ certification: Applicants are required to provide certification of successful completion of the Aquatic Rescue Sequence. First Aid certification: Applicants are required to supply certification of completion of an approved ‘Apply First Aid’ course with at least 12 months currency remaining on certification. Typing certificate. Applicants are required to supply a recognized certificate of typing proficiency equivalent or greater than 25 words per minute at 98 percent accuracy.

APPRENTICESHIPS, TRAINEESHIPS AND CADETSHIPS

NSW Aboriginal Nursing and Midwifery Cadetships

Applications Open 16 December 

Make a difference and care for Mob. Working with NSW Health as an Aboriginal nursing or midwifery cadet offers many opportunities. Connection to culture is central to the health and well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Care and cultural understanding from an Aboriginal nurse or midwife allow patients to feel safer and advocated for when away from family and community. Cadetships are available to support your dream of giving back to your community. 

They offer financial support, work placements and mentoring exposing you to the diverse possibilities of nursing and midwifery. They are a chance to focus on your studies, experience the workforce and build relationships.

Link here

Concrete Polishing Apprenticeship opportunity available! MSF30822 Certificate III in flooring technology (Polished concrete)

About The Role:

You will have the opportunity to learn all about the polished concrete process along with epoxy flooring, micro cement and more! Work is predominantly based in the Illawarra region with opportunities to work away every now and then. Overtime hours are commonly available. 

Open to all levels, ages and genders.If you are looking to start a career in flooring and want the opportunity to learn from the industries' best, then this is the opportunity for you!
Polished concrete is a growing trend, and we need you to help us keep up with the demand. 

We are looking for an apprentice who is hardworking, reliable, has attention to detail, and is keen to learn. We value honesty and a can-do attitude.

Must have:

• White card
• Whilst a driver’s license is not initially required, transport to and from our Barrack Heights warehouse will be required.

If you are interested in trialling for this position, please contact us on 1300 240 579 or send us an email on info@csconcretepolishing.com.au

Trials will start in December, with the formal apprenticeship starting in January 2025.

McNamara & Associates - Junior Legal Secretary / Junior Assistant Traineeship

The Role

McNamara & Associates has an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic Junior Legal

Administrative Assistant to join a busy team at a long-established Law Firm in Nowra.

This role will offer you the chance to work in a dynamic environment and grow

professionally and would be suited to a recent school leaver. We will offer you the

support and training you need to have a successful career in Legal Administration and

beyond. 

Your responsibilities include:

• Handling queries via phone, email and general correspondence
• Scanning and copying documents
• Preparing new client files
• Filing correspondence and documents
• Closing and archiving files
• Preparing and editing documents and correspondence
• Ad-hoc administration duties.

About You:

The successful applicant will have an eye for detail and be confident in dealing with

people both face to face and on the phone. You will be undertaking general office duties,

reception duties and working closely with management within the firm.

The suitable candidate should have:

• A positive, can-do attitude and willingness to learn
• Excellent verbal & written communication skills
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team
• Proficiency in Word, Excel and Outlook
• Attention to detail
• Ability to maintain confidentiality

To apply, please send your resume to Marion McNamara, Office Manager – email

marion@mcnamaralawyers.com.au

Reece Group

Opportunity for Year 10 students going into Year 11 who may be interested in the below program; 

Warehouse Operations Certificate

The Reece Group is a leading international company with exceptional values and customer focus. Their core business is supplying plumbing and bathroom products to plumbers and retail customer, but what many people don’t realise is that Reece also has several specialty businesses such as Irrigation, HVAC-R, Bathroom Life, Onsite and Civil.  Additionally, in 2013 the Reece Group also acquired refrigeration and air conditioning businesses Actrol and Metalflex. Across all levels of the Reece Group network, our staff continuously aim to provide friendly and expert customer service to ensure that they are the best in the business.

The Role:

Partnered with Murray Mallee Training Company Ltd, we are looking for Year 10 and 11 students to undertake School–based Traineeships where you will work towards a Certificate II in Supply Chain Operations. The traineeship will involve working in a Reece branch as well as completing certificate requirements e.g. workbooks and on the job training and assessments.

This position is based at (branch name).

Key responsibilities include:

• Embracing the Reece values, policies, and procedures
• Customer Service
• Completing all requirements of the certificate
• Processing sales
• Stock Management
• Answering the phone to take messages and orders
• Communicating with customers and staff
• Building product knowledge
• Providing follow up to customers
• Contributing to maintaining the branch at a high standard.

About You: 

If you have the following attributes, we would like to hear from you:

Good written and verbal communication

• Ability to follow instructions
• Enthusiasm and a great attitude
• Willingness to give new things a go
• Team player
• Willingness to maintain a neat and tidy workplace
• Well presented

ACFA Cabinet Making Apprenticeships

ACFA is a Registered Training Organisation delivering MSF31113 Certificate III in Cabinet Making (RTO 90432). Their Workplace-Based Training Model brings a unique one-on-one experience plus the flexibility to be enrolled as a new apprentice all year round.

Link here

Expression of Interest for Electrical Apprenticeships

The apprenticeship lasts for a total of 4 years. For the first three years, you will be required to work four days on site to gather on-the-job experience, and one day undertaking technical studies. The fourth year will consist of only on-the-job training.

Link here

Job Hunting Tips

Finding 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 to get an Australian Apprenticeship from the preparation stage, to the time you begin your training

Automotive Apprenticeships - Vacancies

The automotive industry has changed substantially through the last decade to become a respected and financially secure career path. Any student that enjoys problem solving and working with their hands will thrive in automotive and has the opportunity to be a part of transformative change we haven't seen since vehicles replaced the horse and cart.

Link here

Do you aspire to be a builder?

Register your interest for the course starting 27 November 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.

Pre-apprenticeship Builder

Do you aspire to become a brickie?

Offer you the opportunity to study and earn an income while undertaking a qualification. It gives you the chance to learn new skills while getting paid. It can be done full-time or while you are at school through a School Based Apprenticeship. You can use your qualification to work anywhere in Australia and around the world. 

Brickies Apprenticeships

Transport for NSW Apprenticeships and Traineeships

Transport for NSW currently have a number of Apprenticeship and Traineeships open for 2024 in both metro and regional areas. Currently on offer are:

•       Business Traineeships
•       Bridge Construction Apprenticeship
•       Heavy Diesel Mechanic Apprenticeship
•       Project Management Traineeships
•       Electrical Apprenticeship
•       Civil Construction Apprenticeship
•       Painting and Blasting Traineeship

A number of trainee roles are also available

https://jobs.transport.nsw.gov.au/go/Train-Crew-and-Customer-Service-Jobs/7831310/

Handy link for a range of job opportunities: Jobs Transport NSW

JOB VACANCIES !

McDonald’s are hiring!

Year 8-11 students (14 years of age and over)

The opportunity is for all 3 restaurants, South Nowra, Bomaderry and Nowra Central depending on where you want to work.  Type Maccas Jobs or you can also apply at: 

careers.mcdonalds.com/australia.

Council Jobs!

Local Government NSW offers hundreds of jobs and diverse career paths. Across professional, administrative, trade and outdoor roles. Learn more about the type of work, qualifications required and the jobs available now in over 100 councils across NSW & others interstate

https://www.careersatcouncil.com.au/