CAREERS NEWS
As a new school year begins, so do countless opportunities to explore, grow, and shape your future! Whether you're considering university, apprenticeships, or jumping straight into the workforce, this year is full of chances to discover your passions and develop valuable skills.
Embrace new experiences, take on challenges, and start building the stepping stones towards a successful and fulfilling pathway. Stay tuned for exciting career events, workshops, and opportunities to help you on your journey.
Let’s make this year one of growth, learning, and opportunity! I look forward to working alongside you.
Ms Marcia Arenas
Transition and Pathways Specialist
arenasm01@dow.catholic.edu.au
2025 - Be ready to learn!
Feel like you’re spending hours studying but not getting anywhere? You’re not alone. Lots of students struggle to find study techniques that work for them. The good news is that there are some proven ways to study that can help you learn better and remember more. Let’s look at some different study techniques for high school students, and see if there are any you might want to try.
10 Questions to ask your future self
We get it – thinking about your future can be hard. But it’s important. In fact, thinking about our future goals can help us decide the actions we should be taking right now. You don’t need to work out every tiny detail of your future right now – even if you do, sometimes things happen that you don’t expect, and that’s OK. But having a plan can help you navigate any bumps along the way. So to help you start planning, here are 10 questions to ask your future self.
UPCOMING EVENTS
UOW Discovery Day - Thursday, 20 February
Discovery Day at UOW give Year 12 students the opportunity to experience firsthand what a day at university is like.
Students who have registered must ensure they organise their timetable for the day by Thursday, 13 February.
UOW Future Me - Applications are now open
Program overview
The program runs after-school for six weeks in Term 1, 2025, commencing on 4 March, and finishing on 10 April.
Students will attend six 90-minute sessions online or at their local UOW or CUC campus. In these sessions, student will learn about pathways to university, connect with peers, and hone their skills ready for Early Admission. Students who complete the program and apply for UOW Early Admission will be flagged with UOW Admissions.
Applications close Sunday, 23 February
NSW Dairy Industry Immersion - Years 10, 11 &12
RIEP is proud to support Dairy NSW and Shoalhaven Council with a 2-day Dairy industry exposure program. Dairy NSW and TAFE have designed the program to provide insights into working in the industry with a view to students taking up SBATs, Full-time traineeships, and other work with local Dairy employers in the Shoalhaven.
Dates: 25th & 26th March.
Course Availability: Total of 15 Places across the Shoalhaven
Location: TAFE Yallah / Dairy Farm Albion Park (Transport will be provided both days from TAFE Nowra)
EOI posted on the Careers Google Classroom must be completed to be considered.
Closing Date: 21st Feb 2025
NSW Mining Careers - Book now!
Why Attend?
- FREE dinner for all attendees
- Industry showcase featuring displays from local mining employers, universities, and training providers
- Inspiring guest speakers sharing insights into career opportunities and industry trends
Who Should Attend?
- Students eager to explore career opportunities in mining
- Career advisers seeking up-to-date industry knowledge to support their students
- Parents/carers who want to guide and support their child’s career journey
Navy Aviation Prospect Scheme (NAPS) - Year 10
2024 SJE NAPS Participants
Prospects Scheme (NAPS) offers high school students (Year 10) aged 15-18 an insight into Navy Aviation careers. The program is broken into three sections; Quicklook, NextStep and Longlook.
The program is designed to provide each Student with a continual insight into FAA and Defence careers with an overarching intent of raising the profile of the FAA within the community; generating prospective applicants by encouraging students to consider a career in the FAA; providing a service to the community through team building and leadership training and fostering civic virtue.
The number of places is limited and to be considered for the program the Expression of Interest posted on the Careers Classroom must be filled out by Thursday, February 28.
Careers in Health Work Experience Program
After last year’s success, the Careers in Health Work Experience Program is running again this year.
Shoalhaven Hospital dates:
Term 2 - Wednesday, June 4, 11 & 18
Term 3 - Wednesday September 10, 11 & 24
Term 4 - Tuesday October 11, 18 & November 25
Applications open Wednesday, 12 March and close Wednesday, 26 March
Students are to fill the EOI on the Careers Classroom and must Apply here
Skills and qualifications you can get whilst at school
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
The changing nature of careers
Careers look different to how they used to – once upon a time you picked uni, a trade, or a job, and that was pretty much it for the rest of your working life. Now, tradies get degrees in management, professionals take short courses to round out their qualifications, and around 39% of students work and study at the same time.
Apprenticeships and traineeships are great because you generally don’t need a lot of skills or knowledge when you start, and you’ll get quality on-the-job training as well as classroom based training. Plus, you’ll be earning an income all along the way.
Skilling Australia Foundation found in 2019 that VET graduates had:
- Higher starting salaries – $56k vs $54k for uni grads
- A higher rate of employment – 78% vs 68% for uni grads
- Apprentices had a graduate employment rate of 92%
What’s the difference between an apprenticeship and traineeship?
The main difference is usually the industry – apprenticeships tend to be for more technical trades, while trainees might learn business skills or job-specific skills they need before they can be fully employed. Traineeships are also generally shorter than apprenticeships.
Finding a traineeship or apprenticeship can be a great choice – here’s why:
- You’ll enjoy satisfying and practical work, and in many trades you’ll avoid being stuck behind a desk.
- Get paid while you learn, and start living in the ‘real world’ sooner.
- You’ll probably have a job before you finish, and if you do move employers, you’ll have recognisable skills that make you more employable.
- You generally don’t need great marks to get started.
There are also usually a range of incentives for businesses to take on trainees and apprentices, which means more are available and there will be lots of support to make sure you finish your training.
How do I get started?
First, put together a resume (also known as a list of good stuff you’ve done). Include everything, and get it checked by someone who loves you (they’ll point out the good things you’ve missed) and someone who’s good with writing, like a teacher or family member
Finally, start job searching. You need to go and find them. But it doesn’t have to be difficult – there are heaps of apprenticeships and traineeships in just about every area, including regional and remote places.
Here’s how to search for an apprenticeship or traineeship
Let people know you’re looking. Tell your teachers, friends, or parents (and their friends). Word of mouth is still a great way to get a job.
Search job sites. Simply googling apprenticeships or traineeships in your area will give you a good start. You might also like to try searching popular job sites like SEEK or Indeed.
Look at government websites. Most countries usually have a government website built especially for apprentices and trainees to look for opportunities, including support options and other handy info. Here are some government sites you might like to browse:
- Australian Apprentices
- New Zealand Apprenticeships
- Apprenticeships UK
- Apprenticeship USA
- Job Bank Canada
Find out more
So, if you’d like to earn a good wage, enjoy a secure and rewarding job, and earn while you learn, getting an apprenticeship or traineeship could be the right option for you. And we can guarantee it’ll be a whole lot more fun than spending your life on the couch.
If you’d like more help, or any advice on finding an apprenticeship talk to Ms Arenas. Or you might like to read more resources on the website here.
TAFE
Ai Group Apprentice and Trainee Centre host apprentices across NSW and are a proud partner to more than 200 host employers.
The Australian Government is improving access to Australian Apprenticeships and helping build a more diverse workforce. See if you're eligible for additional support. The Australian Government provides additional support for:
- Women in Trades
- First Nations Australians
- People with disability
Find out what support you can get as part of your apprenticeship
WOLLONGONG TAFE
Wollongong TAFE is offering an exciting study and career pathway for school leavers. Our department offers a Certificate IV in Residential Drafting—an ideal program for students interested in design, drafting, and the building industry.
This course has been identified as addressing a critical skill shortage, eligible students may have the opportunity to access fee-free places.
For details go to the Careers Google Classroom, contact Ms Arenas or email jeffrey.poole3@tafensw.edu.au
From TAFE to Google!
Google software engineer and musician Meredith Lane started her study with a Certificate IV and says there’s a tech career path for everyone. Find out more through the link attached.
5 Free TAFE courses for a rewarding career in Science
A TAFE qualification could help you transition from school to uni, or it could get you the entry-level position you need to kickstart your dream career in science. Science is a diverse area and there are many hands-on vocations that you can work in with just a certificate-level qualification. Or, you could choose vocational education and training (VET) as a stepping stone to a Bachelor of Science.
TAFE - 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.
Find answers to questions like:
- When do enrolment periods close?
- What are the semester and term dates?
- Do you offer payment plans?
- What is a fee concession and exemption and who is eligible?
- Can I study a degree at TAFE?
- What course will get me into university?
TAFE DEGREES
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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/
Woolworths
At Woolworths Group, we create better experiences together for a better tomorrow. Our diverse group of retail businesses are some of Australia's most recognised and trusted brands, and our team are at the heart of everything we do.