CAREERS NEWS
WELCOME BACK TO TERM 3 !
Welcome back to Term 3! I hope you all had a restful break and enjoyed spending time with friends and loved ones. I’m looking forward to supporting you with career planning, opportunities, and pathways as we head into the second half of the year!
Ms Arenas
How much homework should you be doing in high school?
Are you spending hours hunched over textbooks wondering if you’re doing too much or too little homework? You’re not alone. The homework debate has been raging for decades, with students, parents, and teachers all having different opinions on how much study time is actually beneficial.
The truth is, there’s no magic number that works for everyone. But there are some research-backed guidelines that can help you find the sweet spot between academic success and maintaining your sanity.
Using labour market insights to guide subject selections
Subject selection season is here again, and as careers advisors and educators, you may be facing the familiar challenges of helping students make informed choices about their academic pathways. But how often are real-world employment outcomes considered when guiding these decisions?
This year, why not try approaching subject selection differently by integrating Labour Market Information (LMI) into your guidance. By combining pathway possibilities with employment data, you could help students make choices that align with both their interests and career prospects.
The 7 best time management apps for students
We all struggle with time management from time to time, and as a student, juggling homework, extracurriculars, social life, and sometimes even a part-time job can be a real balancing act. Luckily, there’s an app out there for just about anything nowadays, which means there are loads of time management apps available to help boost productivity.
We’ve gone ahead and found 7 of the best apps to help students keep on top of their tasks and manage their time effectively.
Understanding the ATAR: Common questions answered
If you’re not entirely sure how the ATAR system works, why you might need one, and how they’re calculated, you’re definitely not alone. The Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (or ATAR) can seem confusing at first, but once you understand the basics, it all starts to make sense. Here are some of the most common questions answered and misconceptions about the ATAR busted.
How a gap year can help your work and life skills
For many students, the final year of high school can feel like a race to the finish line, with university or career plans immediately on the horizon. But it’s also OK to take a step back and consider a gap year instead – in fact, it could be one of the most impactful experiences of your life.
Far from being time off, a gap year can be a chance to gain valuable experiences, skills, and insights to set you up for future success. Here’s how taking a gap year can help boost your work and life skills, making you stand out in the professional world and beyond.
To access more information on post-school options, upcoming tertiary institution events, TAFE, and employment opportunities, check the JobJump Newsletter posted on the Careers Google Classroom.
RECENT EVENTS
Year 10 Work Experience – A Week of Growth and Discovery
Year 10 students have returned from their work experience week with renewed confidence, valuable skills, and a clearer sense of direction. It was a positive and exciting time, with students preparing and presenting themselves with pride in a variety of workplace settings.
Throughout the week, students built new skills, discovered personal strengths, and identified areas for growth. Many gained a deeper understanding of what the world of work looks like, with some potentially securing casual jobs as a result of their strong work ethic and positive attitude.
For those in trades-based placements, the rainy weather presented some challenges – but this proved to be a valuable real-world lesson in how trades are directly impacted by conditions on site. Students took this in their stride, learning to adapt while still showing great commitment.
As Ms Isonmonger shared in her article, employer feedback across the board was overwhelmingly positive. Students supported one another, they made new connections with professionals in their field of interest, and left their placements inspired and motivated for the senior years ahead.
It was a fantastic experience all round – one that not only opened doors, but also opened minds to the possibilities of the future.
Well done everyone!
Navy Aviation Prospect Scheme - NAPS NextStep
We kicked off the term with the annual NAPS NextStep program, an exciting and well-attended event that took students to both HMAS Albatross and HMAS Creswell. Over the course of the day, students participated in a variety of physical and team-building activities that sparked friendly competition and brought out the best in everyone.
One of the highlights was the overwater obstacle challenge – a true test of endurance and resilience! Students gave it their all, pushing themselves to complete as much of the course as possible. It was inspiring to see the camaraderie grow throughout this particular activity, with students cheering each other on, sharing strategies, and offering words of encouragement at every hurdle.
The positive energy and team spirit were clear, with clapping and laughter creating a genuinely uplifting atmosphere. Lunch in the Junior Mess at Albatross was a great opportunity for students to relax and connect, followed by a comprehensive career talk from ADF recruitment. Students learned about the wide range of pathways available, the opportunity for travel, and the many challenging yet rewarding roles on offer – all of which sparked genuine interest in ADF careers.
Looking ahead, students are encouraged to apply for the next phase of the program, LongLook, taking place in Term 4. Please come and see me if you have any questions.
Well done to everyone who participated – you represented our school proudly!
Rural Allied Health and Medical Society UNSW Workshop
Year 10 and 11 students took part in an engaging two-hour workshop led by the UNSW Rural Allied Health and Medical Society. The session offered a hands-on introduction to various health careers, with students rotating through activities such as psychological games and cognitive function tests, as well as basic first aid procedures.
Students had the unique opportunity to speak directly with current UNSW students studying medicine, optometry, physiotherapy, psychology, sports physiology, and dietetics. These conversations were open and honest, with university students sharing not only the highlights of their journeys, but also the challenges they faced and the strategies they used to succeed.
There was strong interest in the career pathways offered through UNSW, particularly for those considering study in rural and regional areas. Students also received valuable information about scholarships, accommodation, and the vibrant social life at university.
It was a fantastic opportunity to see our students so inquisitive and engaged. Experiences like these can truly shape and inspire their future choices.
Macquarie University, Year 10 Webinar on demand
Parents and students can watch the Year 10 Webinar on demand to learn about what they can do in Years 11 and 12 to maximise their chances of securing a place at uni.
- How to select HSC subjects that best align with your future interests
- Entry pathways and schemes
- The importance of extracurricular activities during Year 11 and 12
University of Wollongong - Events for Year 10, 11 & 12
There are loads of fantastic opportunities for students and parents/guardians, including HSC subject support. For information on events, go to the link below.
YEAR 11 & 12 UPDATES
Please read the JobJump Newsletter posted on the Careers Google Classroom for updates on Open Days, courses and career information sessions.
UAC - Career Mapping - Where to after school?
Many students are uncertain about their next steps after Year 12. But – as Phillip Williamson, Head Teacher Careers for the NSW Government’s Educational Pathways Program, writes – it’s vital to go easy on yourself, self-reflect and do your research. Here are Williamson's practical tips for starting your career journey. The most important thing, he advises, is to focus on your direction, not your destination.
When will I get my uni offer?
Here’s a rundown of the most important offer rounds for Year 12 students in the lead up to semester 1, 2026.
How the Elite and Athlete 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.
Macquarie Leaders and Achievers Early Entry Scheme
Round 2 Applications Close 2 September
You could receive an early entry offer to study at Macquarie if you have performed well academically in Year 11 and demonstrate leadership skills, personal development and dedication through your extracurricular activities. Your application will only be assessed once and an outcome, whether successful or unsuccessful, will be released on one of the dates listed above. You can only receive one outcome through the Macquarie Leaders and Achievers Early Entry Scheme and will not be considered for subsequent rounds in this early entry scheme.
The University of Sydney 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:
- HSC Mathematics - Extension 1
- HSC Mathematics - Standard 2
- HSC Business Studies
- HSC English Advanced - Module B: T.S. Eliot's 'Selected Poems'
- HSC English Advanced - Module B: Henry IV Part 1
- HSC English Advanced - Module C: Craft of Writing
- HSC Physics
- HSC Economics
Early Entry Guide - Study, Work, Grow
Everything you need to know is in this guide. If you still have questions, please see me in the Careers office.
UAC - UNIVERSITIES ADMISSIONS CENTRE
UAC - Educational Access Schemes (EAS)
The Educational Access Scheme (EAS) aims to help students who have experienced significant educational disadvantage receive an offer to university.
UAC – FAQs about applying to University
Find answers to frequently asked questions about applying to university
UAC - Schools Recommendation Schemes (SRS)
Applications Close 5 September
The Schools Recommendation Scheme (SRS) is one way institutions make early offers of undergraduate admission to Year 12 students. They do this by using criteria other than (or in addition to) the ATAR. Each institution has its own policy for determining SRS eligibility and making offers. For example, you may also
have to submit an EAS application institution-defined dates, or attend a school in a particular region. SRS is not available for all courses. The institution-specific SRS criteria detail any exceptions.
UOW Early Admission
Applications are now OPEN!
Applications close 8 August 2025
UOW Early Admission is our early entry offer program for students completing Year 12 (Higher School Certificate or other Australian equivalents) during 2025. When you apply for Early Admission, UOW considers your unique skills and experiences, alongside your Year 11 results, so you can earn an offer to uni before you sit your first exam.
Getting early entry to UOW means less stress for you at that time and provides you with the certainty that next year you'll be studying at a uni who knows you're more than your ATAR.
UOW Information Evenings
These interactive events are designed to answer all the common questions that students have about starting university study. UOW staff and current students will be on-hand to make sure you have your questions answered at the one time in the one place.
Register for these various events via the link here: https://www.uow.edu.au/study/events/
UOW Webinar - Year 12 Future Talk
11 August
Understanding university costs is key to making informed financial decisions. This session will cover HECS-HELP, Centrelink support, and the financial aspects of moving out of home. You’ll also learn about scholarships, grants, and accommodation options at UOW, with practical advice on how to apply. If students are weighing up a gap year, we’ll discuss what to consider
before making a decision.
Future Talk is a series of online information sessions designed specifically for a student's support crew.
If you're a parent or carer who is navigating the HSC with your year 12 student, we've got your back.
Upcoming Open Days
Looking to find out more about your future study options? Open days are the best place to learn all the information you need. Explore the campus and facilities, meet students and staff, and ask all your burning questions.
Open Day Calendar
Check the dates and go with family and/or friends!
SCHOLARSHIPS
SIT - Teaching Scholarships - Open Week 3
A reminder that the Year 12 SIT scholarship applications are open from week 3 to week 9 this term (4/8/25 to 19/9/25). Applications will not be accepted after COB on Friday 19th September 2025. We would encourage students to submit their applications before their trial exam period begins.
During term 4, students will be informed (via email), the process to move forward with their application.
UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY - WOMEN IN ENGINEERING
Are you a female student in Year 12 and thinking about studying Engineering, Computer Science or Project Management? Have you ever wondered what it’s like to study engineering at the University of Sydney?
We’re committed to supporting women-identifying students to thrive across all areas of engineering, computer science and project management - and that’s why we’re investing in that future with over $1.5 million of new scholarships for 2026 specifically for women. We believe the future of engineering is more diverse, more inclusive, and led by the next generation of bold thinkers.
Join us for an evening of conversation and connection and explore what it means to study engineering at Sydney. Hear from current students and academic leaders, including Professor Hesham El Gamal (Dean of Engineering) and Professor Renae Ryan (Associate Dean, Culture & Community), as they share how we’re creating space for women to lead, innovate, and shape the future of engineering.
You’ll have a chance to talk with representatives from all our disciplines, and have your questions answered in a Q&A session with engineering staff and current students. The event will be fully catered, Register now to explore your path and find your place in Engineering. Your future, our community.
When: Monday, 21 July at 5:30 pm
Location: Peter Nicol Russell Building (J02)
Maze Cres, Darlington NSW 2008, Australia
ANU Tuckwell Scholarship
One of the most prestigious scholarships in Australia. The program has a focus on giving back to Australia and is the only one of its kind that nurtures Scholars to fulfil their broader community ambitions over and above the pursuit of an undergraduate degree.
Each year we award 25 Scholarships and offer talented and motivated students the opportunity to realise their potential by providing financial support, personal enrichment and development opportunities.
TAFE
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).
APPRENTICESHIPS AND TRAINEESHIPS
Watts Glass
Watts Glass are currently looking for an apprentice. I have attached a link with information about the what the role involves on Google Classroom. You can work in all sorts of buildings (domestic/commercial) and work with many types of glass.
If you are interested, contact:
Simon Watts
Ai Group - Apprentice & amp; Trainee Centre
Ai Group Apprentice and Trainee Centre host apprentices across NSW and are a proud partner to more than 200 host employers.
https://www.aigroupapprentices.com.au/jobs/
Apprenticeships - Support for diverse cohorts
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
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.
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 !
Check Google Classroom for further information
Roxy Cinema
The Roxy Theatre is currently seeking to employ junior staff in the coming months as they prepare for their upcoming reopening.
They will be conducting interviews, inductions and training sessions prior to the reopening to ensure all new team members are well-prepared for their roles.
Fill out the application form on Google Classroom. Once completed send to: The General Manager, via email to: admin_roxy@roxy.com.au
Henry Clive - Events/Hospitality
If you are keen to work in hospitality, Henry Clive is looking for staff to work at a range of events, including weddings. Most work is at The Wood in Husky and The Cove.
Contact Fred on: 0405 557 147
McDonald’s
Macca’s at Bomaderry, Nowra and South Nowra, are seeking casual workers - Year 9, 10, 11 & 12. Apply now!
See Ms Arenas for details or apply directly careers.mcdonalds.com/australia
Red Rooster
Red Rooster is currently hiring young people.
If you are interested, contact Phoebe on: Ph 0448778156
Nowra Fresh - Junior Vacancies
We are seeking junior service staff for after school/weekend and holiday work, no experience necessary. The only "must" we have is that are available xmas week and easter Thursday, (if no school), Friday and Saturday. All other holiday time we are very flexible.
Drop your resume to Daniel at Nowra Fresh, Nowra
Pastry Chef - Apprenticeship Vacancy
North Nowra Bakery have an opening for a Pastry Chef apprentice. Contact them directly if you are interested.
See Ms Arenas if you need assistance with the application process.
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/
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.