CAREERS NEWS
INFO AND TIPS
Ten questions to ask in an informal interview
You’ve reached out to a professional, arranged a time to chat, and now you’re sitting across from someone who actually works in the field you’re considering. But what should you ask them? The questions you choose can make the difference between a polite but surface-level conversation and a genuinely illuminating discussion that helps shape your future decisions.
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.
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.
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.
UPCOMING EVENTS
'Yes' Program - Nowra TAFE - Welding
Nowra TAFE is offering students the opportunity to build their skills and knowledge in this area of work.
Students will learn to:
- Perform basic welding
- Heat and cut ferrous metals.
- Perform thermal cutting using oxy-acetylene equipment
- Carry out manual metal arc welding
- Undertake gas metal arc welding
- Operate gas tungsten arc welding
- Support general workplace health and safety
From here, there is potential to lead into Cert II Welding /Engineering pathways (fee-free) in 2026.
The program will run over 5 weeks at the Nowra Campus.
Dates: 5/11/2025 to 3/12/2025
Time: 9 am - 3 pm (approximately)
Please complete the EOI attached to the Careers Google Classroom to be considered for this program.
See Ms Arenas if you have any questions.
Shoalhaven Hospital - Work Experience Program
Students participating in this program are reminded to check the Student Placement Record that was emailed to them earlier this year for dates, times and expectations.
If you have any questions, please contact Ms Arenas
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.
UOW Future Talk Session - What's next? 2026 Success!
15 September
What an Early Admission offer means, what’s next? This session will guide you through the next steps, including how to navigate UAC (Universities Admissions Centre), finalise your enrolment, and prepare for university. You'll also hear from UOW’s Accessibility & Inclusion, Wellbeing, and Safe & Respectful Communities teams on how we create a supportive, inclusive environment to help you thrive from day one. Future Talk is a series of online information sessions designed specifically for a student's support crew.
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.
HSC Study Guide - The Sydney Morning Herald Sun
Tips and tricks to help you over the final stage of your HSC.
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.
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 - START NOW!
The Shoalhaven Education Fund was established to provide much needed financial assistance and support to local youth to help them achieve their post- high school education, training and vocation aspirations. We recognise that the cost of rural students pursuing their post- high school goals is often much greater than those of their metropolitan counterparts and that sometimes these costs can be prohibitive.
SEF fundraises throughout the year and accepts donations from local residents and businesses in order to provide financial grants to students who need an extra helping hand. The funds come directly from your local community – none of it is government funded – celebrating the aspirations of local youth and working to help them achieve these aspirations.
Education Department - Teaching Scholarships
If your future plans include completing an initial teacher education degree or you are currently studying to become a secondary mathematics, science, technological and applied studies (TAS) or English teacher or an inclusive/special education teacher (K - 12), you could be eligible for the Teacher Education Scholarship.
The Teacher Education Scholarship provides financial support of up to $7,500 per year whilst studying full-time, a $6,000 appointment allowance and a permanent teaching position with the NSW Department of Education following successful completion of studies.
Applications close Friday 12 September 2025, 11:59 pm (AEST).
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.
ANU Tuckwell Scholarship
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, TRAINEESHIPS AND CADETSHIPS
Sikorsky Australia Apprenticeships
Sikorsky has recently opened its intake for 2026 Aeroskills Apprenticeships with numbers to be finalised.
Apprenticeships will be in the following trades:
- Mechanical
- Avionics
- Structures
Pacific Smiles Dental Traineeship
Pacific Smiles in Nowra.
We offer career opportunities in the region from Nowra-Wollongong that include traineeships and on-the-job training.
Contact Sharelle on:
P: 02 44468700 E:sharelle.parker@pacificsmiles.com.au
Bluescope Engineering Cadetship
We’re reaching out to share an exciting opportunity for your students who are interested in engineering, innovation, and making a real impact.
BlueScope’s 2026 intake for the Materials Engineering Cadetship is now re-advertised and open for applications until September 1st. We’re especially encouraging Year 12 students to consider this pathway and we’re committed to creating opportunities for aspiring engineers.
At BlueScope, a deep understanding of materials is at the core of what we do. This cadetship offers students the chance to dive into what makes steel strong, versatile, and enduring, studying the structure and properties of materials while applying that knowledge to improve performance, production, and sustainability.
Our cadetship program combines university study with paid, hands-on experience, allowing students to apply their learning in real-world scenarios while building a career in a globally relevant industry. Materials Engineering is a broad and dynamic field, leading to careers in operational leadership, product development, technical innovation, and more.
If you have students in Year 12 (or even recent graduates in their first two years of university) with a passion for STEM, problem-solving, and meaningful innovation, please encourage them to apply.
Applications close September 1
Burbank & Brown Lawyers Nowra - Traineeship
Melissa Vine, principal solicitor at Burbank & Brown Lawyers in Nowra, has asked me to share details of a traineeship they're offering to 2025 Year 12 leavers. They are offering full time employment as a trainee legal assistant, a tafe certificate and an opportunity to gain valuable experience in law.
See details in the flier attached to Google Classroom . While the SEF has no affiliation with this, successful applicants may be eligible for SEF funding to help with the TAFE component.
Sophie Ray FAICD FGIA
Chair
Ph: 0414 379 059
Shoalhaven City Council
Zeal Futures Apprenticeships
Apprenticeship Vacancies:
- Carpentry
- Painting and Decorating
Please go to Zeal Futures or the Career Google Classroom for application details.
If you are interested and need support with the application, see Ms Arenas
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 you 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.