Careers News
Upcoming Events!
@Joeys:
Women in Careers Conversation - 12 March 2025
This event is for female students in Year 10, 11 or 12 who are considering vocational pathways, with a particular focus on nontraditional trades. (Jobs that tend to be more popular with boys. Such as: Construction, Mechanical, Plumbing etc.)
The Women in Careers conversation event will take place on the 12th of March 2025 at Illawarra Sports High School.
They have over 25 industry female guests from a vast range of industries to help empower our female students to think about career pathways they may not have heard or thought of. This is their time to shine and ask questions about females in nontraditional trades, barriers and career highlights.
Expressions of interest for this event are now closed.
Stage 5 Trade Readiness Program - 18 to 20 March 2025
This program is designed to inform, guide and support students of Stage 5 Years 9 + 10 ONLY) interested in pursuing careers in trade pathways, specifically construction, electrical and plumbing. The three day workshop will be run at school, but delivered by an external training provider - Fusion Training Solutions.
Students will learn basic electrical and carpentry skills. They will gain an understanding of work, health and safety requirements in the workplace, along with valuable industry insights from trained professionals with many years of experience. Places are limited, so if you are interested, please complete the expression of interest form no later than Monday 10 March 2025:
Trade Readiness Expression of Interest Form
@UOW:
Year 11 Parents and Carers’ Webinar
Location: Online
Date: March 17, 2025
You play a key role in guiding your teen through their university journey. Join our informative webinar to learn about the UOW Early Admission program, the significance of Year 11 results, and how to help them choose a degree that aligns with their strengths and passions. Our experts will walk you through the process, provide valuable insights, and answer your questions so you can provide support with confidence.
General Careers News / Upcoming events:
Year 12 Medicine Information Evening
Organisation: University of New South Wales
Location: Online
Date: March 12, 2025
Are you interested in a career in medicine?
Start your medical career at one of the top medical schools in the world. Studying the Bachelor of Medical Studies/Doctor of Medicine at UNSW will provide you with the theoretical understanding and practical experiences you need to launch your career as a medical professional.
UNSW’s Medicine Information Evening, for current year 12 students, will provide insight into the dynamic blend of hands-on clinical experiences and research-focused learning that you will be immersed in as a UNSW Medicine student. You’ll also find out detailed information on the application and admissions process for 2026 entry, including special entry schemes such as Rural, Gateway and Indigenous Entry Schemes.
Join us online where you will hear from our expert panel of academic staff, current students and advisors, and get all of your UNSW Medicine questions answered.
Study Animal and Veterinary Bioscience at Sydney
Organisation: University of Sydney
Location: Online
Date: March 12, 2025
The Bachelor of Animal and Veterinary Bioscience at Sydney offers you the opportunity to acquire an industry-oriented science-based education that leads to a career in a wide variety of veterinary and animal science industries. Whether you wish to become an animal welfare champion or an expert consultant in animal behaviour and management, the future holds endless possibilities. Join us as we explore the field with our very own expert and academic coordinator.
ADFA Careers Virtual Information Session
Organisation: Australian Defence Force
Location: Online
Date: March 12, 2025
At the Australian Defence Force Academy you will receive service training while studying for your UNSW degree, and graduate as an Officer in the Australian Defence Force.
Join us for a virtual info session to find out how the Australian Defence Force Academy can change your life.
Sydney Defence Comms, IT & Intelligence Roles Information Session
Organisation: Australian Defence Force
Location: Sydney ADF Careers Centre & Online
Date: March 13, 2025
Get connected with a future-focused career, using technologically advanced sensor and communication systems to keep the Australian Defence Force (ADF) in touch, informed and operating effectively.
Join us for an info session and speak with current serving personnel about Communications, IT and Intelligence careers in the ADF.
Sydney West Careers & Employment Expo 2025
Organisation: Kym Jones Exhibitions
Location: Sydney Showground
Date: March 14 to March 15, 2025
Sydney West's New Careers & Employment Event will open on March 14 & 15, 2025, at the Sydney Showground. The Expo will showcase over 120 organisations and employers with career opportunities for all ages. Entry is free.
The event is for school students, parents, teachers, graduates, job seekers, people looking for courses and workers seeking new opportunities.
BiG Day In, UTS Day 1
Organisation: ACS Foundation
Location: The Great Hall @ UTS
Date: March 18, 2025
Join us in The Great Hall @ UTS on Tuesday 18 March for the 2025 BiG Day In IT Careers Conference. Hear from speakers from Microsoft, Google, Adobe, Westpac, Woolworths, Wisetech Global, Defence Jobs Australia, Animal Logic and more to come to learn where a STEM career can take you.
BiG Day In, UTS Day 2
Organisation: ACS Foundation
Location: The Great Hall @ UTS
Date: March 19, 2025
Join us in The Great Hall @ UTS on Wednesday 19 March for the 2025 BiG Day In IT Careers Conference. Hear from speakers from Microsoft, Google, Adobe, Westpac, Woolworths, Wisetech Global, Defence Jobs Australia, Animal Logic and more to come to learn where a STEM career can take you.
Career Conversations @ Home – Helping parents have positive career convos!
Organisation: Arrive & Thrive
Location: Online
Date: March 20, 2025
Come join Tyson Day, the Co-Founder and Lead Facilitator of Arrive & Thrive, as he shares the best way to have impactful career conversations in and around your home environment that produce clarity, career discovery, and momentum. Tyson will share concepts and practices that he has learned through his 10+ years of experience in career education and the 85,000 students who have attended Arrive & Thrive workshops since 2019.
In our webinar, you can expect to learn:
How can you positively influence your young person in their career decisions.
How can you effectively navigate the future of work and understand your young person's options.
How to communicate effectively through the GROW model to support your young person in career exploration.
We can't wait for you to join us!
All participants will receive a Career Conversation Kit to kick off conversations with their young person as soon as possible!
Open Day, April
Organisation: Sydney Design School
Location: Sydney Design School
Date: April 5, 2025
If you’re considering studying with us, our Open Day is a great way to get to know us better. Explore our studios, browse through our Graduate Exhibition, meet students and Educators, watch a live Info Session and get creative making a mood board or digital model.
Holiday Workshop – Performance, Sydney
Organisation: Australian Institute of Music
Location: AIM Sydney Campus
Date: April 14, 2025
AIM’s new school holiday workshop is designed for high school students interested in music performance. Created for students in Years 9-12, the workshops provide incredible opportunities to experience playing and performing music, mentored by AIM’s own accomplished musicians and educators.
Learn, practice and perform contemporary and classic pop, rock and soul tunes, under the expertise of Australia’s leading music mentors.
Discover Law, Criminology and Human Rights at ACU Blacktown
Organisation: Australian Catholic University
Location: ACU Blacktown Campus
Date: April 14, 2025
All rise! Aspiring lawyers, criminologists, and human rights advocates, it’s time to sharpen your analytical skills and discover the excitement of the courtroom. Join us for interactive workshops designed to give you a taste of what it's like to study law, criminology, and human rights at ACU.
Dive into hands-on sessions where you’ll test your courtroom strategies, unravel criminal cases, and explore the critical thinking skills needed to succeed in these fast-paced fields. Plus, engage in a dynamic and interactive human rights session, preparing you with valuable insights into the complexities of human rights law and the importance of advocacy.
Whether you're interested in the legal system, criminology, or human rights, this event will give you an exciting taste of your future career path.
Designing My Career – School Holiday Bootcamp for Teenagers
Organisation: Impactify
Location: Oakhill College, Castle Hill
Date: April 24 to April 25, 2025
This workshop focuses on helping young people design a career that they’ll love (from the inside-out) whilst also teaching valuable employability skills in order to bring their career aspirations to life!
What can you expect to gain from this workshop?
A new perspective on how to design your career & life
Awareness of strengths
Awareness of interests
Awareness of motivators/values
Awareness of 3+ jobs/career pathways that align with you
A vision for your future career & life
Creation of a powerful resume
Opportunity to develop your communication & confidence
Authentic feedback from peers & industry to propel success
Clear next best steps for designing your career & life
Career Insights:
Personal Skills
Planning for your future or just wanting to get the most out of your year? Gain long-term vision and short-term motivation by setting some goals. Whether you’re thinking about subject selection, post-school pathways, gap year options, your next holiday destination, or how to get fitter and healthier, you’re already forming goals. Here are some reasons why you should set goals.
Provide focus and find your passion
Spending some time thinking about what you'd like to achieve in the future (either in a year, five years, or even ten years) can help you work out what's really important to you. If you care about something, you're more likely to stick with it and feel a sense of achievement when you follow through. Writing down your goals and putting an action plan in place are the first steps to finding your passion.
See and measure your progress
No matter how big, challenging, or daunting your aspirations are, goals can help you break them down into manageable steps and plan ways to work around obstacles. Eventually, lots of small goals will lead you to your ultimate destination (plus, it feels good to celebrate milestones along the way).
Overcome procrastination
"Know the true value of time; snatch, seize, and enjoy every moment of it. No idleness, no laziness, no procrastination: never put off till tomorrow what you can do today."
Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield
Putting things off is so easy to do, but it means you’ll probably end up achieving less.
Setting goals helps you be more accountable to yourself. Instead of brushing it off and thinking “I’ll do it tomorrow”, your goals will stick in your mind. If you don’t complete an action or step, it might nag at you. Goals can work as a constant reminder of what you should be doing, and prompt you into action.
Increase your motivation
Once you’ve gone through all the effort to discover, plan, and set goals, statistically there is a much higher chance you'll be more motivated than ever to see them through to the end. You don't want all that hard work to be for nothing, right?
Take control of your future
Goals can help to keep you productive and preserve your sanity by making you feel a bit more in control. Planning our futures can help us to feel less stressed, and even improve our mental health. Despite the unknowns of the future, goal setting still has great value – so try not to get sucked into the “why bother” attitude and instead opt for making the best out of what you have to work with.
You can set goals anytime
If you haven’t set any goals yet, don’t stress. It's never too late and there's no perfect time or deadline. You could take some time to think about what you’d like to achieve right now, or book it in for this weekend. Then you can get stuck in and start taking action once you have a bit of direction.
Make sure your goals are:
Realistic and achievable
Measurable
Valuable and meaningful
Flexible – it’s OK to change your goals or milestones if they’re not working out for you!
Find out more
University
How to choose the right international university for you
Deciding to study at university is a huge step - and going overseas to do it is even bigger. With thousands of options out there, it can be hard to know where to start when it comes to choosing the right international university to study at. So where do you begin? We have some tips you might find helpful.
Think about what you want to study
Knowing what you want to study can help narrow down your options. Follow your heart and choose something you're passionate about - but don't forget to be realistic as well. Consider whether your dream job requires certain qualifications, if international qualifications are recognised in your home country, or if your qualification will be sufficient to help you find work if you want to stay after your study is finished.
Start researching locations
Chances are if you want to study overseas, you already have your heart set on a location. Do some research about the country or city you'd like to study in. What is it like to live there? What are living costs like? If you're moving to a country with a different native language, do you feel comfortable speaking it (or are you willing to learn)? If you want to stay and work after finishing your studies, what are the career opportunities like in your chosen field?
Climate and weather can also be a big factor, including whether or not you'll need to be prepared for natural disasters. Depending on how far you move, you might need to buy an entire new wardrobe of clothes!
You might also like to research a country's laws and attitude towards certain communities, particularly if you're a woman or LGBTQIA+, as you might find your rights and safety are different compared to your home country.
Take a look at universities
Now that you know what you want to study and where, you can start looking at universities. Check out university websites and see what kinds of courses they offer, or do some research into their rankings and ratings. Carefully research their admissions process for international students, and see if you can read reviews from current or former students about their experience. Importantly, find out what language classes are taught in and if this will work for you.
Don't forget to consider other factors too, like clubs, extra-curricular activities, student support services, accommodation options, and careers guidance.
You can also attend virtual open days and webinars to learn more and ask any questions you might have.
Do up a budget
Moving out of home and studying both come with a lot of expenses. Here are some things you'll need to make sure you can cover:
Tuition fees and study expenses (textbooks, etc.)
Accommodation fees or rent
Daily living expenses (food, essentials, luxuries)
Flights to your destination
If you're bringing stuff with you, the cost of having things moved
Visa or sponsorship costs
Extra money set aside for emergencies
This is also a good time to research scholarship and funding opportunities that might be able to help cover some of these expenses.
You'll also need to consider how you're going to cover these costs on an ongoing basis - are you lucky enough to get funding from parents, or will you need to find part-time work while you study?
Make your move
Once you've done your research and feel confident, the final step is to apply! Or if you're still not quite sure, that's OK too - universities often have multiple intake dates, or you might like to look into similar options like student exchange instead.
Whatever your future holds, we wish you the best of luck, and hope these tips have helped you choose the right international university for you.
You can read more about your study options on our website here.
Study Tips
Have you always dreamed of travelling overseas and experiencing new things? Through a student exchange program, you could have the opportunity to study and live in another country. Let's learn a bit more about them in this blog.
What is student exchange?
As the name suggests, student exchange gives you the opportunity to travel to another country and attend school there - and in return, a student from the country you're visiting will live and study in Australia.
You'll attend school and learn just like the other students, and experience life with a host family. You can study overseas from as little as four weeks all the way up to an entire year.
Where can I go?
There are lots of countries you can choose from - you'll need to check with your school or private provider. The most popular destination countries for Australian and New Zealand students include USA, UK, Germany, France, Japan, Italy, Canada, Belgium, Spain and Argentina.
Am I eligible?
If you'd like to participate in a Student Exchange program, you generally need to be between the ages of 15-18 (in Year 9-12), and an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident. Some schools and states might have additional specific eligibility criteria, including minimum academic requirements, so make sure to check first - you should be able to ask your school for details.
You'll also need to be prepared to travel away from your friends and family, feel comfortable in an unfamiliar place, and potentially meet language requirements (depending on where you'd like to travel).
How can I organise a placement?
You'll need to speak to your school or find a registered provider in order to organise your exchange.
If you're organising exchange through a private provider, make sure they are registered to provide programs in your state or territory - this means the provider is safe and reliable, meaning you can travel with less stress.
You should start organising your placement as soon as possible, as you'll generally need to apply quite early and there may be caps on how many students can go on exchange each year.
Where can I find out more?
Find out more about student exchange in New South Wales
You can also find out about other travel options like gap years, or read more blogs on your future study options.
Work Experience
Work experience options for future medicine students
When it comes to a career in medicine, gaining first-hand experience early on can be invaluable. Work experience offers you a chance to step into the shoes of medical professionals, providing insights that textbooks simply can't replicate. Here are some work experience ideas for students who are thinking of studying medicine in the future.
Hospital placements
One of the most direct ways to gain exposure to the medical field is by doing a placement in a hospital. This commonly involves observing doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals in their day-to-day activities. You'll witness various departments, procedures, and patient interactions, giving you a first-hand look at the dynamic world of healthcare.
Placements in clinics and general practices
Local clinics and general practices are excellent places to gain a more focused perspective. Here, you can interact with healthcare providers in a smaller setting, allowing for more personalised attention and a deeper understanding of primary care. If you already have a speciality in mind, this is also a great way to see if it meets your expectations.
Volunteering at healthcare events
Many communities host health-related events and workshops. Volunteering at these events can expose you to a wide range of medical professional, and it's also an opportunity to engage with the public and see the impact of healthcare on a community level. You'll also gain valuable skills like communication, interpersonal skills, and organisation.
Consider research institutions
If you're more interested in the scientific side of medicine, you might like to seek out opportunities in research. Many universities and research institutions offer programs for high school students to get involved in ongoing projects, giving you a taste of the investigative side of the medical field.
Virtual placements and online courses
Thanks to the internet, virtual internships and online courses have become more accessible. Consider enrolling in programs that offer virtual experiences, allowing you to learn from professionals in various medical disciplines all from the comfort of your own home.
Making the most of your experience
Remember to approach your placement, wherever it is, with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Take notes, ask questions, and reflect on what you've observed. This will not only enhance your understanding, but also demonstrate your genuine interest and dedication - and you might even make some important contacts you can use down the track.
If you want to find out more about work experience or search for placements in health or medicine, take a look at the Study Work Grow website here.
Job Spotlights
Discover career pathways in Utilities
The utilities field encompasses the essential services that keep our daily lives running smoothly. It includes electricity, water, gas, and telecommunications, among others. These services are vital for both residential and commercial use, providing power, clean water, heating, and communication facilities.
This pathway might be right for you if you are interested in managing and maintaining essential services like electricity, water, and gas, or if you enjoy ensuring that communities have access to reliable utilities for their everyday needs.
What do careers in this pathway involve?
The utilities industry plays a crucial role in ensuring the convenience and comfort we often take for granted. From powering our homes to enabling us to connect with others, utilities are an indispensable part of our modern society.
Because this field provides essential services that keep our communities running, it can be a rewarding field with good job security and opportunities for advancement.
What are some important human skills for this pathway?
Adaptability
Innovation
Digital literacy
Critical thinking
Collaboration
What are some of the tasks involved?
Maintain equipment and infrastructure
Troubleshoot and repair system failures
Install new equipment and connections
Ensure compliance with safety regulations
Create and update technical documentation
Inspect facilities and infrastructure
Analyse usage data and consumption patterns
Write reports on completed work
Collaborate with team members
What kind of work environment and conditions can I expect?
Many utilities jobs involve working outdoors in various weather conditions. But administrative, engineering, and management positions typically involve desk work in an office environment.
Most employees in this pathway work full-time, with shifts often covering 24/7 operations to ensure continuous service. While office roles may offer some flexibility with remote work options, field-based positions generally require on-site presence.
The Clusters in utilities
Find out more about the kind of work people in each Career Cluster might do in this pathway.
Guardians
Guardians in this pathway ensure the safe and reliable delivery of utility services.
Linkers
Linkers in this pathway connect utility providers with consumers, regulators, and emergency services.
Coordinators
Coordinators are vital in this pathway to manage utility operations, from infrastructure to customer service.
Informers
Informers in this pathway are rare, but some are needed to educate consumers on utility usage, safety, and conservation.
Makers
Makers are very common in this pathway, building, operating, and maintaining utility equipment and networks.
Innovators
Innovators in this pathway develop new utility technologies and sustainable practices.
Where can a utilities pathway take me?
Interested in a career in utilities? There are many roles you might like to consider – here are just a few.
Entry level roles
These jobs can be started with little or no training or experience, and are great as a stepping stone towards more senior roles in the pathway.
Plant Operator
Work with heavy machinery such as excavators, bulldozers, or cranes to move materials, dig trenches, or clear sites on various projects.
Drainage Labourer
Assist with installing, maintaining, and repairing drainage systems by digging trenches, laying pipes, and ensuring proper water flow away from buildings and roads.
Meter Reader
Travels to residential and commercial properties to accurately record utility consumption data from electricity, water, or gas meters.
Mid-level roles
Once you have some further study or experience under your belt, you might like to consider moving into one of these roles.
Water Engineer
Design and oversee water management systems including treatment facilities, distribution networks, and stormwater systems.
Gas Technician
Install, inspect, and repair gas lines and appliances in homes and businesses, ensuring they operate safely and efficiently while meeting safety regulations.
Water Inspector
Conduct comprehensive assessments of water quality, infrastructure, and treatment processes, ensuring compliance with health and safety standards.
Senior level roles
These jobs will require extensive further education or many years of experience, but are also highly rewarding.
Environmental Compliance Manager
Develop and implement comprehensive programs to ensure utility companies meet all environmental regulations.
Infrastructure Planning Director
Lead long-term planning for utility infrastructure expansion and replacement, analysing population growth, regulatory requirements, and technological advances.
Operations Director
Oversee all operational aspects of a utility company, including distribution networks, maintenance programs, emergency response systems, and teams of workers.
Similar pathways
If these careers aren’t quite right for you, you might like to explore some other similar pathways instead.
Road Transport
Operate vehicles, transport goods, deliver services, and maintain road infrastructure.
Civil Engineering
Design and construct infrastructure such as bridges, roads, and buildings.
Industrial Design
Design and create innovative and functional products, from everyday objects to high-tech gadgets.
How can I build experience in this pathway?
If you’re still in high school and want to find out if a career in utilities is right for you, here are some activities you can do:
Study utility management to understand resource distribution
Research energy efficiency methods to understand sustainability
Tour a local utility plant or talk to workers in the industry
We recommend studying these subjects in high school:
English
Mathematics
Technology
Engineering
Physics
Here are some suggestions of places you might like to try and find work experience:
Water treatment plants
Energy companies
Environmental consulting firms
Municipalities
Local councils