Careers

Welcome back to school for 2025! I am replacing Rod Paton for the year and am excited to help students access career opportunities at McAuley. In Careers, students get access to information for courses, and jobs and apply for various positions or courses. They also research and plan their pathways by reflecting on their skills and areas they wish to develop. We create resumes and role-play mock job interviews.

The year has started quickly with year 12 already attending a Uni Roadshow at C.V.A.S. On this excursion, the students interacted with representatives from the University of New England, Southern Cross, Newcastle and Charles Sturt Universities. The excursion was informative and accessible for the students who learned about the Early Entry Process, UAC, courses, support services and accommodation. 

More opportunities for Years 11 and 12

There will be different opportunities for Year 12 and Year 11 students this year. Here are a few:

The next proposed excursion to a university is on March 25th to Charles Sturt University where students will attend workshops from different courses and research different career opportunities. Students will need to nominate for the different workshops. The excursion is free and will leave Grafton at 6 am and return by 5.30 pm approximately. The times will be firmed up soon and I will inform parents and students. This will be available first to Year 12, and then it will be offered to Year 11 if we have spare spots. The maximum number of students who can attend is 12. Please give your child’s name to me directly if you would like your child to attend.

On the 2nd of May, there is a proposed excursion to Armidale University of New England. More details will follow on this soon. Please email me if your child would be interested in this.

In Term four Year 11 will have a university tour to Queensland where we will visit different universities. More details will follow on this soon.

Year 10 - Applying for a USI

Year 10 have begun studying Careers this year. As a part of our program, they will need to apply for their unique student identifier (u.s.i), which is a number they will need for various educational courses. To access this number, they need to go to the usi site: https://www.usi.gov.au/students/get-a-usi. From here, they will fill out an online form that requires one piece of identification, such as a passport, birth certificate or Medicare card. They enter the details on the form. If your child needs any help, please give them a screenshot of their official documentation, and we can apply for their USI in the careers class.

Work experience

Later in the year, in term 4, week 8, 1st December to 5th of December, Year 10 will be going on a week’s work experience. Students should be researching their chosen workplace and liaising with them soon to ensure they can organise a spot there.

Courses for Senior students - Medicine or Dentistry

Any student from Year 12 who is considering studying Medicine or Dentistry needs to see me about how to access scholarships for completing the UCAT test and any information about this.

More courses and opportunities

University of Wollongong Future Me - Year 12

Six-week program at CUC Clarence Valley, ( Country University Centre, Grafton)

Helps to build awareness on pathway decision-making and builds a profile with the University of Wollongong. This requires no additional work required from students and is free. The registration date for this is 23rd February. https://www.uow.edu.au/engage/schools-parents/high-school/future-me/#dates

Southern Cross University  Scholars - Years 11 and 12

 This is a six-week program online supported by the Country University Centre. Students are completing a first-year uni subject in a chosen pathway

Students will need to complete two assignments within the six weeks and the courses will help them create a pathway with Southern Cross University. The final date for registration is 23/02/25

https://www.scu.edu.au/engage/schools-engagement-program/scholars-program/

ACU Step Up - Year 11

This is a year-long online program supported by the Country University Centre

Students are completing two first-year university subjects in a chosen pathway

Semesters are 12 weeks long.

Students will be in small classes with other Year 11 students.

Time commitment of a weekly lecture, and tutorial plus additional study time. https://www.acu.edu.au/about-acu/widening-participation/uni-step-up

The courses are linked to Health careers, nursing,  midwifery, paramedicine, Business or Exercise and Sports Science. The closing date for this application is 23/02/25

Applying for University - University Admissions Centre

The centre for applying to university in NSW, U.A.C. will not open until the first week of April. There will be more information about this to follow.

Charles Sturt has already opened course applications but students do not need to rush to apply as the closing date is late July.

Please contact me for any more information or requests to help your child secure opportunities. 

Thank you,

Maria Rouse Careers Adviser.