Careers

The Career Education program at St Joseph’s College aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about their career pathways. The careers program is focused on assisting students in their transition from high school to post school options. A strong emphasis is placed on individualised career support, focussing on counselling and career interviews.

At St Joseph’s College, individual career interviews provide support in relation to:

  • Stage 6 Course selection and the implication on eligibility for university or employment pathways
  • Assistance with understanding the ATAR and University Admissions Centre (UAC) applications
  • Researching information on available tertiary courses
  • Information about recruitment companies, apprenticeships and traineeships
  • TAFE and Registered Training Organisation applications
  • Utilising diagnostic career tools to assist students in making informed decisions based on interests and strengths
  • Preparing resumes, letters of application, aptitude testing and interview techniques
  • Establishment and management of EVET and School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships

At St Joseph’s College, specialised programs aim to educate and engage students in the decision making process. Some of these programs are for whole year groups, whilst others are offered to interested students.

Examples of these programs include:

  • Year 10 Work Experience Program
  • Youth Engagement Strategy (YES) – a TAFE NSW short course program designed to give students a ‘taste’ of a vocational pathway
  • White Card and First Aid Training
  • Career Excursions including Hunter Valley Careers Expo and University of Newcastle School’s Visit day
  • Apprenticeship sessions, supported by local training companies and industry representatives.
  • ProjectABLE – Careers in the disability and community care sector
  • Money Talks – focusing on the importance of financial literacy for young adults
  • Industry Presentations e.g. Australian Defence Force

In addition to career counselling and targeted programs, all Year 10 students participate in a Transition Preparation program during timetabled lessons. These lessons provide an opportunity to explore a wide range of career related topics, including the following:

  • Career Goal Setting
  • Career websites e.g. JobJump for career development
  • Investigating Careers
  • Work Ready Program
  • Stage 6 Terminology and Courses
  • Post School Pathways including University, TAFE, employment and Apprenticeships
  • Future employment trends and the changing nature of the workforce
  • Resumes, cover letters, Interview preparation
  • Employer Expectations, including WHS requirements
  • Rights and responsibilities in the workplace

Career information is communicated to students through student notices, email and parent newsletter. Year 11 also receive a fortnightly newsletter emailed directly to them which is also uploaded to the school newsletter.

Students are encouraged to schedule a career interview or see Mrs Peattie in the Careers Office at recess or lunch. Parents and guardians are most welcome to book an interview time to discuss their child’s career path options.

CONTACT DETAILS

Careers Adviser is Mrs Kylie Peattie.
Available Monday to Friday from 8.20am – 3.25pm, or by appointment
Contact: kylie.peattie@mn.catholic.edu.au or (02) 4930 7291

The Careers Office is located in the Bertrand Centre.