Careers Education and Pathways @CCW
We recognise that thinking about the future can feel overwhelming for many young people.
To support them as they explore their post-school pathways, our Future Ready program aims to transform this journey into an empowering experience, guiding students confidently in setting their career goals.
Weekly Future Ready classes for Year Ten students address the key areas of personal careers planning and management, learning and work exploration and career-building.
Key components include:
- School Work Experience program
- Mock Interview experience, resume preparation and job application process
- Visits to career expos and tertiary open days
- Career information sessions and guest speakers
The College's Careers website hosts a huge and very helpful range of information and links.
Cathedral College Careers Website
Careers Counselling Service
Please contact the Head of Careers and Pathways, Mrs Kellie Cairncross to assist with Careers planning. A qualified Careers Practitioner, Mrs Cairncross is available to meet with students and parents/carers wishing to support their child for careers planning and counselling. Please reach out via email should you wish to book an appointment: kcairncross@cathedralcollege.vic.edu.au
The Australian Blueprint for Career Development has outlined the following changing nature of life, learning and work:
“Over the last decade it has become evident that the way we live and work has been dramatically altered by factors such as globalisation, the rapid increases in information and communications technology and significant demographic shifts.
- The concept of a ‘job for life’ no longer exists. Most individuals will change jobs numerous times throughout their working lives.
- There has been a trend away from permanent employment to more varied working arrangements such as contract and project work.
- Gone are the days where a person could gain a single qualification which would sustain them throughout their entire working lives.
- In addition to job-related skills, individuals now need skills such as communication, problem solving, teamwork and personal attributes such as adaptability, resilience, enthusiasm and openness to new ideas. Times have clearly changed. Now, both the individual and the labour market are subject to constant variation and, for many people, transitioning from one situation to another is a recurring motif. The old three-stage pattern of preparing for work; working; and then retiring is fast disappearing, yet many current workers have not had the opportunity to develop the career management competencies that they require to cope with, let alone thrive in, such an environment.
In Year Ten, students undertake a week of Work Experience during term breaks, aiding their transition to working life and supporting their intellectual, social and vocational growth. Work Experience helps with career choices, understanding employment opportunities, adapting to workplace changes and valuing lifelong learning.
Work Experience FAQ’s/Tips (for students)
Q. Can I do placement with my parents/family business?
We would prefer that you take the opportunity to explore something new. These experiences are designed to help you work with different people, develop new skills, and step outside your comfort zone.
Q. What about doing the placement with my employer if I have an SBAT?
If an SBAT appears to be your most likely future pathway, that is entirely appropriate. However, if you are considering the possibility of exploring an alternative direction, this experience provides an excellent opportunity to do so.
For students wishing to pursue an SBAT, undertaking work experience is an effective way to demonstrate your capabilities to a prospective employer and to determine whether the nature of the work aligns with your interests and strengths.
Q: What about doing the placement where I have my part time job?
Whilst this is acceptable (especially if the experience will be broader than your usual tasks), we ask that students explore other possibilities for their Work Experience.
Q: Can I do my work experience in Melbourne, interstate or even overseas?
A: Yes! We have had students complete their placements in Sydney, Queensland and even the Philippines. If you are staying away from home, you must complete the travel and accommodation form.
Q. What about the Police Force?
Unfortunately, the Police Force is highly sought after and this year we weren’t drawn out of the ballot to have students apply.
In Year Nine, all students complete the Morrisby Assessment.
The Morrisby Careers Guidance and Destinations Platform provides students with a detailed analysis of their career strengths and preferences.
Morrisby uses psychometric assessments (aptitude, interests, personality) to help students and adults explore potential career paths, subjects, and further education, providing personalized recommendations based on their strengths and preferences through an interactive platform
VTAC (Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre) Website: VTAC Home
Other Admssion Centres
NSW: Universities Admissions Centre - UAC
SA: SATAC
TASMANIA: University entrance - TASC
QLD: Home - QTAC
WA: TISCOnline
NT: Higher education | Study NT
VTAC Parents and Carers Guide
Parents and caregivers
Options for studying Medicine