Careers – Week 7 Term 3

MCE Careers Website Link mcecareers.com

Term 3, Week 7 2026

Dear Parents/Carers

With Term 3 speeding along, our Year 12s are fast approaching the finish line and students across Years 9–11 are beginning to look closely at their future pathways. Below, you’ll find a curated roundup of upcoming university open days, career expos, virtual information sessions and helpful resources for your household.

Please take a look at the key dates and options available to help guide your son’s next steps.

Upcoming Events & Open Days

Saturday, 5 September 2026

  • UNSW Open Day 2026 (Kensington Campus): Over 200 sessions, campus tours and expert advice to explore study options.
  • ACU Open Day 2026 (North Sydney Campus): Meet academic staff, chat with current students and attend faculty info sessions.
  • National Art School Open Day 2026 (Darlinghurst): Studio demonstrations, campus exhibitions and faculty meet-and-greets.
  • Massey University International Online Open Day: Online info on studying across the ditch in New Zealand, covering courses, accommodation and entry requirements.
  • Wodonga TAFE Logic & MTA Open Days: Hands-on machinery, motorsport workshop tours and industry employer showcases.

Monday, 7 September – Thursday, 10 September 2026

  • ACU Year 12 HSC Revision Webinars (Online): Free, expert-led live webinars covering key subjects to help Year 12s prepare for upcoming HSC exams (recordings available to registrants).
  • Basair Pilot Career Seminar (Bankstown Airport | Mon 7 Sep): Information session on pathways to becoming a commercial pilot.

Tuesday, 8 September – Friday, 11 September 2026

  • Western Sydney Apprenticeship/Traineeship & Jobs Expo (Penrith | Tue 8 Sep): Premier event for families to meet employers, group training organisations and industry experts under one roof.
  • ADF Engineering Careers Info Session (Online/Melbourne | Wed 9 Sep): Explore engineering trades and officer roles across Navy, Army and Air Force.
  • Flight Centre Travel Academy Info Session (Online | Wed 9 Sep): Pathways in travel, tourism, hospitality and aviation.
  • University of Sydney – Exploring Oral Health Webinar (Online | Wed 9 Sep): Course structure, entry options and indigenous pathways for the Bachelor of Oral Health.
  • Macquarie Incubator & Student Startup Bootcamp (Years 9–10 | Fri 11 Sep): Full-day entrepreneurial skills workshop hosted at Macquarie’s Wallumattagal Campus.

Important Future Dates to Bookmark

  • 14 Sep: ADF Indigenous Pathways Virtual Info Session
  • 16 Sep: USYD Bachelor of Arts & Future of Work Webinar
  • 16 Sep: ADF Sydney Officer & Management Careers Info Session (Parramatta)
  • 19 Sep: UNSW Aviation Open Day (Bankstown Airport)
  • 19 Sep: Sydney Design School Open Day
  • 19 Sep: Macquarie University Astronomy Open Night
  • 22 Sep: UTS Sport & Exercise Science Experience Evening (Moore Park)
  • 28 Sep – 7 Oct: Western Sydney University Free Online HSC Study Sessions
  • 29 Sep: Cyber Security Experience Day for High School Girls (Westpac Sydney)
  • 3 Oct: Create for a Day at SAE University College Sydney (Animation, Audio, Film, Games, Design)

Scholarships & Competitions

Scholarships Open Now

  • UNSW John Shaw Memorial Scholarship in Planning: $5,000 AUD (Closes 18 Dec 2026).
  • AFTRS Netflix First Nations Pathways Scholarship: $50,000 AUD total value (Closes 21 Oct 2026).

Student Competitions

  • King of the Ranges Bush Poetry Competition: Closes 4 September 2026.
  • Fisher’s Ghost Writing Prize 2026 (Campbelltown): Closes 7 September 2026.
  • Pens Against Poverty Writing Competition (Years 7–10): Closes 11 September 2026.
  • 2026 Mayoral Creative Writing Prize (Blacktown): Closes 14 September 2026.
  • The Rhiza Edge Short Story Competition: Closes 30 September 2026.

Spotlight Articles & Career Insights

  1. Finding Your Way into Engineering (Alternative Pathways) If your son is keen on engineering but worried about high selection ranks or specific subject prerequisites, there is no need to panic. Direct ATAR entry isn’t the only door. Consider these alternative options:
  • Diploma Pathways: Completing a 1-year diploma often allows direct entry into the 2nd year of a Bachelor’s degree.
  • Related Degrees & Transfers: Enrolling in computer science, mechatronics, or general science, then applying for an internal transfer after building strong first-year marks.
  • Bridging Courses: Targeted foundational programs designed to meet math or physics prerequisites.
  1. VET & Apprenticeship Focus: What is an “NYC” Result? In vocational education and apprenticeships, students aren’t given a letter grade or a mark out of 100. They are assessed on competencies. If a student doesn’t hit the required standard on an attempt, they receive a Not Yet Competent (NYC) result.
  • What it means: NYC simply flags that a specific practical task or unit needs another try. It doesn’t fail the whole course or drag down a grade.
  • What happens next: The RTO (Registered Training Organisation) provides specific feedback, offers extra practical support or training and schedules a re-assessment. Once passed, the final qualification only reflects the successful outcome.
  1. Job Spotlight: Access Consultant Access Consultants advise architects, builders and councils on how to make spaces accessible for people with disabilities.
  • The Role: Reviewing architectural plans, conducting site audits and ensuring compliance with building codes and universal design principles.
  • How to get there: Common entry paths include background qualifications in architecture, building surveying, or occupational therapy, followed by specialist training in accessibility standards.
  1. Student Wellbeing: Navigating High School Finals With major exams approaching, remind your sons that looking after their health directly improves academic performance:
  • Prioritise Sleep: Aim for 8–10 hours. The brain processes and retains information during rest, making late-night cramming counterproductive.
  • Active Revision: Ditch passive re-reading; practice past papers and active recall to build exam stamina.
  • Schedule Downtime: Physical activity, breaks away from screens and balanced meals keep energy levels stable.

Educational Access Schemes (EAS) Applications

If your son has experienced long-term educational disadvantage (Such as illness, financial hardship or family disruptions) during Year 11 or 12, he may be eligible for EAS adjustment factors through UAC. Be sure to complete the EAS application via the UAC portal before the key offer round deadlines. 

If you have any questions about university applications, UAC, or apprenticeship options, please feel free to contact the Careers Office at the College – benjamin.nguyen004@syd.catholic.edu.au 

For the full version, please see the link

Warm regards

Mr Benjamin Nguyen
Careers Adviser