Vocational Learning

There are a range of programs and activities available during years 9 and 10. These programs prepare students for work and assist in making meaningful and considered decisions about their career pathways after high school.

Hospitality

Programs are offered in hospitality through The Café and Introduction to Hospitality classes as pre-vocational courses. Students in Years 9 and 10 have the opportunity to select each course for a semester of study. The Café is run as a business and students gain experience in occupational health and safety; catering; coffee and food preparation; taking orders, waiting at tables and serving customers; as well as cash register usage and stock control. Introduction to Hospitality exposes students to the skills and knowledge typically required for a career in the hospitality industry, and gives them opportunities to prepare and present food for café and restaurant style meals as well as refine customer relations.

Work Experience (WEX)

All students in Year 9 and 10 have the opportunity to experience the world of work through a work experience placement of usually five consecutive working days. Students are placed with an employer for one week and receive a work experience reference which may be useful when seeking work in the future.

Students wishing to work in any of the construction areas need to participate in a short course to obtain their White Card which is a health and safety construction induction certificate. It is also now a requirement that students complete an Asbestos Awareness Training Course before these placements. These courses are completed through outside training centres.

Careers Information

All students access information about future careers, study options at college or CIT and listen to guest speakers from a range of professions. Students also participate in workshops to practice interview skills and CV writing. Year 9 and 10 students visit the annual Careers Expo held during the first week of August. The expo specialises in the provision of valuable career opportunities to secondary students throughout the ACT and surrounding NSW schools network. There are over 80 local and national exhibitors, including universities, colleges and career placement organisations providing a wide range of information to access further study or work.

Careers Information

All students in Year 9 participate in Careers Days as part of a school-wide events week program. Students access information about future careers, study options at college or CIT and listen to guest speakers from a range of professions. Students also participate in workshops to practice interview skills and CV writing. Year 10 students visit the annual Careers Expo held during the first week of August. The expo specialises in the provision of valuable career opportunities to secondary students throughout the ACT and surrounding NSW schools network. There are over 80 local and national exhibitors, including universities, colleges and career placement organisations providing a wide range of information to access further study or work.

MSHS/CIT Industry Pathways Course

The Industry Pathways Course is a program being offered Year 10 Mount Stromlo High School students to 2019. The course is part of a joint pilot program between CIT, the Education Directorate and Skills Canberra. Students will complete a Certificate II in Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways to help prepare them for work in the future. Students will develop employability skills and will explore different industries. The course will bring the world of work into the classroom and also take students into the world of work. Through the course, students will take part in interviews, worksite visits/placements, external training in an adult learning environment and project-based and online learning. Students will also benefit from interactions with employers/employees, self-employed people, entrepreneurs and various guest speakers. There is also the opportunity for students to choose two industries to explore in greater depth through excursions and work placements.