Cerdon College Careers Hub (Still being developed 😁)

Explore your future pathways, plan your goals, and get the support you need to succeed.

(Don't forget- If you are in Year 12, there's a Cerdon Careers Google Classroom set up just for you. )

1. Career Exploration: Discover jobs that match your interests and skills.

• My Future

• Skills Road Career Quiz

• Job Outlook: Find out where the future growth areas for occupations and industries are here.

2. Subject Selection & Pathways: Choose subjects that align with your future goals.

• UAC Subject Compass: On this part of the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) website,  use the 'Subject Compass'  to enter your interests, skills, chosen career path or tertiary study plans to create your profile. You can then view a list of HSC subjects that best match your profile. You can then check whether your chosen subjects will make you eligible for an ATAR.

• School Subject Guide (PDF link): Here, you will find the list of subjects we offer for Preliminary and HSC studies at Cerdon College
  
  

• TAFE NSW Pathways: TAFE offers many different pathways to  set you up for a successful career, whether it is to go directly into the workforce, study at TAFE of find an alternative pathway to university. 
  
  

• Info on VET & EVET subjects during Year 11 and 12 (PDF link)

3. University Pathways: Explore uni courses, ATARs, and early entry programs.

• Steps to Uni for current Year 10 students

• Steps to Uni for current Year 11 and 12 students: More information also on the video link below.

• UAC – Apply & Explore Courses: More information also on the video link below.
  
  

• UNSW Gateway: More information also on the video link below.
  
  

• ACU Guarantee: (More information also available on the video below.) The ACU Guarantee program offers Year 12 students (Australian citizens or permanent residents) a place at ACU based on Year 11 results. It is specially designed to reflect achievements in your whole life, not only your academic results.

Offers may be made as early as September. Of course, you must still complete your Year 12 exams and meet any course pre-requisites, but you can do so secure in the knowledge that you have an offer to study at ACU. You may also enhance your application by including short personal statements that give ACU an insight into your personal circumstances and motivation for university study.

Applications for Semester 1, 2026 entry have closed. To be notified when applications for Semester 1, 2027 entry open, please register your interest.

• Macquarie Leaders & Achievers: Each year Macquarie Uni updates its website to provide opportunities for student leaders and high achievers to gain an early entry offer. Go to the Macquarie Uni website (www.mq.edu.au) for more information
  
  

• Uni Open Days Calendar: Find out what it's like on uni campus by attending the Open Day offered by the various universities. Why not organise a group of students or family members to go along with you?

Please note that small number of universities offer studies by direct applications and not through UAC. Such universities include:

• University of Notre Dame, Sydney

• Campion College

4. TAFE, Apprenticeships/ Traineeships & Trades Information

An apprenticeship or traineeship helps you earn while you learn. It combines working for an employer with study, meaning you walk away with valuable real-world skills and a formal qualification. 

• TAFE NSW: Find out about all the courses offered by TAFE
  
  

• Australian Apprenticeships: This comprehensive website provides information  on how to become an apprentice or trainee, how to access a group training organisation (GTO) and the different occupations that offer apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities.

• Apprenticeships and Traineeships available in NSW: Use this tool to see what current jobs are available.
  
  

•  MEGT: MEGT is a leading group training organisation that plays an important role in shaping Australia's future workforce by being a leading provider of apprenticeship, employment and skills solutions
  
  

5. Resume, Cover Letter & Job Applications: Be job-ready for part-time or casual work.

• Resume & Cover Letter Templates: The myfuture website link provides many samples and templates you can use to put together a smart cover letter and resume. 

• Job Interview tips 

• Common Interview Questions: 

-Can you tell me about yourself?

-Why do you want to work here?

-Why should we hire you?

-What are your greatest strengths?

-What is your greatest weakness? (tip: think of a skill you would like to improve and explain your approach to overcoming this)

-Can you tell me about a time when you demonstrated …? 

6. Scholarships & Financial Support

Explore opportunities to help fund your study or training.

• UAC Equity Scholarships

• UAC's Educational Access Scheme

• UAC's Schools Recommendation Scheme
  
  

• Uni-Specific Scholarship Links: All universities offer thousands of dollars worth of scholarships. In some cases, they may not have many applicants. 

If you are a current Year 12 student, go to the university website and do some research on what scholarships on offer. If you need help in completing the scholarship application, don't hesitate to contact Mr Bonora, Careers Adviser at Cerdon College.

7. Gap Year, Student Exchange Programs & Volunteering

If you are interested in making a difference in the lives of others, travelling, or exploring before further study, here are some ideas. In some instances, this can be a great way to stand out from others. (See the videos below)

• Defence Gap Year Program

• Projects Abroad

• Youth Volunteering NSW

• Volunteering at St Vincent de Paul

• Volunteering at the Australian Red Cross

• Camp America Summer Camps

• Rotary Australia Student Exchange Programs

• https://year13.com.au/articles/tags/gap-years: This is general information including articles about what a gap year involves.

9. Money Matters- Getting a Tax File Number and the Moneysmart website

• Getting a Tax File Number: Tax file numbers (TFNs) are issued by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and everyone has a unique one. Your TFN is used to identify your tax records. You will need one for when you start working.

• Moneysmart website: Lots of useful tips on getting a job, having a budget, moving out of home, buying a mobile phone and buying a car.