We live in exciting and changing times. The range of options available for young people to follow in their lives and careers is many, diverse and varied. Making an informed choice is important and the Padua College Careers Team is well-placed to assist our students, with a wide collection of information and resources that are available to students, staff, and parents. Students are encouraged to research career areas of interest and develop research skills that will assist them in the future. Careers Team members are always there to lend a hand and provide professional and informed advice when needed.

Padua College Careers Services

Individual Careers Counselling

It is the aim of the Careers Team to meet with every Year 12 and Year 10 students to develop a pathways plan. This process involves the identification of each student’s interests and abilities, planning for Year 11 and 12 programs, and organising for the transition from school to further training, education, or work. The team also engages Year 9 students in career conversations ahead of Year 10 subject selections.

Education, Careers and Training (ECAT) Expo

Held in the lead up to tertiary application dates through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC) and Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), Victorian Certificate of Education Vocational Major (VM), and Vocational Education and Training (VET) subject selections, ECaT night is an important evening for students and parents to attend. On this night staff from TAFE, Universities, private colleges and Defence Forces provide information and advice for attendees. Students will also receive important information on Padua College subject areas and Year 11 and 12 programs.

ECAT 2024 will take place on Wednesday 26 June, 5.00pm - 7.30pm, at our Mornington Campus.

Please click here for information regarding VCE, VM and VET

Year 10 Career Development Program

This program forms an important part of the process for Year 10 students making their subject selections for Years 11 and 12. Careers and Padua staff facilitate the program, and students participate in a series of sessions including interest and vocational testing and a visit to a tertiary institution.

Careers Office

Students are able to access all TAFE and University course guide information about applying for jobs and career advice. The Careers Office is located at Mornington Campus in the Ursula Frayne Centre.

Careers Website and News

The Padua College Careers website is an invaluable resource for our students, staff, and parents. To access this information, the Padua community can find direct links on SIMON and PAM under 'Padua College Careers'.

Careers News is published in the Paduan Newsletter which provides current information as well as details about a range of career events happening throughout the year. Information is also regularly posted on our Padua Careers Website.

Visits to Key Industry Events

Interested students are invited to attend targeted events such as the ‘Naval Gazing’ tour at Cerberus, Industry Days, and the Age Careers Expo.

Jobs Preparation

Whether students are seeking part-time work on weekends or looking at obtaining a full-time job at the end of their schooling, the Careers Office staff can assist. It may be with constructing a resume and application letter or tips on going for your first job interview. Current job opportunities are posted on the Padua College Careers website (For Students tab) on the Job Vacancies Page.

Padua College Team

Our Careers Team assists students with their career pathways planning and is overseen by Julie Clough, Careers Team Leader at the Mornington Campus. Students have access to personalised careers counselling, subject and course advice, and assistance with the tertiary application process. Students are also offered the opportunity to participate in work experience and a variety of Vocational Education. All Careers staff are qualified careers counsellors, with post-graduate qualifications in career development.

Our Careers Team is responsible for careers planning, providing career advice, co-ordinating Work Experience, and assisting students to make informed decisions about their post-secondary pathways across the Mornington, Rosebud, and Tyabb Campuses.

Do you need an appointment with the Careers Team?

Students seek careers advice for a variety of reasons, some of which may include:

• being unsure of what courses to apply for when you finish secondary college;
• thinking about leaving school but are unsure of your options;
• being unsure of your path for schooling; VCE, VCE/VET, VM/VET?
• lacking in direction and motivation at school. In a careers session, you can explore ideas and consider options for your future.

To make an appointment:

• Drop into the Careers Office at Mornington Campus and make a time.
• Email careersteam@padua.vic.edu.au
• Call the Careers team on 03 5976 0100

Tertiary Options

Many of our students choose to go on to tertiary study after they have completed their senior schooling. It is never too early to start investigating these options! The VTAC website is an invaluable source of information with links to all tertiary options in Victoria. The website may be accessed at www.vtac.edu.au

Seeking Employment

Employers regularly contact the Careers Office to advertise jobs in the local area. Many of these jobs are part-time or casual and enable students to earn some money whilst they are still at school. Some jobs are full-time or apprenticeships/traineeships and may require students to leave school. Keep an eye on the Careers Newsletter, Job Vacancies page on the website, and Daily Bulletin if you are looking for work.