Welcome to the first edition of the Career Compass for Term 2!
This publication helps our students, families, and community stay connected to the ever-changing world of careers, pathways, and opportunities. Each edition will bring you timely updates, useful resources, links and industry insights to help guide informed decision‑making and build career curiosity for your future.
We are pleased to unveil an exciting new opportunity for our school community, with St Mark’s confirming their participation in the University of Western Australia's (UWA) Pathways Program. This is a preparation program purpose built, mapped to a specific field of study and future direction, delivered by UWA academics.
This program will be open to eligible students commencing Year 12 in 2027 and will take place on campus at UWA one day a week.
Click HERE to learn more about the UWA Pathways Program.
Click HERE to access a brochure.
Further information will be shared with our community over the term to support year 11 students in readiness for 2027 year 12 Subject Selection.
Notre dame Open Day is scheduled for Saturday 2 May.
Open day is a fabulous opportunity to visit the Fremantle campus and engage with academics about courses, speak with the admissions team about entry pathways and tour the campus.
Click HERE for further information and to the view the schedule and plan your day.
After the postponement of the original Open Day in Term 1, Curtin have confirmed the new Open day scheduled for Sunday 24 May.
For further information click HERE
If you can’t make it to Open Day on Sunday 24 May 2026, you can still explore Curtin online and keep an eye on the events page for other opportunities to visit campus and learn more.
Murdoch University Open day is scheduled for Saturday 23 May.
Click HERE to find out more.
The Big Sister Program mentoring project drives transformational change in the electrical and clean energy sector. It is run by the College of Electrical Training (CET) and is a women‑focused pathway initiative designed to increase participation and retention of women in the industry.
Delivered through a pre‑apprenticeship that leads to the UEE22020 Certificate III in Electrotechnology, the program combines hands‑on training with targeted mentoring from experienced tradeswomen, industry networking, and supported work placements to help participants transition confidently into electrical apprenticeships.
To apply directly with CET click HERE
Course Information is available HERE
Applications for 2027-28 Public Sector School Based traineeships are opening soon.
The government school based traineeship program is a fantastic opportunity for students heading into Year 11 in 2027 who are looking to start a great career. Over an 18 month period trainees gain real experience working part time in an entry level pathway in a government agency. Students will learn valuable workplace skills and be paid while finishing Years 11 and 12.
Trainees:
To access the School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeship Guide click HERE.
Attend Creative Industries Open Day and see what options are available to kick-start your career in the creative field.
For more information click HERE to view the flyer.
The College of Electrical Training Open Day is a great opportunity for high school students considering a career in the electrical and renewable energy sector. This is a great opportunity to find out more about training in an industry with huge demand and future opportunity.
Did you know: Students in Year 11 and 12 can apply to study a Pre Apprenticeship in a Certificate II Electrotechnology as part of their Year 11 and 12 pathway.
This event always books out and families are encouraged to secure a ticket early!
Event Details
If you want to pursue study to become a veterinary nurse or in animal care there is new financial incentives to help employers hire trainees. A veterinary nursing traineeship allows a student to be employed in industry while completing their Certificate IV qualification, gaining real world clinical experience alongside their formal training. For veterinary practices and other workplaces, this creates an opportunity to develop staff with the skills and culture that best suit their workplace.
Veterinary Nursing is now included on the Australian Apprenticeships Priority List for 2026. This change means that additional funding and support is available for veterinary nurse employers that employ a trainee.
Applicable traineeships relevant to WA are traineeships for the Certificate IV of Veterinary Nursing, or the Certificate III of Animal Care Services.
Applied Vocational Training (AVT) is an excellent training provider who offers these vocational pathways. Check out all there courses on their website.
The Foundation Geospatial Trainee Program is a competency based civilian training program. Participants undergo workplace training while completing a Certificate lV in Spatial Information Services.
Trainees complement their study with relevant and practical employment in a unique environment. They do fulltime paid work while completing their qualification. Employment is guaranteed on successful completion of the program.
Benefits of doing the Trainee Program are:
Trainees are given the opportunity to work on exciting, real world projects using leading edge technology. They work in a range of job disciplines, including cartography, photogrammetry, data acquisition, data management and web mapping services.
A training plan, including study and work requirements, is negotiated with the supervisor so that the work undertaken complements the study program.
Applications open between July and August each year.
Click HERE for further information.
Attend the Police Academy in Joondalup and learn about the selection process and training requirements for starting a career with the WA Police Force.
When: Saturday 9 May
Time:10-12pm
To register your attendance click HERE
Thinking of taking a GAP Year?
Spend 12 months in the Navy, Army or Air Force, where you'll get paid for meaningful work while gaining skills for life and making lifelong friends.
Click HERE to learn more
When: 14 May
Click HERE to register
When: 21 May
Click HERE to register
When: 28 May
Click HERE to register
The Women in Technology next STEM Career Speed Networking event will be held at Curtin University and is FREE for all students in years 10-12.
Mentors will share hands-on activities and real tools from their day-to-day work, giving students a tangible, inspiring glimpse into STEM careers and the confidence to imagine their own future pathways.
When: Saturday 9 May
When: 9:30am or 11:30am
Where: Level 7 Curtin university Library
Register HERE
The Girls Programming Network runs free, full-day workshops that teach high school girls and gender minorities in years 7 – 12 to code using Python.
It’s on at the UWA Student Hub.
Get details and register HERE.
Artificial corneas, 3D printing of medical devices, personal protective equipment produced during COVID. The scope of health care is going way beyond traditional medicine. This lecture is particularly suited to Year 10 - 12 students studying chemistry and those interested in health sciences, medicine and engineering.
The Chemical Education Group aims to foster a close interaction among students, teachers and practicing chemists to develop understanding of the full scope of careers available through chemical science. Find details and register HERE.
The National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) Year 12 Program gives students who are about to start year 12 a broader understanding of study and career options available in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
This program is for students who love science. It is run in January in Canberra where you will stay at a university college. Rotary supports this program and West Australian participants are invited to contact their local Rotary for financial support.
To find out details of the experience go HERE.
The Defence Work Experience Program gives young Australians the chance to explore life in Defence and discover careers in the Australian Defence Force (ADF). It’s a unique opportunity to learn, gain hands-on experience, and see what a career in Defence could look like.
The Year 12 handbook is now available to students and families and every student in Year 12 should access this document. It provided in two parts, with Part one for all Year 12 students, including information about:
Download the Handbook Year 12 Handbook Part 1 2026