Comet Bay College's Career Development Program aims to expose students to a diverse range of career opportunities, assisting them in making informed decisions about their upper school subject selection, educational pathways, and future careers. The program includes career exploration activities, industry visits, guest speaker sessions, and workshops, providing students with insights into various professions and the skills required for them. By engaging with different career options early on, students can identify their interests and strengths, allowing them to tailor their educational journey to align with their career aspirations. This comprehensive approach ensures that students are well-prepared to make strategic decisions about their future, leading to more meaningful and fulfilling career paths.
Introducing Miss Katy Vipond
Comet Bay College is fortunate to have a dedicated Career Practitioner in our long-standing teacher Miss Katy Vipond. The full-time role, new to the College in 2022, and is a venture funded by the Department of Training and Workforce Development and Department of Education in a bid to build students’ understanding of their potential and required skills, and knowledge to access the vast pathways available into further education, training or employment.
Miss Vipond’s role as Career Practitioner is to promote the College’s extensive career networking capabilities to both students and parents, to help them find the right pathway for success. She works closely with Dean of Vocational Education and Career Development Mrs Jane Bryer, and the College’s experienced and dedicated VET team members. The VET team, which includes our hands-on Workplace Learning Officers, aim to develop work readiness skills for all students, create greater networks between school communities and industry, and promote the link between curriculum content and career opportunities.
Early engagement
Statistics show that if you start talking to students early about careers, they engage more in their studies. Miss Vipond’s role provides a whole-school, structured Careers curriculum which has been developed through close collaboration with teachers. The Career Development Program allows students to have a clearer understanding that the information and skills they are learning in the classroom transfer directly to roles and responsibilities in the workforce.
Year 7:
During Homeroom sessions, students engage in the Ponder Program, designed to foster meaningful conversations about personal development and growth. These daily sessions provide a platform for Homeroom Mentors to guide students in exploring future pathways, opportunities, and aspirations. By facilitating reflective discussions, the program encourages students to consider their goals and the steps needed to achieve them, empowering them to make informed decisions about their futures.
Year 8:
The focus shifts to linking curriculum to careers, with students exploring videos that connect Maths, English, Science and Humanities subjects to various occupations, highlighting real-world applications.
Year 9:
Students engage in standalone Career Learning lessons, exploring industry trends, occupational options, and labour market insights. Self-exploration and career pathway planning are central. The Career Taster Program offers visits to TAFEs and private companies, broadening students’ understanding of different industries and careers.
Year 10:
In Year 10, students begin the important process of selecting courses for their Upper School journey. Early in the year, they participate in a structured program designed to help them reflect on their previous Career Education lessons and explore the wide range of pathways and courses available for Years 11 and 12 at Comet Bay College. These options include TAFE, both internally and externally delivered qualifications, university pathways, and SCASA-developed courses. To further support students in understanding the diverse post-school opportunities available, the College organises Career Expos. These events provide students with up-to-date insights into emerging industries, detailed advice on entry requirements for various careers, and guidance on making informed decisions about their future pathways.
Year 11:
Workshops guide students in resume building and job searching, alongside participation in career expos to explore diverse industries.
Year 12:
Students refine their skills in resume writing and job searches and attend guest speaker sessions on topics like TISC, UCAT, TAFE options, and apprenticeships, preparing for their next steps.
