Career Development at CBC

At Comet Bay College each year group follows a tailored program that builds on their understanding of work and the world beyond school. Students also have access to a qualified Career Practitioner who is available to assist with individual questions and provide personalised guidance. In addition, regular updates—including career news, excursions, and opportunities—are shared on Connect to keep both students and parents well informed.

This structured approach ensures students are well-equipped to explore, plan, and confidently navigate their career journey.

Year 7 – Introducing Career Concepts

Students begin their career learning through the Ponder Program, delivered during Homeroom sessions. This program introduces key ideas such as personal strengths, values, and interests, helping students start to think about how these relate to the world of work. Students begin developing self-awareness and the language of career exploration in a low-pressure, age-appropriate format.

Year 8 – Making Curriculum Connections

In Year 8, students start making meaningful links between what they learn in class and how it applies in the real world. Through targeted activities in MESS subjects (Maths, English, Science, and HASS), students watch videos and engage in class discussions that connect classroom learning to specific jobs and industries. The aim is to foster curiosity and broaden their understanding of how school subjects relate to future occupations.

Year 9 – Deepening Career Understanding

Year 9 students participate in a dedicated year-long Career Learning program, delivered through stand-alone lessons. Topics include:

• Exploring industries and occupations
• Understanding the labour market
• Self-exploration and identifying personal strengths and interests
• Learning about training and education pathways

Students also take part in the Career Taster Program, which gives them the opportunity to visit TAFEs, private training providers, and workplaces to gain hands-on insight into different jobs. This early exposure helps build confidence and interest in a wide range of career areas.

Year 10 – Exploring Pathways and Planning

Year 10 is a critical year for students as they begin to make real decisions about their future. The focus is on:

• Understanding the full range of pathways offered at Comet Bay College, including ATAR, General, VET, and UniReady
• Exploring how CBC courses link to university and TAFE options
• Participating in subject selection activities for Years 11 and 12, with an emphasis on aligning choices with career goals
• Attending school-based career expos to speak with industry representatives
• Participating in university visits (particularly for pre-ATAR students) to gain exposure to tertiary environments

Year 11 – Preparing for Work and Further Study

Students in Year 11 shift focus to practical preparation for life after school. Career development activities include:

• Resume writing workshops tailored to students’ part-time work or post-school plans
• Job search and interview preparation sessions
• Continued exposure to industries through career expos, guest speakers, and optional excursions
  Students are also supported to reflect on their current pathway and make adjustments if their goals or interests have changed.

Year 12 – Transitioning Beyond School

In their final year, students are supported to make a smooth and confident transition into work, university, apprenticeships, or further training. Key activities include:

• Resume and job search workshops that build on Year 11 skills
• Guest speaker sessions covering a range of topics such as:
  • Applying through TISC
  • UCAT preparation for medicine and dentistry
  • TAFE entry options
  • Apprenticeship opportunities and recruitment processes
• Ongoing access to the Career Practitioner for individual help with applications, decision-making, or transitions