Careers News 2026 Term 1 Week 6
By Janine Ryan, Career Pathways Advisor
Vocational Education and Training (VET) at BDC is well underway!
The VET induction process has now been completed, and we have 36 students from our year 11 cohort who have well and truly commenced their VET courses delivered at BDC. These students are making the most of their time at school and, if they demonstrate competency across all areas of their course, will complete Year 12 with both their HSC and a nationally recognised qualification.
The qualifications currently offered at BDC include a Certificate II in Cookery, Certificate II in Construction Pathways, Certificate III in Business and a Certificate III in Live Production and Technical Services. These courses are delivered on site within the school timetable, allowing students to undertake vocational training without needing to attend classes outside of school hours.
Our VET students are currently preparing for their upcoming work placements, which will take place in local businesses aligned with each student’s course of study. This provides valuable real-world experience and helps ensure students are work-ready upon completion of their qualification.
We look forward to continuing to grow VET opportunities at BDC and supporting students in developing practical skills and meaningful career pathways.
University Road Show
Our Class of 2026 students recently had the opportunity to attend the Universities Roadshow. During the session, they heard from Future Students teams and student ambassadors from University of Newcastle, Charles Sturt University, University of New England and Southern Cross University.
Students gained valuable insights into course offerings, pathways to university, early entry programs, on-campus accommodation, scholarships and student life. With direct applications for early entry now open at University of New England and Charles Sturt University, the event provided a timely opportunity for students to better understand the application process and begin preparing the information they need to apply.
WHS White Card Course - micro-credentialling for impact
Last week, Learning Live delivered a WHS White Card course onsite at BDC for students undertaking our VET Construction and Entertainment courses. Interested Year 10 students were also invited to participate. The WHS White Card is an essential credential for anyone wishing to work in a trade or construction-related field, as it provides the foundational knowledge required to enter and work safely on a construction site or in other high-risk work environments.
Opportunities such as this are also part of our growing focus on micro-credentialling at BDC. Micro-credentials are short, industry-recognised courses that allow students to gain specific skills and certifications alongside their regular studies. These credentials can strengthen a student’s resume, support their VET qualification, and give them a head start when seeking part-time work, apprenticeships, or future employment in their chosen industry.
It was fantastic to see students actively engaged throughout the day. A huge thank you to Greg from Learning Live for delivering the course. Greg commented that the students were fantastic and that this was the best group he has delivered the course to in a school setting – well done to all involved! For any other year 10 students wishing to undertake WHS White Card training and expressed interest, another course will be running in Week 9 of this term. Information will be emailed to students and families.
As we all gather and stand upon Country, may we acknowledge and respect Gumbaynggirr Land and the thousands of years’ worth of both physical and spiritual connection to Country, culture and teachings embedded forever within these Lands.