Futures, Term 3 Week 2 2026
University Open Days
Open days at university begin this weekend and they are a fantastic way for students and their families to explore post-schooling options and to get a feel for the campus vibe, ask important questions about possible courses, explore facilities and engage with staff, students and faculty members. It’s a time for students to decide whether a particular university will be the right fit for them.
This year, Flinders University city campus and Adelaide University will be open THIS Sunday, 2 August. Flinders University (Bedford Park) is open on Friday 14 and Saturday 15 August and the Tonsley campus is open on Saturday 22 August. I have emailed all Year 10 – 12 students the information for them to plan their visits and I strongly encourage all senior school students, who are considering university options, to attend. There are also TAFE information sessions available for students to attend if they wish to pursue courses at TAFE immediately after school. Links to these and other open days are below.
Flinders Uni
Outdoor Careers Expo – July 31; a showcase of opportunities to explore careers in the outdoors
French Beauty Academy – August 6
ADFA Virtual Open Day – August 15
ACAP – August 15; Applied professional courses (Counselling, Psychology, Law, Business)
SAE – August 25; Creative media/music courses
Torrens University – August 29
University Extension Programs
As Year 11 students are considering their 2027 options for subjects, they might like to consider studying a University Extension Program (UEP). A UEP provides gifted and highly motivated Year 12 students with a challenge beyond the Year 12 curriculum, as they combine secondary school and university studies. Students accepted into one of the UEP, can choose to replace or supplement their Year 12 subjects with university courses (subjects). There are strict guidelines that Year 11 students need to adhere to, and meet, should they wish to apply. Further information about this is available on the Pulteney Futures website. I will be presenting to Year 11 students in Week 4, where I will provide more details about the application process and timelines.
VET
As Year 10 and Year 11 students are exploring the best pathways for them with their subjects in 2027 and beyond, they may like to consider studying a VET course. VET programs provide students in the senior school with an opportunity to develop practical, hands-on skills, and can lead to excellent jobs in a variety of fields. VET courses can assist students to achieve their full potential by providing alternative opportunities that aim to increase the pathways for students and allow them to achieve a nationally accredited qualification, whilst also studying within SACE. Generally speaking, a Certificate I or Certificate II course is accredited to SACE STAGE I (Year 11), whereas a Certificate III or higher course achieves SACE STAGE 2 credits. If a student successfully completes a Certificate III or higher level course, the VET qualification can be used as a Year 12 subject and contribute to an ATAR as a Recognised Studies subject (the Certificate III in Retail is an EXCEPTION to this and does NOT contribute to an ATAR). Students wishing to apply to study a VET course in 2027 are encouraged to check their emails regularly and actively seek information about the courses they are interested in exploring. Many VET courses require ‘evidence’ to apply, usually in the form of a ‘come-and-try’ day and many of these have already occurred (students were emailed about this). Further information about studying a VET course is available on the Pulteney Futures website. If your child is exploring VET courses for 2027, please encourage them to reach out to me ASAP. I will be presenting to all Year 10 and 11 students about this in Week 4.
Motor Trade Association (MTA): Try-a-trade and Career Day
Students interested in exploring career opportunities in the Automotive industry are invited to attend a Career Day and/or Try-a-Trade day later this year. These interactive events will be held at the Royal Park facility, 3 Frederick Road, Royal Park. A team of qualified technicians will be available, in a range of automotive trade areas, plus information on recruitment and work experience will be available. Places are limited and will fill up quickly, so if your child is interested in attending one of these, please contact the MTA via email careers@mtasant.com.au, or phone 8241 0522, to reserve their place.
Try-a-trade days: Friday 9 October (10am – 1pm); Friday 4 December (10am – 1pm)
Career Days: Thursday 20 August and Friday 21 August, 10am – 2pm
Born to Build Career Handbook
The updated Born to Build Career Handbook (2026 edition) is now available. It features enhanced insights into trade and construction pathways, including both VET and university-linked options. The digital version is available here and hard copies are available in the Futures Office.
Women in Trades – Construction ‘Try-a-Trade’ at TAFE Tonsley
Occurring during the upcoming Term 3 school holidays, TAFE SA (Tonsley) will be holding a FREE three-day Try-a-Trade for female students from Catholic and Independent schools. This is fully funded by CITB and being held on 29 September to 1 October, 8.30am to 3.30pm. Students will have an opportunity to explore Carpentry, Tiling and undertake their White Card training. If your child would like to attend, please ask them to check their emails and complete the TAFE registration form and return it to me in the Futures Office. This course is likely to fill up quickly.
University of New South Wales (UNSW) Co-op Program
Students considering the University of New South Wales as a post school option are encouraged to explore the prestigious Co-op Program, offering industry training, professional development, networking opportunities and financial support across disciplines including Business, Engineering, Data and Technology. The Co-op scholarships are now open and are the largest and most prestigious scholarship program of its type in Australia. To find out more about the program and how to apply, click here.
University of Melbourne Webinar – Wednesday 5 August
Students looking to apply to study at the University of Melbourne in 2027 and encouraged to attend the upcoming ‘Apply through VTAC’ webinar, being held on Wednesday 5 August, 5.30 – 6.30pm. On the webinar, students will learn about the application process, entry requirements and there will also be an opportunity to ask questions. For further information and to register, click here.
Study in the UK seminar – Tuesday 11 August
Students interested in studying in the UK are invited to attend an information evening being held at Immanuel College, 32 Morphett Road, Novar Gardens on Tuesday 11 August, from 6 – 7.30pm. The event is being hosted by representatives from the University of Cambridge and Imperial College London, but much of the information will be relevant to general UK study applications. In addition to information about each of the two specific universities represented, topics will include the benefits of studying in the UK, the application process, requirements, deadlines, student experience and graduate prospects.
If you wish to attend, please register here.
Jobs and Skills Atlas for labour market information
Jobs and Skills Atlas, a labour market data tool, allows users to find labour market data on individual regions across Australia and compare it directly to other regions or state and national data. This tool can provide important information to students when they are researching possible future career areas.
Unique Student Identifier (USI)
Students wanting to study any vocational or tertiary courses are required to have a Unique Student Identifier (USI). It is made up of ten letters and numbers and is a person’s education number for life. Students who do not yet have a USI, are encouraged to create their USI now. A USI is essential for most applications, including university and vocational education and training (VET). The registration process is simple and takes under five minutes, using one form of identification, such as a birth certificate or driver’s licence. All students doing nationally recognised training, including VET in schools and First Aid courses, need a USI to graduate. Higher education students cannot access a Commonwealth Supported Place, receive financial assistance like a HELP loan, or receive their qualifications without a USI.
For students who have already created a USI but may have forgotten it, can find it easily here. Visit the USI website for more information.
Adelaide Zoo Careers Day for Year 10-12 Students: Friday 4 September
If you’re passionate about wildlife and interested in a career with animals and conservation, you are invited to join the Adelaide Zoo for their next Career Awareness Day. This special day gives students a chance to learn all about how you might become part of the zoo team one day too. The Education team will introduce students to a range of guest speakers from animal care to horticulture, marketing and administration, as well as investigate training pathways to animal-related careers. This event is open to students in Years 10, 11 and 12. Please be aware there is a cost to attend this day. To find out more and to register, click here.
Flight One Aeroskills: Come & Try Day for Year 10 and 11 Students: Monday 14 September
Students interested in exploring the Certificate II in Engineering as a part of their 2027 studies, will be required to provide evidence of their pathway. To gather this evidence, students are able to attend the Flight One open day at Adelaide Airport to learn about the role of aircraft engineers. This event is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the course, delivery location, outcomes and the nature of the training/work environment to ensure that students are well informed before enrolling. To find out more and to register, click here.
Degree Apprenticeships
If your child is interested in studying engineering, they might want to explore the new Apprenticeships and Industry Partnered Programs offered at Flinders Uni. It is likely that Adelaide Uni will also be offering similar programs, but these have not yet been announced.
If they are successful in applying, they will receive a salary throughout their studies from employer partners spanning Defence, Government, Engineering Design, Manufacturing, Construction and Infrastructure, helping them gain financial independence while building their career. Applications are through SATAC plus a direct application to the university. For further information, click here.
FUTURES websites
Pulteney’s Futures website is a valuable resource for students and families, offering information on career exploration, job-seeking skills, and post-school pathways, along with a range of useful external links. In addition to contacting me, I encourage you to explore the site together as part of your child’s career planning journey.
If you have any questions regarding Careers, please feel free to email me or phone 8216 5553.
Have a great week!
Leeanne Johnston-Bryan
Coordinator of Futures