‘What are you going to do when you leave school?’ It’s a question that can cause stress for many senior students but at Newington College, a comprehensive careers program is helping students find clarity, purpose, and direction.

‘It’s a furphy to think that more choices make decisions easier,’ says Mr Stephen Roberts, Newington’s Head of Careers and VET Coordinator.  

‘In fact, career guidance has never been more essential because we find with more choice comes more complexity.’ 

With pathways like Vocational Education Training (VET) and Externally Delivered Vocational Education and Training (EVET), early entry programs, second-round offers, university transfers, and options to study interstate or overseas, students today face an overwhelming amount of information. That’s where Newington’s Careers and VET Centre comes in, offering tailored support and structured guidance for students from Year 10 through to Year 12. 

The careers program kicks off strongly in Term 1 of Year 10 with psychometric testing through the Newington Career Tools portal. These assessments explore students’ strengths, interests, and personality traits, helping guide subject choices and possible career paths. The process is also supported by mentor groups, the House system, and Stage 5 Careers Advisor, Mr Tom Pym. 

‘We piloted the program last year and it made a real difference,’ says Mr Roberts.  

‘Fewer students changed their subjects in Year 11 because they’d already done the thinking and preparation in Year 10.’ 

Students also complete a series of online modules and receive a personalised career report, which becomes a valuable tool for conversations with parents, mentors, and careers staff. 

‘There’s no right or wrong answer,’ Mr Roberts explains. 

‘It’s a way to start thinking, ‘if I want to be an engineer, what subjects or program should I take? If I’m interested in law, how do I prepare now?’ 

Due to the program’s success, the College plans to extend it to Year 9 students in 2026. 

Career preparation continues in Year 11 with Old Newingtonian Union Week, where former students return to share real-world insights about life after school. This year, a panel of alumni who graduated 10 to 15 years ago spoke about their pathways in a range of industries and trades. 

Sessions on professional networking, including using LinkedIn, also help students understand how to connect with future opportunities. 

Launched in 2024, the Newington Careers Fair is another key event in Term 3. Students engage in psychometric testing, round-table workshops with alumni, and presentations from leading institutions like the University of Sydney. 

In Year 12 as students near graduation, the planning and support continues with events like The Sydney Schools Careers Convention, co-designed by Mr Roberts and held at Sydney Grammar School this week. 

The event brings together every major university and training provider in Australia, along with international representatives from organisations like Education USA and Cambridge University. 

‘It’s a huge opportunity,’ says Mr Roberts.  

‘Students get exposure to a wide variety of post-school pathways—from higher education to gap years and international study.’ 

In Year 12, career guidance is all about personalised support every step of the way. Workshops throughout the year help students apply for early university entry, elite athlete or performer adjustment programs, and other specialised options. 

Every Year 12 student meets regularly with Mr Roberts and Mr Pym for one-on-one career consultations. Both are available during lunchtimes, study periods, and Mr Roberts also offers Tuesday evening sessions for students and parents. 

The Newington Careers website, available internally on New Spaces, is also a vital resource, says Mr Roberts, updated weekly with key dates, cadetship programs, open days, webinars, and more. 

‘It’s a treasure trove of information. Everything a student or parent might need from booking appointments to researching courses or finding gap year programs is right there.” 

‘Newington’s careers program isn’t just about what comes next—it’s about building confidence, making informed decisions, and helping every student find their path forward.’ 

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