Term 3 is always an action-packed time in the Careers and Transition space! We have several students who, having gained the qualifications they need at school, are now actively applying for employment and apprenticeships. Meanwhile, our Year 13s are hard at work submitting applications for tertiary study, scholarships, university placements, and halls of residence for 2027.

Otago Māori & Pasifika Liaison Visit

Yesterday, we were thrilled to host the University of Otago Māori and Pasifika Liaison Team. They met with a group of Year 12 and 13 students to highlight key scholarship opportunities available to those looking to study at Otago next year.

🗓️ Upcoming Tertiary Course Planning Visits

Following up on initial informational visits earlier this year, representatives from various universities and polytechnics will return to school this term for Course Planning. These one-on-one sessions give students who have applied to a specific institution the chance to sit down with liaison advisors and map out their first-year subjects.

• SIT (Bintang Priesa): Wednesday, 29 July

• Otago Polytechnic (Carly Nesbit): Wednesday, 5 August

• University of Canterbury (Keegan Taie): Monday, 10 August

  Note for Canterbury Applicants: We strongly recommend students applying for a Canterbury hall of residence wait to submit their application until after this visit.

• University of Otago (Tama Walker): Tuesday, 8 September

• Victoria University of Wellington (Cam Lamont-Russell): Wednesday, 9 September

 Planning for Transition Education (2027)

• Camp Inspire (31 July): A group of Year 11 and 12 students will participate in Camp Inspire at the Cromwell Campus of Otago Polytechnic. This hands-on day gives students a taste of what study looks like at the Otago Secondary Tertiary College (OSTC Trades Academy) for Years 12 and 13, complete with interactive activities and a chance to meet teaching staff.

• Vocational Options Planning Evening (Wednesday, 19 August): We encourage students and their whānau to join us for our annual planning evening. This session is designed for anyone interested in including a vocational subject in their timetable for 2027. We will outline pathways including:

  • Otago Secondary Tertiary College (Trades Academy)

  • Vocational Pathway Programme (Year 12)

  • Breen TradeBase (Construction)

  • Gateway (Year 13)Work Placement - Speed Interviews

Work Placement - Speed Interviews

On Friday 3rd July, Mrs Stringer's Year 11 Science class came to meet with Ms Boulton's Gateway/Independent Living class to discuss student work placement experiences so far this year. Year 11 students rotated around the Year 12 and 13 students to hear about where they have been for their Work Experience, what they have learnt, why they chose their particular work industry and why they selected Gateway or Independent Living (to be known as Vocational Pathway Programme -VPP in 2027) as a subject this year. This was an informative experience for the Year 11's and a great chance for the Year 12 and 13's to continue to develop their communication skills for future employment opportunities.




As always, Ms Boulton and Kirsty have a wealth of information available for students in the careers office and encourage students to pop in, see them and grab some information. Students can also talk to Kirsty to make an appointment to meet with Ms Boulton to discuss specific questions or plans.