Career Pathways

At Emmaus Christian College, we believe each child is uniquely gifted and may pursue many learning and career opportunities over their lifetime. We aim to support each Senior student with opportunities to explore career pathways while providing support, information and guidance. Career Pathway Planning is an important component of the Senior School curriculum. We have dedicated staff members who specialise in career pathway planning.

The Careers, Christianity and Personal Planning (CCAPP) Course combines the traditional elements of the Careers and Bible curriculum and also includes other holistic matters of relevance to students in Senior School. Topics such as mental and physical health, study skills, peer mentoring, matters relating to student safety (eg at home, parties, internet) and many other strands of developmental issues are part of this course.

Overall, this course makes a unique contribution to the development of students and complements the academic and vocationally orientated curriculum by focusing on students’ personal development and on how their schooling, their faith and their extra-curricular activities relate to their future plans and life after school. It aims to provide opportunities for students to maintain, reinforce and develop skills, attitudes and behaviours which will allow them to enhance their personal wellbeing and grow in their faith and knowledge of God’s will and direction in their lives.

Aspects of the CCAPP course that include Career Development include:

• Career awareness
• Career exploration
• Career preparation
• Job search skills
• Transition planning

As a part of the careers curriculum, specifically the EIF (Exploring Identities and Futures) all Year 10 students are required to undertake a week of work experience with an employer of choice. Students are encouraged to seek a placement that will give them insight into possible career directions. In subsequent years, some students may like the opportunity to do further placements. This can also be organised.

Through work experience students gain an understanding of the nature of work and hopefully, insight into vocations of interest. After work experience, some students are inspired to follow specific career directions and others may have decided on careers they are now not interested in. Either is a good learning experience. Many students also find increased motivation for their academic work when they begin to identify future directions.

The EIF teachers assist students with: organising placements, reflecting on their experience and oversee work experience placements. Students are assessed by their host employer with reference to their attitude, work ethic and application throughout the placement.

A Careers and Subject Expo is offered to give information on the career pathways of our Senior School students and to highlight the subjects offered in our Senior School. Held during Term 3, it is a an evening where students and parents can meet with subject teachers as well as representatives from Universities and VET training providers. Informative talks about careers, SACE and VET are offered on the night.

One-on-one pathway planning sessions will be offered to students early in Term 3 during their home group lessons, after they have had a chance to discuss the Career and Subject Expo with their parents and CCAPP teachers. Subject selection forms will be sent home after these sessions for discussion and for parents to sign and return mid-term 3. Career Counselling may be offered as necessary to parents and students during this process on application to the college.

Our Vocational Education Training (VET) Program offers senior students on a Skills Pathway Program the opportunity to study a nationally recognised qualification whilst completing their SACE. This pathway is for students who are not considering university enrolment immediately following their Stage 2 study program.