Career Pathways

Every student has a future worth building, and our Pathways Hub exists to make those futures real, achievable, and exciting. Whether students are aiming for university, trades, or direct entry into the workforce, we provide the structure, support, and opportunities that help them thrive.

What We Offer

Work Experience

Students step into real workplaces, explore industries, and discover what inspires them. Work experience helps them build confidence, employability skills, and a clearer sense of direction.

Workplace Learning (WPL)

Our structured workplace learning program places students in ongoing work environments where they can develop practical skills, earn valuable references, and gain hours toward WACE requirements.

Nationally Accredited Qualifications

Students can complete Certificate II and III VETDSS courses on campus, delivered by industry‑experienced trainers and teachers. These qualifications open doors to entry‑level jobs across multiple industries, giving students a competitive edge before they even graduate.

Student also have a vast choice of VETDSS courses delivered by external Training Organisations, such as SM and NM TAFE.

School‑Based Traineeships & Apprenticeships (SBT/SBA)

Students can take their pathway even further through School‑Based Traineeships (SBTs) and School‑Based Apprenticeships (SBAs). These programs allow students to start a real traineeship or apprenticeship while still at school, combining paid employment, on‑the‑job training, and nationally recognised qualifications. Students gain industry experience, build workplace confidence, and often transition directly into full‑time apprenticeships or employment after Year 12. Our Pathways team works closely with employers, training organisations, and families to ensure every SBT/SBA student is supported, safe, and set up for long‑term success.

Endorsed Programs

We recognise students who go above and beyond — whether through community service, paid work, elite sport, leadership, or personal development. Endorsed programs acknowledge their commitment and contribute to their WACE achievement.

Our Team

Program Coordinator – Daniela Dlugocz

Daniela leads the Pathways Hub, coordinates VET programs, manages the operations of the Trade Training Centre, supports students across multiple pathways, and works closely with industry partners. She ensures every program meets national standards and every student receives high‑quality opportunities. The Program Coordinator also provides strategic guidance to senior leadership on the effective use of the Trade Training Centre and the planning, delivery and continuous improvement of both internal and external VETDSS programs, ensuring the College’s training pathways remain aligned with industry needs and student aspirations.

Career Practitioner – Nicole Clune

Our Career Practitioner guides students from Year 7 – 12 through the big questions: What do I want to do? What am I good at? What’s the best pathway for me? They provide career counselling, resume and interview support, and help students map out long‑term goals. They also support ATAR students in navigating university prerequisites and course pathways and assist students who require enabling programs to access further tertiary study, ensuring every learner has a clear and achievable route into higher education. They also organise a wide range of career tasters and coordinate the College’s annual Career Expo, giving students hands‑on exposure to industries, training providers and future opportunities.

WPL & VET Support Officer – Suanne Martin

Our WPL and VET Support Officer keeps the entire operation running seamlessly behind the scenes, ensuring every student’s workplace learning journey is organised, safe and compliant. They coordinate and monitor work placements, maintain strong and reliable employer partnerships, and carefully track all required hours and documentation. They also guide students through the process of meeting their VET requirements and uphold compliance and safety standards across every placement. They are the operational backbone of workplace learning and VET delivery, making sure students can focus on building skills, confidence and industry experience.

Coordinator Student Achievement – Simmone Norman

Our Coordinator Student Achievement ensures every student’s academic progress is carefully monitored, supported and celebrated. They oversee all major assessment processes, including exams, ESTs, OLNA, and comprehensive WACE tracking and data analysis. Through meticulous organisation and ongoing academic oversight, they help students stay on track for graduation, ensuring no learner is left without the guidance they need to succeed.

Students at John Forrest Secondary College don’t just finish school — they step into the world prepared. With nationally recognised qualifications, real industry experience, personalised career guidance, and academic tracking, our students graduate with confidence, capability and choice.

These are our partnering RTOs, who work alongside John Forrest Secondary College to deliver high‑quality training and nationally accredited qualifications.

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Trade Training Center

The purpose‑built Trade Training Centre at John Forrest Secondary College provides industry‑standard facilities designed specifically for the delivery of hands‑on Construction VETDSS programs. Students train in fully equipped workshop spaces that mirror real trade environments, allowing them to develop practical skills and technical knowledge in courses such as Certificate II in Painting and Certificate II in Plumbing. These nationally accredited qualifications give students a strong foundation for apprenticeships and entry‑level roles in the construction industry, while also building confidence, safety awareness and work‑ready competencies that set them up for long‑term success.

Students from more than 30 schools across the metropolitan area attend our program, where they develop essential theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and valuable workplace experience. These opportunities prepare students for entry into the plumbing and gas fitting, painting and decorating, and building and construction trades.

The strength of the program is reflected in its achievements and has won the following awards:

  • State
  • National
  • Best Practice
  • NAB Schools First Award