An author, a male childcare worker and a careers adviser walk into a room…

It’s not the set-up for bad joke but a reference to three of the engaging speakers, at the Unserious Careers 2025 Roadshow, who provided the variety of career perspectives available through vocational education and training (VET).

The Cardiff High School roadshow on Awabakal land was just one of the in-school events organised for the start of term by Cassie Wells, Head Teacher Careers supporting the Educational Pathways Program (EPP) Lake Macquarie.

“During 2024, there was a lot of competition for places in ‘try before you buy’ initiatives such as the Head Start Pre-Apprenticeship and Traineeship courses and TAFE Start Your Future,” Mrs Wells said.

“We know that students who participate in these initiatives are then much more likely to succeed when taking on a school-based apprenticeship and traineeship (SBAT), as well as gaining other advantages.”

Year 10 students learnt about the head-start that SBATs can provide for students with trade-based career paths in mind and even those planning to go to university.

One of several VET Ambassadors, Molly Smith, spoke to the groups about how completing her Certificate III in Health Services Assistance via an SBAT in high school means she is now employed as an Assistant In Nursing at John Hunter Hospital while undertaking her Bachelor of Nursing in Newcastle.

Students were also able to approach the VET Ambassadors informally, and most of the boys quickly defied any gender expectations to pepper 21-year-old Kotara childcare worker, Lachlan Carey, with questions.

The 2024 Australian Trainee of the Year had shared his story of how the long recovery from two strokes at the age of 16 had left him unable to complete school or play rugby league but ultimately led to the realisation that he had a passion and talent for nurturing young children.

The Educational Pathways Program is delivered in 171 public high schools across 10 regions of NSW and provides access to initiatives that align with local industry demands and job opportunities.

“Our ultimate goal is for students to experience a range of programs that allow them to make more informed decisions, create career aspirations and achieve better post school outcomes,” Mrs Wells said.

But what about those who don’t know what they want? Or what if post-school plans fall over?

Enter author of Unserious Careers, Alana Kilmartin, who reassured the audience that the first five years after school can be an amazing opportunity to ‘lean-in’ to the unexpected, be flexible and try different paths.

“You don’t have to have it all figured out: success in five years’ time might look very different from the ideas you have now,” Ms Kilmartin said

“If you have one take away from me, I hope it’s this: your career is an adventure not an exam.”

Her adventure is now taking her across Australia, with the aim of delivering the Unserious Careers ‘epic talk’ to 250 schools within one year.

For the record, Cardiff High School was the sixth.