Career Education
Welcome to the Esperance Senior High School Careers Hub! This site is here to help you explore your future, find resources, and make informed decisions about life beyond school. Whether you’re considering further study, vocational training, or entering the workforce, you’ll find tools, information, and guidance to support you every step of the way. We’re committed to empowering you to discover your strengths, set meaningful goals, and confidently pursue the path that’s right for you. Your future starts here—let’s begin exploring it together!
Meet Your Career Practitioner
Mrs Lydia Ryan
Career PractitionerHi, and welcome to the Esperance Senior High School Careers website! My name is Lydia Ryan, and I’ve been the Career Practitioner here at ESHS since 2022. Before stepping into this role, I taught Health and Physical Education at ESHS starting in 2015. In 2023, I completed my Graduate Certificate of Career Development at James Cook University to deepen my understanding of how to support students in their career journeys.I’m passionate about helping students find their own paths for life after school. Whether you’re interested in further study, training, or jumping straight into the workforce, I’m here to help you figure out what suits you best and how to get there. This website is filled with resources, advice, and guidance to support you on your journey—and if you ever have questions or just need someone to talk things through with, I’m happy to help. Let’s work together to make your goals a reality!
Want to Schedule a Chat?
If students are unsure about career pathways or are looking for more information, stop by Mrs Ryan’s Office next to Room 1. Or you can schedule a time at the link below.
Year 9 Career Taster Program
The Year 9 Career taster program (CTP) is a fully funded program which aims to inspire secondary school students to become ‘career curious’ about further study opportunities and potential careers.
At ESHS Year 9s have had the opportunity to:
- Try-a-Trade
- Port Authority tour
- CBH Chadwick and terminal tour
- Attend the Esperance community Jobs expo
- TAFE Taster day
- Career Curious VR workshops
- Welding Simulator
- Woody Island Ecotourism experience
- Tourism WA workshop
- Esperance Farm and Training centre Careers in Agriculture day
- McDonalds careers and tour
- Guest speakers from various industries talking about their career journey
Pathways at ESHS
Students wishing to complete ATAR will choose 5 ATAR subjects and 1 general subject in Year 11. In year 12 students will drop their general subject and instead have a private study.
- English ATAR
- Maths Specialist and Methods ATAR
- Maths Applications ATAR
- Biology ATAR
- Chemistry ATAR
- Human Biology ATAR
- Physics ATAR
- Economics ATAR
- Geography ATAR
- Modern History ATAR
- Physical Education Studies ATAR
- Design ATAR
Students who choose the VET pathway choose a certificate course to apply for from the list below, some are run though SRTAFE and mean students will miss a day of school. Students then choose 5 School based subjects (4 if you are doing a TAFE Certificate as you will have a private study class to catch up on missed class content. Most certificates have a Workplace Learning component as well where students will attend a workplace on block weeks throughout the year.
Certificate II in Agriculture (run at the school farm)
Certificate II in Building and Construction
Certificate II in Community Services
Certificate II in Engineering Pathways
Certificate II in Furniture Making Pathways
Certificate II in Music
Certificate II in Salon Assistant (Hairdressing)
Certificate II in Workplace Skills (Business)
Certificate III in Business
Certificate III in Music
Certificate IV in Preparation for Health and Nursing StudiesFor detailed information about each Certificate and the requirements please refer to the Upper school handbook.
Tertiary Education Options
University
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Pursuing further education is a valuable investment, and there are many options to help make it affordable. This section provides information on scholarships, grants, and financial aid options available to help fund your studies. Scholarships are offered for a range of achievements—from academic and sporting excellence to community involvement—and financial aid programs can also assist with tuition and living costs. Here, you’ll find details on eligibility, application processes, and tips for finding and applying to scholarships and financial aid that match your goals. Let’s make your pathway to success financially manageable!
University Scholarships
Financial Aid
TAFE
Apprenticeships and Traineeships
Apprenticeships and traineeships are an excellent way to combine training with work, enabling you to have a job while you complete training towards a nationally recognised qualification. They are available to anyone of working age.
You can do an apprenticeship or traineeship if you are a school-leaver, re-entering the workforce or as an adult or mature-aged person wishing to change careers. You can even begin your apprenticeship or traineeship while you’re still at school.
When you finish your apprenticeship or traineeship you will have a nationally recognised qualification that’s held in high regard in many overseas countries as well.
Useful Links
Career Pathways
Career Options
Agricultural careers focus on the production of food, fiber, and other plant or animal products, encompassing everything from traditional farming to cutting-edge biotechnology. This field is evolving with new technologies and sustainable practices, offering opportunities in areas such as crop management, animal husbandry, agricultural research, and agribusiness.
The construction industry builds and maintains the infrastructure and buildings that form the backbone of our communities. From hands-on trades like carpentry and plumbing to project management and architectural design, construction offers diverse career paths for those who enjoy seeing tangible results from their work.
Educators shape the future by imparting knowledge, fostering critical thinking, and nurturing the potential in students of all ages. This career spans from early childhood education to university lecturing, offering the chance to make a lasting impact on individuals and society as a whole.
Healthcare professionals work to improve and maintain people’s physical and mental well-being through various roles such as doctors, nurses, therapists, and technicians. This field offers diverse opportunities for those passionate about helping others, with constant advancements in medical technology creating new and exciting specializations.
Hospitality careers focus on providing excellent customer service and creating memorable experiences for guests in settings like hotels, restaurants, and event venues. This dynamic field offers opportunities for creative individuals who enjoy working with people, with roles ranging from front-line service staff to management positions overseeing large-scale operations.
Manufacturing involves the production of goods on a large scale, transforming raw materials into finished products through various processes. This sector offers careers in areas such as production line work, quality control, logistics, and industrial engineering, with increasing emphasis on automation and sustainable practices.
The mining industry involves extracting valuable minerals, metals, and other geological materials from the Earth, playing a crucial role in providing raw materials for various sectors. Careers in mining range from hands-on roles like drill operators to technical positions such as geologists and mining engineers, all working to meet the world’s resource needs while addressing environmental concerns.
Seeking a rewarding career? Join a people-focused, high-tech organisation tasked with defending Australia and its people. Made up of the Navy, Army, and Air Force, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) is one of Australia’s major employers.
Post-School Skills
Life after school comes with new opportunities and challenges, and this section is here to help you build the essential skills needed to succeed. From managing your finances and budgeting to mastering time management and setting personal goals, these skills will set you up for a smooth transition into adulthood. Whether you’re preparing for further study, starting a job, or exploring other pathways, having a strong foundation in life skills is key to feeling confident and independent. Here, you’ll find practical advice and resources to help you navigate the exciting next steps in your journey and ensure you’re ready for whatever the future holds.
Time Management Study skills
Money Management and Budgeting
Personal Development and Goal setting
Job Interview and Professional Skills
Mental Health and Well-being
Parent and Guardian Resources
Welcome to the Parent and Guardian Resources section! As a parent or guardian, you play a vital role in supporting your child’s journey as they explore future career and study options. This section is designed to provide you with the tools, guidance, and information you need to help them make confident, informed choices about life after school. Here, you’ll find tips on guiding career conversations, information on various education and training pathways, and resources to help you stay involved in their decision-making process. Together, we can ensure they feel prepared and excited about their next steps!
Useful resources
Useful Stuff
We’ve put together a list of downloads, websites, & information to point you in the right direction as you look to what comes after finishing high school.