LEARNING
Careers and Pathways
Careers and Vocational Education (CAVE)
Inspiring Futures Together
At Mercy College, Careers and Vocational Education (CAVE) is guided by the Vision for Learning mantra: Inspiring Futures Together. We believe that every student’s future is unique and full of possibility, and we are committed to walking alongside them as they explore pathways beyond secondary school. Whether students are preparing for university, TAFE, apprenticeships, or direct entry into the workforce, our programs are designed to equip them with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to make informed choices. Through personalised guidance, real-world learning experiences, and strong partnerships with industry and tertiary providers, we help students shape meaningful futures, together.
Key points:
- Holistic Support: CAVE staff consider students’ intellectual, academic, spiritual, social, and emotional well-being.
- Mentorship: Staff inspire students to recognize their potential and navigate their educational and career pathways.
- Skill Development: Students build resilience, determination, and confidence by taking ownership of their learning.
- Partnerships: The college collaborates with universities, TAFE organizations, and workplace partners to provide real-world experiences and connections.
This approach ensures students are well-prepared for the workforce or further study, equipping them with the skills to thrive in a constantly changing world.
The CAVE Website is a valuable tool for students to explore career options and make informed decisions about their education and future pathways.
Key features include:
- Self-Discovery Activities: Engaging activities to help students understand their skills, interests, and values.
- Work-Ready Skills: Resources for resume building and interview preparation.
- Educational Information: Details on the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE), universities, and TAFE courses in the parent tab.
- Career Calendar: A calendar on the homepage to track important dates for university, TAFE, and industry events.
This website helps students build a strong foundation for their career exploration and development.
Content coming soon
Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE)
The Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) is awarded by the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA) to students who complete senior secondary schooling and meet the WACE requirements.
To achieve a WACE, students must:
- Complete one of the following course combinations:
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- At least four Year 12 ATAR courses, OR
- At least five Year 12 General and/or ATAR courses, OR
- A Certificate II (or higher) VET qualification combined with ATAR, General, or Foundation courses.
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- Meet literacy and numeracy standards.
- Fulfill the requirements for breadth and depth of study.
- Meet the achievement standard.
Literacy and Numeracy
Students must pass all three components of the Online Literacy and Numeracy Assessment (OLNA): Reading, Writing, and Numeracy. Students who meet the standards in Year Nine NAPLAN are exempt from that component in the OLNA. If students do not meet the standards by the end of secondary school, they can apply to re-sit the assessment post-school.
Breadth and Depth
Students must complete at least 20 units, including:
- A minimum of ten Year 12 units.
- Two Year 11 units and one pair of Year 12 units from an English course (English, Literature, or EALD).
- One pair of Year 12 units from List A (Arts/Languages/Social Sciences).
- One pair of Year 12 units from List B (Mathematics/Science/Technology).
The breadth requirement can be met through ATAR, General, and Foundation courses. The depth requirement can be met through ATAR, General, VET industry-specific and Foundation courses, VET credit transfer, and endorsed programs.
Achievement Standard
Students must achieve 14 C grades or higher in Year 11 and Year 12 units, including at least six C grades in Year 12 units. This requirement can be met through ATAR, General, VET industry-specific, and Foundation courses.
Unit Equivalence
Unit equivalents can be obtained through VET qualifications and/or endorsed programs. The maximum number of unit equivalents available through VET and endorsed programs is four Year 11 units and four Year 12 units, with a maximum of four units from endorsed programs (two in Year 11 and two in Year 12).
The unit equivalence for VET qualifications is as follows:
- Certificate II: 2 units in Year 11 and 2 units in Year 12.
- Certificate III and higher: 2 units in Year 11 and 4 units in Year 12.
Further information about the WACE is available at the School Curriculum and Standards Authority website:
Western Australian Statement of Student Achievement (WASSA)
Every student who finishes Year Twelve receives a Western Australian Statement of Student Achievement (WASSA). This document records all their achievements in senior secondary school.
The WASSA includes:
- Completion of WACE requirements
- Literacy (reading and writing) achievements
- Numeracy achievements
- Awards received
- School grades, marks, and combined scores in ATAR units
- School grades and marks in General and Foundation units
- Completed Preliminary units
- Completed VET industry-specific units
- Successfully completed VET qualifications and units of competency
- Successfully completed endorsed programs
Post-School Destinations
Senior school students have various pathways to university, training, and employment, tailored to their interests and aspirations. After secondary school, they can:
- Continue studies at TAFE or university
- Take up apprenticeships or traineeships
- Enter full-time work
Admission to Western Australian Universities
A student’s ATAR is calculated from their course and exam results, requiring at least four ATAR courses. These courses best prepare students for university success.
To be considered for university as a school leaver using ATAR, students must:
- Meet the Western Australian Certificate of Education requirements.
- Meet the English Language Competency standard through one of the following:
- ATAR English
- ATAR Literature
- ATAR EAL/D or equivalent (scaled score of 50 or above)
- Minimum requirements in the STAT written test for English
- Achieve a sufficiently high ATAR for the desired course.
- Satisfy any prerequisites or special requirements for the course.
Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR)
- The ATAR is a percentile ranking students by academic achievement.
- An ATAR of 96.0 places a student in the top 4% of Year Twelve students in the state.
- It is calculated equally from school and WACE exam marks of a student’s top four ATAR courses.
- The minimum ATAR for university admission is generally 70.00.
For more information, check the website.
Alternative Pathways to Western Australian Universities
University Preparation Courses
University preparation courses help students qualify for undergraduate programs. They focus on essential skills like research, writing, and numeracy needed for university study.
For more information, visit:
Portfolio or Experience Based Entry
Students can gain entry to specific undergraduate courses through a portfolio showcasing their academic achievements, qualifications, and suitability for tertiary study.
For more information, visit:
- Curtin University: Portfolio entry available for humanities, science, business, and health science courses.
- Edith Cowan University: Entry based on a portfolio of evidence demonstrating your ability to succeed in higher education.
- Murdoch University: Access to most courses with a selection rank of 70, except for Nursing and Laboratory Medicine.
- University of Western Australia: Application to select undergraduate degrees using a combination of academic achievements and life experiences.
Vocational Education and Training
Students can use VET qualifications to meet entry requirements for undergraduate courses. Typically, applicants need a WACE, a Certificate IV qualification, and English Language Competency.
For more information, visit:
- Curtin University
- Edith Cowan University
Certificate III and English language competency for ECU UniPrep courses. - Murdoch University
Certificate II in General Education for Adults or Certificate III and English language competency for OnTrack and FlexiTrack programs. - University of Notre Dame (most courses except Law, Physiotherapy and Education)
- University of Western Australia
Admission to TAFE WA
- The TAFE Admissions Full Time Studies Guide provides information on full-time courses, entry requirements, and selection criteria.
- Applications for full-time courses are managed by TAFE Admissions, part-time courses by individual TAFE colleges.
Minimum Entrance Requirements
- Admission to full-time TAFE courses is based on meeting minimum entrance requirements.
- Applicants need to demonstrate literacy and numeracy skills through secondary school achievement or AQF qualification levels.
- Alternative pathways are available for those who do not meet the Online Literacy and Numeracy Assessment.
Applications for full-time study at TAFE are completed online at TAFE Admissions.
Apprenticeships and Traineeships
Apprenticeship
- Apprentices are trained in a skilled trade and become qualified tradespersons with a nationally recognized VET qualification.
- Typically lasts 3.5 to 4 years.
- Combines practical work experience with off-the-job training at a Registered Training Organisation.
Traineeship
- Trainees gain skills in a vocational area and receive a nationally recognized VET qualification upon completion.
- Provides industry understanding and employment opportunities.
- A training agreement between the trainee and employer to work and learn in a specific industry.
- Usually lasts 9 to 48 months, depending on the industry and certificate level.
For more information, visit:
Content coming soon.
Enrolments
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