Get Your Foot In The Door - University of Wollongong, Education Careers Expo

News | Get Your Foot In The Door - University of Wollongong, Education Careers Expo

Posted 21 March 2018 by Catholic Education in News

On Wednesday 21 March, Human Resource Services represented Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong at the University of Wollongong’s Education Careers Expo, where students and prospective employers came together to talk about potential career paths.

Staff from Human Resource Services represented Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong at a designated stall, talking with and handing out brochures to over 50 students, encouraging them to consider working for the Diocese.

A guest was included this year to work with the HRS team at the Expo, casual school support officer Lachlan Carter, currently a 4th year student completing a Bachelor of Primary education.

Lachlan was enlisted to help promote a new campaign, the ‘Get Your Foot in the Door’ initiative, encouraging second and third year education students to apply for paid casual employment as school support officers, ahead of completing their teaching qualifications.

Championed by the Head of Human Resource Services, Ms Carolyn Hadley, the campaign promotes for students an entry pathway to commence work with the Diocese as school support officers in the classroom, with the purpose of allowing an easier and somewhat distinctive transition into teaching.

Lachlan has been able to act on this initiative, working for the last 12 months as a school support officer at St Justin’s Primary School, Oran Park and St Thomas More Primary School, Ruse - providing a great opportunity to get a foot in the door and showcase his potential.

SSSO UNI STUDENT Lachlan 2018 6

Describing the advantages of this pathway, Lachlan shared that this has been an "excellent approach" to gain experience in school environments.

“Being a school support officer has allowed me to build professional relationships and make connections with staff. I’ve been able to learn from these teachers and watch their practice observing how they teach a wide range of students, something invaluable for my future teaching career,” he said. “Further, while completing my final practical work and assessments, I have been able to ask for guidance and access support and resources.”

When asked, Lachlan enthusiastically supported the ‘Get Your Foot in the Door’ campaign and shared this perspective with the many students that visited the HRS stall at the Expo.

Lachlan is now in the process of receiving his casual teaching approval with the Diocese, whilst finishing his teaching qualification.

If such a pathway is of interest, please see here to make an application.


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