Within the Lake Macquarie group of schools, the Educational Pathways Program (EPP) supports students attending Toronto High School, Lake Macquarie High School, West Wallsend High School, Cardiff High School, Glendale Technology High School (Base school), Hunter Sports High School, and Morisset High School.

We spoke with Head Teacher Cassie Wells, School Administrative Officer Lynden Harvey, and SBAT Engagement Officer Merran Wiggins, about their roles supporting 7 schools in the EPP and learn a little bit about them outside work-life.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

Cassie: Being able to work collaboratively across the group of schools with the Careers Advisers and Career and Transition teams to deliver a variety of programs and initiatives and then seeing all the hard work behind the scenes come together when students are engaging and enjoying various programs and experiences.

Lynden: The variety in my day—no two days are ever the same. I also love seeing firsthand how much the EPP supports students and opens doors for their future.

Merran: collaborating with the students, families and industries to introduce them to the possibilities of commencing their career pathways.

Are there any opportunities or challenges that are unique to the schools and communities you are working in?

Cassie: Having students live around the lake we have seen an increase in student interest in the maritime industry.

Lynden: The diversity across our 7 schools allows us to engage with a wide range of providers and industries. It means we can tailor programs to each school's unique needs, whether it’s sports, construction, art, drama or maritime, and create different opportunities for the students that align with the strengths and interests of each school’s community.

Merran: The only challenge present is obtaining enough employers for the student demand for industries including plumbing, electrical, automotive and construction.

What is your proudest achievement (or a memorable day) in the role so far?

Cassie: A very memorable event was the 2023 Industry Pathways Project (IPP), where we hosted over 620 students from 6 schools, engaged with 58 industry representatives to deliver 20 interactive industry workshops!

Lynden: Being able to attend programs and seeing students explore the different industries they’re passionate about. Seeing their excitement as they engage with real-world opportunities is so rewarding. You can see how much it means to them to explore their passions and think about their future. Those moments really stick with me, and it reinforces how important the EPP is.

Merran: Watching students commence a career pathway that they never thought possible and then achieving completion of a qualification and completing Year 12, or in some cases transitioning out to continue their qualification full time. Showing them that anything is possible, with the right support.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Cassie: Most of my spare time is spent with either watching or driving to and from my 2 daughters' sports. Other than the sporting side, I enjoy catching up with friends and family.

Lynden: My 3 boys take up most of my spare time! Our favourite weekend activity is swimming at the beach or learning how to surf together.

Merran: Spending time with my family and friends, sitting by the lake watching the world go by.

Where is your favourite place?

Cassie: I have been to Fiji a few times, and this is a favourite as I feel so relaxed, can switch off and enjoy the water, activities and company, and a few cocktails too!

Lynden: My favourite holiday spot is Krabi, Thailand. Yummy food, beautiful culture and gorgeous beaches.

Merran: Anywhere you don't have to cook, wash, iron and clean!

For our binge watchers, or book readers... any recommendations of TV shows, movies or books?

Cassie: I really enjoyed the Ozark series.

Lynden: The best series I watched recently was Boy Swallows Universe on Netflix.