The Career Connections Program is open to pre-service teachers studying a NESA-accredited teacher education program at a NSW university.

Second, third and final-year Bachelor of Education students and Master of Teaching students who meet the eligibility requirements can apply for the Career Connection Program.

• Be willing to complete a professional experience placement in a high-demand metro location during your final year of study

• Be willing to explore high-demand metro locations upon completion of initial teacher education studies including opportunities in Greater Sydney NSW public schools

• Be prepared to indicate your willingness to teach in Greater Sydney public school networks when completing your NSW Department of Education approval to teach application

• Demonstrate a passion for, and commitment to, the values of public education

• Participation in the Career Connections Program requires conduct commensurate with that required of teachers employed in NSW public schools, including:

  • an understanding that I am ineligible to apply for, undertake or remain in, child related employment if I have been convicted of a serious sex offence as defined in the Child Protection (Prohibited Employment) Act 1998 or if I am a Registrable Person under the Child Protection (Offenders Registration) Act 2000; and

  • the meeting of and abiding by professional expectations in regard to behaviour, dress, communication and participation. (A copy of the department’s Code of Conduct can be downloaded from the Department’s website at NSW Department of Education Code of Ethics and Conduct.)

• If successful in joining the Career Connections Program, you will uphold the values of the NSW Department of Education during your participation in the program.

The Career Connections Program allows students the opportunity to explore and experience teaching in Greater Sydney public schools.

Students with an interest in teaching in high-demand metro locations, can expand their employment opportunities by making valuable connections with schools and be supported to undertake their internship/final practicum placement in a Greater Sydney public school.

The Term 4 Career Connections Program will include up to 60 participants.

The program has 3 key elements which include:

• A 1-hour Virtual Orientation (held the week prior to program commencement)

• A 3-day structured school visit

• A full-day Network Showcase event

Together, this equates to 4 days of participation across a 2-week period.

The requirements related to professional experience placements are determined by tertiary education providers. Please contact your university’s professional experience office for information and advice.

Applications for the Term 4, 2026 Career Connections Program close Monday 3 August 2026, 11:59 pm (AEST).

Following the application closing date, a selection panel will assess applications received, in line with the eligibility criteria and objectives of the program.

All successful and unsuccessful applicants will be informed of their outcome by email. Unsuccessful applicants may choose to apply again for future program iterations.

Successful applicants will be contacted by the program team via email. They will receive an outline of essential next steps and further program details.

Yes, we encourage unsuccessful applicants to apply again in the future, provided that they remain eligible as per the program eligibility requirements.