The NSW Department of Education is currently partnering with Australian Catholic University, the University of Sydney and Western Sydney University.

Please note: Each round of the Career Connections Program may partner with different Initial Teacher Education Providers across NSW. If you would like to know when your university is included, subscribe to the mailing list to be notified.

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 practicum 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 western and south-western Sydney NSW public schools

• Be prepared to indicate your willingness to teach in western and south-western Sydney 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 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 western and south-western 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 western or south-western Sydney public school.

Each program offers up to 20 places per partner university, with a total of 60 positions available across all universities.

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 and a half days of participation across a 3-week period.

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

The applications for the Term 2, 2026 program close on Friday 27 March 2026, 11:59 pm (AEDT).

Following the application closing date, a selection panel will meet to 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 study tours.

If you are successful, the program team will contact you by email with a checklist of documents to submit, along with more details about the program – such as school locations, dates and times.

Yes, you are welcome to apply for future rounds of the program - as long as your university is one of the participating partners at that time.