Adrian Blades is one of Australia’s foremost careers counsellors and educators.

Adrian’s careers philosophy is aspirational and focused on helping students achieve the course, career, and life, they truly want.

Adrian has 18 years experience in careers counselling and education and has worked with over 2400 high school and university students.

For ten years from January 2015 to January 2025, Adrian was Head of Careers Development and Education at The Geelong College, one of Australia’s most prestigious regional independent schools. In August 2019, he founded Cutting Edge Careers Solutions, working with clients part-time while managing the Careers Program at The Geelong College full-time. In January 2025, Adrian resigned from The Geelong College to operate his consultancy full-time.

Prior to starting at The Geelong College, Adrian spent more than seven-and-a-half years working at the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC), making him one of the few careers professionals with experience at a tertiary admissions centre. Adrian has extensive and intimate knowledge of the Australian tertiary system and overseas universities.

Adrian is extremely passionate about his work and the students and families he supports. He says: ‘I consider it a privilege working in education and giving young people the gift of knowledge, belief and confidence to pursue what they truly aspire to, and helping them achieve it.’