VET and Careers News

Careers News

Michelle Carter, Careers Counsellor - (Wednesday and Friday)

Careers Information Bulletin – Something for Everyone

There are so many fantastic and current career opportunities found in our fortnightly ‘Careers Information Bulletin’. 

This Term and into next year, I will be the Careers Counsellor at Marist on Wednesdays and Fridays.  This is until Mrs Elizabeth Kenny returns from Maternity Leave.  In the meantime, I will enjoy getting to know students from Years 10 – 12. (Mrs Carter) 

2025-2026 Key Dates for Year 12

Things are starting to ramp up and it is easy to miss key dates. Below is a list of some key dates that you should check and put in your diary so that you don't miss out on key opportunities. You will also need to check out closing dates for early entry programs and scholarship applications (you can find these on the individual TAFE and university websites).  Check QTAC website

Note: The following dates were on the QTAC site 2 September 2025.

Remember: To pre-load the QCAA and QTAC websites onto another computer/iPAD etc. 

October

• Upload EAS and supporting documents to QTAC by mid-late October (see Mrs Carter for assistance)
• 27 Oct to 14 Nov: External assessment period

November

21: Graduation Mass

21: Early Offers for some Universities usually from 8.30am; Respond to this offer by 28 November

December

8: Due date to apply and submit documents for December 23 Major Offer round 1 (from 11am)

17: MyQCE External results released

18: ATARs released        (refer to QTAC ATAR Portal www.qtac.edu.au)

19: Due date to change preferences for 23 December Major Offer Round 1 (by noon)

23: Major Offer Round 1  circa 11am (refer to QTAC Application Portal www.qtac.edu.au); Respond to this offer by 30 December

January 2026

15: Major Offer Round 2  circa 8.30am (usually this is when UQ releases Health courses); any preference changes need to be previously made by 6 January. Respond to this offer by 19 January

Check on the QTAC website for more information and any changes to these dates.

Keep a Record

LUI:                             

USI:     

QTAC application #: 

TFN:   

Professional Email Used (QCAA, QTAC, ATAR) + Password Used for QTAC/ATARs

Top Universities for Queensland study: Undergraduate | Good Universities Guide

The Good Universities Guide (2025) explores university characteristics, student experience and graduate outcomes of all Queensland universities. They provide a series of ratings and insights across a range of indicators as no institution is perfect at everything. The rankings are high-level indicators and should be used to compare insights, varying strengths and characteristics of each institution. You can expand the filter by state, study level and subject area.

What could work look like in 40 years?

The Australian HR Institute has published an article that unpacks the Intergenerational Report that paints a picture of what Australia might look like in 40 years’ time. A range of workplace experts share their thoughts on how employers should respond. Click here to read their article including:

1. Ageing population
2. Productivity rates 
3. Climate change impacts
4. Digitisation of work
5. Gender pay gap

ABS seasonally adjusted Labour Force Data - In trend terms, in August 2025:

• unemployment rate increased to 4.3%.
• participation rate remained at 66.9%.
• employment increased to 14,643,000.
• employment to population ratio remained at 64.1%.
• underemployment rate remained at 5.8%.
• monthly hours worked increased to 1,985 million.

Australia's Top 100 Graduate Employers.

GradAustralia who, in the past published the Top 100 Careers Guide, is now Prosple. Click here and access the electronic version of Australia's Top 100 Graduate Employers. In the publication you will find information on:

• The top 100 rankings
• What can you do with your degree
• What sectors can you work in
• How to get hired
• Australia's Top 100 graduate employers

VET News

Mrs Robyn Gooley - Program Leader - VET

Welcome back to Term 4. We have had several changes in the VET and Careers Office this term. 

We are in the process of appointing a new Industry Liaison Officer (ILO) who will be taking over from Ms Beth Muller who sadly left us at the end of Term 3. She has amazing skills that she has grown in her time at Marist and will utilise these in a new role she is embarking on in term 4.

Due to the short term, there will be no work experience this term. If you are thinking of completing your own work experience over the school holidays, it is highly recommended that you ensure that you have work experience insurance. If you are being paid it is not classified as work experience and insurance will be covered by the employer. We cannot recommend any specific website, but these can be searched on the internet.

Year 12

Vocational Master Classes start this week. Please ensure that you bring a fully charged laptop to these sessions. I look forward to you getting a head start for next year by completing these opportunities.

TAFE Queensland – October Intake Now Open

TAFE Queensland has just opened applications for its October Term 4 intake — a great opportunity for students who are ready to get a head start on their career pathway before the end of the year. See link here: Next available intake | TAFE Queensland

If you are eligible for the Career Start program, this could be a fantastic option to explore. A wide range of flexible, subsidised training programs are available, helping you gain job-ready skills in a supportive learning environment.

Spots are filling fast, so don’t wait!

➡️ Interested students should book a meeting with Mrs Gooley to discuss their eligibility and next steps.

Brisbane North West Trade Training Centre – VET Courses (Sem 1, 2026)

Attention: Years 10 and 11 Students

Just a reminder to submit your Expression of Interest for Brisbane North West Trade Training Centre’s VET courses for Semester 1, 2026. These courses may have been identified during your SET Plan interview (if you’ve had it already).

Options include both trade and non-trade areas—such as Electrotechnology, Plumbing, Automotive, Health, Aviation and more. These programs offer QCE credits, industry experience, and pathways into employment or further study. Some are VETiS funded, while others may have a fee.

Please see the attached prospectus and EOI form. 

Fill it in and bring it to Mrs Gooley (Program Leader VET) in the VET and Careers Office, as she needs to approve and email it to BNWTTC. Any queries, please see Mrs Gooley.

Get your form in ASAP to avoid missing out. 

School leavers

Please be aware of the GET JOB READY with FEE FREE TAFE options. If you have not planned your future, you need to have a look at some of these options moving forward. This is the link for a free year of study (which will come off any future degree in the same area). Why not think about a free year to save you a year of HECS?

The Fee-Free list is based on where the Federal Government feels there is a strong employment demand.

Career Start for Apprentices

Queenslanders can now access more affordable apprenticeships and traineeships through the Career Start and Career Boost programs, supporting entry-level and advanced training in priority industries. Career Start supports new job seekers and young people taking their first step into skilled work. The program funds apprenticeships and traineeships at Certificate II and III levels, allowing eligible participants to complete up to two qualifications, including school-based training, in priority and emerging industries. Click here to find out more about the Career Start program.

Clay, Concrete, Glass and Stone Processing Machine Operators

Clay, Concrete, Glass and Stone Processing Machine Operators operate machines to manufacture and finish a variety of clay, concrete, glassware and stone products by extruding, shaping, mixing, grinding, cutting and other processes. Interested?

Click here to find out more about:

• Median earnings
• Annual employment growth
• Tasks

Pre-apprenticeship options for after school

Pre-apprenticeship training is an entry-level certificate. You will do theory and practical training at TAFE and hands-on work experience in your chosen industry. Pre-apprenticeship training will enable you to find out about a trade for up to 6 months before you commit to a full apprenticeship. 

Click here to find out about:

• What are the benefits?
• What job can I get?
• What if I don't know what I want to do?
• Available courses (including courses throughout Queensland)

Queensland Government's incentives, costs and financial support for apprenticeships and traineeships

The Queensland Government: Offers lots of different ways to reduce the cost of doing your apprenticeship or traineeship in Queensland.

Funded programs: Find information about funded training programs including:

• Queensland Subsidised Training list
• Career Start
• Career Boost
• Apprenticeships and traineeships funding
• VET in Schools (VETiS)
• Free training
• Free Apprenticeships for Under 25s
• Trade skills assessment and gap training (TSAGT)
• Continuing students

Wage, hours and costs: Learn more about your wages, hours and costs of employment including type of employment, fees, material expenses, allowances and leave entitlements. 

Free and reduced-cost training Find free and reduced-cost training and financial support to get the skills to move into work, re-enter the workforce or advance your career.

Eligibility qualifications under Free apprenticeships for under 25s Free Apprenticeships for Under 25s will cover the cost of training for Queensland apprentices or trainees who commenced or are undertaking one of the high priority apprenticeships or traineeships from 1 January 2021 to 30 June 2027.

Skilling Queenslanders for Work Skilling Queenslanders for Work assists disadvantaged Queenslanders to gain the skills, qualifications and experience to enter and stay in a job.

Financial help for apprentices and trainees  Training costs can include travel, free or reduced-cost training courses, disability support payments and cost of living payments.

Financial support including rebates, training subsidies, allowances, cost of living and disability support.

Thinking about a trade in the Australian Defence Force?

Some ADF trade jobs are similar to those found in the civilian world while others are unique to the military. You work with some of the most technically advanced equipment and systems in the world. All come with a great salary from the day you start, comprehensive training, travel and amazing experiences. Click here for more information about Trade opportunities in the Australian Defence Force.