VET and Careers News

Careers Information Bulletin - Something for Everyone!

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

Careers

Excellence in Cybersecurity: Marist Places Second Nationally and First in State

Congratulations to our talented students from Marist College Ashgrove, who achieved an outstanding second place nationally in the 2025 Australian Schools Cyber Challenge (ASCC)—a remarkable accomplishment in a competition that saw 85 teams from across Australia take part.

Guided and supported by Tara Franklin, Futures and Partnerships Practitioner, the team demonstrated exceptional skill, teamwork, and determination as they tackled advanced challenges in OSINT, reverse engineering, wireless security, and web encryption. They impressed in the final mission: Assemble the fragments. Reconstruct the master key. Decrypt the final message.

This impressive result reflects not only the students’ dedication and ability but also the valuable guidance from Melissa Deacon, Head of Equity (Gifted and Talented), and Adam Graham, Industry Expert in Cybersecurity.

We are incredibly proud of this team and their national recognition—well done!

Celebrating the Success of Marist Old Boys – Special Congratulations to UQ Medal Recipient Tom Collier

We are proud to congratulate three exceptional Marist College Ashgrove Old Boys — Tom Collier (Class of 2020), Harry Clarke (Class of 2020), and Gus Rosanowski (Class of 2019) — who have all recently graduated with First Class Honours from the University of Queensland’s prestigious Bachelor of Advanced Finance and Economics (Honours) program.

Their shared academic success is a remarkable achievement and reflects their dedication, talent, and commitment to excellence.

A special commendation goes to Tom Collier, who was College Dux in 2020 and has been awarded the University of Queensland Medal. This honour is presented to the top 5% of students who achieve First Class Honours and demonstrate sustained academic excellence throughout their degree within the Faculty of Business, Economics and Law.

We extend our warmest congratulations to Tom, Harry, and Gus on their incredible academic journeys and wish them all the very best as they take the next steps in their careers.

Well done, gentlemen!

QUT News

QUT Year 12 Early Offer Scheme – Key Dates Now Available

Year 12 students, want to lock in your QTAC first preference as soon as you finish school? With QUT’s Early Offer Scheme, you could receive an offer the day you complete Year 12, giving you peace of mind about your next steps.

There are over 80 single and double degrees included.

Check the key dates, course list, and entry requirements now.

START QUT Webinar – Tuesday 2 September

Year 11 students—interested in getting a head start on university? Through START QUT, you can study a real uni subject in Summer (STEM Intensive) or Semester 1, 2026, while you’re still at school. You could also earn a selection rank adjustment and potential credit towards a future QUT degree.

Find out more at the START QUT Webinar on Tuesday 2 September.

Register now to secure your spot!

High School STEM Opportunities – Applications Open 1 August

Keen on a career in STEM? From 1 August 2025, you can apply for QUT’s exciting high school STEM programs, including the START QUT STEM Intensive and Mathematics Summer School. These programs are a great way to challenge yourself, meet like-minded students, and experience uni life early.

Regional or remote student? Limited bursaries are available to help you attend in 2026—email engage.science@qut.edu.au for more info.

Learn more and get ready to apply!

QUT Corporate Partners in Excellence (CPIE) Scholarship

Want to kick-start a career in business with real industry experience and financial support? The CPIE Scholarship offers $42,000 over three years to help cover your uni expenses—plus, you’ll complete two internships with leading corporate partners as part of the program.

It’s a unique opportunity for students who aspire to be future business leaders.

Applications close 12 October 2025 – apply now!

QUT’s New Medical Program

Interested in studying medicine at QUT? The newly announced Doctor of Medicine program has generated a lot of excitement—and questions!

To stay up to date, check out the School of Medicine homepage and the QUT Medical Program blog. These pages will be regularly updated as more details are confirmed.

If you're heading to Open Day, be sure to read the tips on how future medical students can plan their visit.

Discover Uni Life at UniSC Open Day

Thinking about your future after school? UniSC’s Open Day is the perfect chance to explore your study options and get a feel for campus life.

Come along to chat with lecturers, explore different degrees—from engineering to urban planning—and find out about scholarships, overseas study, student support, and more.

📍 Moreton Bay Campus – Sunday 20 July, 9:00am–1:00pm

📍 Sunshine Coast Campus – Sunday 3 August, 9:00am–1:00pm

Register now and take your first step towards uni life!

UNE Early Entry Applications Now Open!

If you’re thinking about starting university, now is the time to apply for Early Entry at the University of New England (UNE).

Key Dates for the Current Round:

• Friday, 4 July 2025: Last day to submit your application
• Friday, 25 July 2025: Institutions complete assessments
• Friday, 12 September 2025: Offers released

(Please note dates may change.)

Applying early can give you a head start on your university journey!

For help or to submit your application, visit the UNE Early Entry Dashboard online.

UNE is proud to be the only Australian public university awarded 5 stars for Overall Experience for 19 years straight by the Good Universities Guide. In 2025, UNE also received five-star ratings for Social Equity and Full-Time Undergraduate Employment.

Got questions? Contact the Future Students Team:

• Free call: 1800 818 865 (weekdays 8:30am–5pm)
• Email: earlyentry@une.edu.au
• Live chat available weekdays 9am–5pm

University of Tasmania – Early Offer Program Now Open!

Year 12 students, the University of Tasmania’s Early Offer Program is now open! Through the Schools Recommendation Program, you can apply for up to five courses, including double degrees, undergraduate courses, and pathway programs—all before final exams begin.

This is a great opportunity to secure your place at uni early and reduce the pressure later in the year.

• Key Dates:
• Applications are open now
• Applications close: Monday 30 September 2025
• Early offers released: Friday 25 October 2025

To apply and find everything you need to know—including how the program works, FAQs, and course options—visit the UTAS Year 12 Hub.

Don’t miss out—start your application today and take control of your future!

Monash University (Melbourne) Info Webinar – Tues12 August

Year 12 students, if you're considering studying interstate, don't miss the upcoming Monash University Information Webinar on Tuesday 12 August 2025, from 6:30–8:00pm (AEST).

This free, interactive online session is a great chance to learn what it’s like to study at Monash and live in Melbourne. You’ll hear about:

✅ Course options and how to apply

✅ Scholarships and fees

✅ Accommodation choices

✅ What life on campus is really like

There’ll also be a Q&A with Monash faculty staff, so bring your questions!

Register now to secure your spot.

If you’re thinking of heading south for uni, this is the perfect opportunity to explore your options and get informed. Interstate webinar dates are listed on the Interstate Info website,

Defence Work Experience Program

Interested in a career with the Australian Defence Force? The Defence Work Experience Program offers secondary students the chance to explore a wide range of career paths through placements at Defence establishments across Australia. 

Career areas include:

• Trades - Electrical, Carpentry, Mechanics, Plumbing, Hospitality
• Cyber, IT, Intelligence & Engineering
• Healthcare - Doctor, Nurse, Psychologist, Pharmacist
• Aviation, Space, Communications & Media
• Law, Policing & Combat roles

This is a fantastic opportunity to gain real-world experience in your field of interest. Follow link HERE and see attached PDF for more information and to apply. 

Discover Microtechnology: Griffith University

Dates: Wednesday 2 July, 9 July, 24 September or 1 October

Time: 11:00am - 12:30pm (during QLD school holidays)

Location: Griffith University, Nathan Campus (Brisbane South)

Who it's for: Year 10-12 students in small groups of 5-15

Note: Students must be able to get to and from campus independently

Step into the future of tech!

Ever wondered how microchips are made or what it's like to work in a top research lab? This is your chance to go behind the scenes at the Queensland Microtechnology Facility (QMF) - a place where future tech is being created right now.

Here's what you'll do:

• Hear from real scientists and engineers working on world-leading microtechnology
•  Learn how microchips are made - powering everything from medical devices to electric cars
• Suit up in full cleanroom gear and enter a cutting-edge microfabrication lab
• Use high-powered microscopes to inspect real microdevices made on site
• Whether you're into science, tech, or engineering - this experience will give you a real-world taste of what's possible in STEM.

Follow link to register: Expression of Interest: Queensland Microtechnology Facility visit

Spots are limited - don't miss out!

VET

Celebrating Henry Waters – QTA Metropolitan Finalist! 

 Last Friday, Year 11 student Henry Waters proudly represented Marist College Ashgrove as a finalist at the 2025 Queensland Training Awards Metropolitan Regional Final, held at Brisbane City Hall.

While he didn’t take home the top prize, Henry’s nomination in such a prestigious event is a remarkable achievement in itself. As a school-based apprentice barber at Tommy Guns Chermside, Henry has already been named Tommy Guns Apprentice of the Year (2024) and continues to work towards his Certificate III in Barbering under the guidance of his trainer, Bec Pereira from Matters in Grey.

He was supported on the day by his proud parents, Vanessa and Kierran Waters, along with members of his Marist support team: Beth Muller, Robyn Gooley and Bec Pereira (pictured below, left to right). Adam Knight was also there but not pictured.

Henry, we’re incredibly proud of your hard work, professionalism, and the way you represented MCA on such a big stage!

McNab Building Pathways Program 2025 - Applications Open

Are you in Year 11 or 12 and interested in a career in construction, development, or property?

McNab’s Building Pathways Program is your chance to get hands-on experience with one of Australia’s leading companies. Spend one intensive week during the September 2025 school holidays gaining real-world insight into the industry and kick-starting your career.

This is a fantastic opportunity to get your foot in the door—don’t miss out!

Apply now and take the first step toward your future.

2026 Apprentice Intake - Brisbane Isuzu - Closes Aug 15

Brisbane Isuzu is now accepting applications for their 2026 Heavy Vehicle Technician Apprenticeship Program at their Archerfield and Stapylton branches.

• Join Australia's #1 truck brand (since 1989)
• Family owned & operated for over 25 years
• Limited interview slots available
• Applications close Friday, 15 August 2025
• Interviews: 9th or 10th September 2025 (if shortlisted)
• Send your application to: careers@brisbaneisuzu.com.au

Powerlink's Transmission Linesperson Apprentice Program for 2026

• Powerlink Queensland has officially opened applications for its Transmission Linesperson Apprentice Program 2026, offering a fantastic opportunity for students and career changers to enter the energy industry.
• Key Highlights:Program Duration: 4 years, combining on-the-job training, technical learning, and professional development.
• Qualification: Certificate III in ESI - Transmission Overhead (UET30521).
• Start Date: 2026 intake now open.
• Location: Based in Brisbane, with travel across Queensland.

Benefits:

• Attractive Salary: Starting from $68,337 (or $88,961 for those over 21), plus 14.75% superannuation.
• Work-Life Balance: Nine-day fortnight with long weekends every second week.
• Fully Funded: Tuition, licensing, PPE, tools, uniform, laptop, and phone provided.
• Career Pathways: Opportunities post-completion include roles such as Transmission Live Linesperson and Work Site Supervisor.

Diversity & Inclusion:

• Strong focus on increasing gender diversity and supporting First Nations peoples and Veterans.
• Inclusive policies supporting cultural leave, pay equity, and carers.

Info Sessions:

• Online Q&A Sessions: Tuesday, 12 August 2025
  • Session 1: 12:00pm – 1:00pm AEST
  • Session 2: 4:00pm – 5:00pm AEST
  • Register via email: recruitment@powerlink.com.au with subject line “Apprentice Q&A Session”.

Application Deadline:

• Closes: Sunday, 24 August 2025 at 11:59pm AEST.

For more information visit Transmission Linesperson Apprentice Program 2026 Job Details | Powerlink

Now Open: Expression of Interest for Aviation in Schools Program

We're excited to announce that Expression of Interest for 2026 Aviation Australia Aviation at School programs is now open. 

How to Submit an Expression of Interest

To submit an Expression of Interest for a 2026 Aviation at School Program, students will need to:

Visit tafeapply.com

Use Class Code AA2601

Select a course in Queensland from the drop-down list.

Alternatively, access through the link: PATHWAYS Student Registration

Expressions of Interest – 2026 TAFE at School Programs

Expressions of Interest for 2026 TAFE at School programs open at 9:00am on Monday, 21 July 2025.

To apply, students should:

• Visit tafeapply.com
• Enter the program code for their preferred course and campus (codes available via TAFE's website)
• Ensure they have their LUI and USI ready

Please note: Program codes will not be active until applications open.

Offers will be emailed to students and parents in Term 4, with response deadlines included. Late responses may result in the offer being withdrawn.

Questions? Contact:

• Brisbane – Schools.Brisbane@tafeqld.edu.au
• SkillsTech – Schools.SkillsTech@tafeqld.edu.au
• South West – GOTAFE.SouthWest@tafeqld.edu.au
• Aviation – customerexperience@aviationaustralia.aero

Now Open – Rio Tinto Weipa Paid School Leavers Program Year 12 students are invited to apply for the 2025/2026 Land & Rehabilitation Program with Rio Tinto Weipa. This paid, 3-month program kicks off in late November and helps build work readiness skills while exploring future career pathways.

Applicants must have Local Aboriginal Persons (LAP) Status, be safety-focused, and ready for physical, hands-on work.

Applications close Friday 8 August 2025. To apply, email your completed Expression of Interest and LAP Status Form to Lowana.Charger@riotinto.com.