Careers and Pathways

Mr. Brett Steeples - Head of Careers and Pathways

Career advice, career counselling and support after school closes

As the class of 2022 celebrates graduation and ATAR scores become known, students tend to review their preferences and pathways. There can be confusion around scores and new opportunities these present. Options Career Information offers one-on-one, in person or online sessions for parents and students to ensure you have all the facts when it comes to ATAR, QTAC and your career options and pathways after high school. You can email info@optionscareers.com.au for more information and to book a session.  

Free apprenticeships for under 25s

Are you under 25 years of age and looking for an apprenticeship? If you choose a high priority apprenticeship or traineeship, the Queensland Government will cover the cost of your training with a training provider. Your employer will pay your wages but you might have to meet costs related to any uniform or other training resources. To be eligible, you must be under 25 and commence, or be undertaking, your training between 1 January 2021 and 30 June 2023. Click here for more information including the 139 priority apprenticeship and traineeship qualifications. 

Pre-apprenticeship courses through TAFE Queensland

Pre-apprenticeship training is an entry-level Certificate. It is made up of traditional classroom learning on a TAFE campus as well as hands-on work experience. Doing a pre-apprenticeship course has many advantages including:

  • Helping you gain skills and a basic understanding of the job and industry
  • Improving your chances of gaining an apprenticeship as an employer is more likely to take on someone who has some knowledge of the industry and the basic skills required
  • Saving time on your apprenticeship, as part of the first stage of apprenticeship training is completed within the pre-apprenticeship course.

If you are interested in starting a full-time pre-apprenticeship course in January 2023 click here for a list of pre-apprenticeship courses on offer at Skills Tech and application information. You may have completed some pre-apprenticeship courses at school so see your VET Coordinator or Guidance Counsellor/Officer for information about this option.

Thinking about joining the ADF?

If you are thinking about joining the ADF now or when you leave school, keep in mind that it can be a lengthy process involving several stages. Click here to read more about each stage and how best to prepare yourself. The stages are:

  1. Apply online
  2. Attend virtual YOU session (Your Opportunities Unlimited) Session
  3. Attend Assessment Session 
  4. Attend Officer Selection (if this is your chosen options)
  5. Take a fitness test
  6. Attend enlistment/appointment day

Where to find information about jobs

  • MyFuture website - Sign up for free if this is your first time on the website. Go to the Occupations section and search for your job of interest. Click on the ‘Prospects’ tab.
  • Labour Market Insights provides occupational information including job prospects and information about your local labour market.
  • The Australian Department of Education, Skills and Employment provides information on Early Childhood, Schooling, Higher Education, Skills and Training, Employment and International Education.
  • The Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment - National, State and Territory skill shortage information provides skill shortage lists for the state, territory and national levels.
  • Australian Jobs 2021 provides an overview of trends in the Australian labour market. It supports students, career advisers, job seekers and those considering future training and work.

Link and Launch Post School Support

Link and Launch is a free service supporting young people who have completed Year 12 and are wanting to take their next step into study, training or work. You can get individual support to navigate the system and make a successful transition. Support includes:

  • Assistance in writing your resume, applying for jobs and interview preparation 
  • Help to enrol in training courses or Skilling Queenslanders for Work programs
  • Access to free apprenticeships and traineeships
  • Finding alternative entry pathways to university

Find out more about Link and Launch, including your local service here.

Skills for getting a job – full-time/part-time/casual

The following are resources you can access to help you gain the skills you need for your job search:

  • Applying for a Job the Youth Central website has information and examples for developing a resume and writing cover letters as well as other tips to help you get a job and more.
  • I’m looking for a job  the Job Jumpstart website has information on most job search strategy. It can help you build your resume.
  • Advice and Tips visit the Seek website to check out for tips on job search. Seek also has a job search function.
  • Career Advice the CareerOne website has useful tips on job hunting, interview preparation, resumes and job interviews.
  • The Job Hunting section on the Australian Apprenticeships Pathways website has a step-by-step approach to gaining an apprenticeship or traineeship.
  • Start an apprenticeship or traineeship the Queensland Apprenticeship Info website has ideas on how to gain an apprenticeship or traineeship.
  • Apprenticeship Central has a job search function specifically for apprenticeships.

Education Scholarships and Grants

Applications are now open for the Department of Education’s 2023 scholarships and grant's programs. These scholarships and grants reinforce the Department’s dedication to providing the best teachers for all state schools while promoting teaching as a career path. The scholarships and grants on offer include:

  • The Aspiring teacher grants valued at $2,500 for general applicants and $5,000 for rural or remote applicants which support high-achieving secondary graduates from 2022 commencing their studies to become a teacher in 2023. Applications close 9 December 2022.
  • Beyond the Range Professional Experience Grant, valued at $5,000 per professional experience placement, supports you to experience living and teaching in a priority community across Central Queensland, Darling Downs, South West, Far North or North Queensland regions.
  • Regional, Rural and Remote Generalist and STEM Graduate Teacher Scholarship This scholarship supports final year preservice teachers with a one-off taxable grant and upon graduation of an Australian initial teacher education (ITE) program, an offer of permanent employment. Recipients must be prepared to start their teaching career in a priority region within Queensland. Register to find information about 2023 applications.
  • The Pearl Duncan teaching scholarships support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to gain an initial preservice teacher education qualification. It is valued at $20,000. Online applications close Friday 9 December 2022. Click here for further information.

Spotcap Fintech Scholarship

Spotcap offers this scholarship to anyone who may be interested in a career in the financial technology industry and planning to study fields such as finance, business, management, law, design, computer engineering, innovation or entrepreneurship at any Australian university. There is usually one scholarship available valued at $10,000 (which goes towards the cost of the applicant’s bachelor degree). Applications close on 20 January 2023. Visit the Scholarship website for 2023 details.

The Hotel School Brisbane Scholarship Program

Studying at The Hotel School Australia provides opportunities for you to enter the industry to work and study simultaneously. They also offer a range of scholarships to help financially support domestic or international students to reach their full potential and achieve their professional goals. Applications are now open and click here to find out more about the application process.

UQ Residential Scholarships

The UQ Residential Scholarship Scheme offers financial support to help cover accommodation costs at UQ. If you have experienced financial hardship, you are encouraged to apply for any of the scholarships in this scheme. Click here to find out more and to apply.