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’ located on the learning portal. Look for the latest edition, Edition 15: CLICK HERE 

Early Offers to University

Congratulations to the 29 Year 12 students who have received ‘Early offers’ to university! Good luck to everyone else waiting for upcoming major offer rounds. 

After ATAR Information Sessions 

When your ATAR is released on Friday 16th December, you can review and change your QTAC preferences if required before the cut-off date, to give yourself the best chance of getting an offer in the major offer rounds. To help with this process, many universities offer ‘After ATAR’ information sessions around this time:

• University of Queensland – ATAR Advice Event 
• QUT – Real Decisions Event
• Griffith – Options Event 
• ACU – Change of Preference Advice 
• University of Southern Queensland – Change of Preference Information Sessions 

Start QUT Program – End of Semester Wrap Up

Well done to the following students for taking part in ‘Start QUT’ Program; which involved the completion of a university subject this past Semester:

• Sam Wright, Year 11, completed ‘Building IT Systems’
• Kieran Eades, Year 12, completed ‘Introduction to Law’
• Sebastian Harman, Year 11, completed ‘Introduction to Screen Production’

Sebastian received results of 7, 6 and 7 for his 3 assessment tasks. This is a huge achievement, with 7 equalling a high distinction. For his assessment, Sebastian created 3 videos including an impressive documentary on a drummer. Congratulations, Sebastian! 

Well done to Sam and Kieran, for all your hard work and good luck – we hope you achieve the results you were after. 

If you are in Year 11 or 12 next year and interested in finding out more, you can read about Start QUT program HERE, or research similar programs at other universities. Email your expression of interest to Ms Kenny at kennye@marash.qld.edu.au.

Vocational Education and Training News 

Congratulations to Year 11 student Beau Weaver who signed a training contract this week with James Bros Constructions as their first school-based carpentry apprentice. Beau showed dedication, persistence and hard work pays off. Beau commenced work experience early in the year and worked with a variety of employers to ensure that he wanted to pursue a career in carpentry. Beau loved his work placement with Steve and Mark from James Bros Constructions, and they knew Beau was a good fit for their business instantly.   Great work Beau – lovely to see the big smile on your first paid workday. 

Beau Weaver with Steve James – James Bros Constructions 

Year 12 Champagnat Award recipient student Jack Christensen realised early the value of Vocational Education and Training and as a result of hard work and dedication is kicking some serious goals. Jack secured an electrical fitter full-time apprenticeship with Sulzer Australia and has already started earning a wage. Jack successfully won a scholarship under the Philip D. Graham Memorial Scholarship Program – APAC, and has already completed a Certificate II Agriculture and a Certificate III Business. Well done Jack and good luck in your future endeavours. 

From the Work Experience Desk - A Day in the Life of...

Australian Defence Force

Year 10 student Remy Versace attended two Australian Defence Force work experience programs this year and we asked him to share his experience. 

In August and September this year, I took part in two Defence Force Work Experience programs. The first being an Air Force Officer Aviation course held at RAAF Amberley; the second was a General Army Aviation course held over 3 days at Swartz Barracks in Oakey.

At RAAF Amberley, myself and 25 or so other students were given a variety of guided tours in and around aircraft, Top Gun style radar rooms and everything in between. Highlights included an up-close inspection of the F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jets by the pilots themselves, onboard the KC-30 tanker/transport, and a crash course in air traffic control inside the Amberley control tower and radar room. We also undertook tours of the maintenance hangars for both the F/A-18 and KC-30 both on foot and by van of the entire Amberley flight line as well as the runway. 

Several weeks later at Swartz Barracks in Oakey, a smaller group of just 13 students were given the ins and outs of pretty much every profession on an army aviation base, from Military Police dog handlers (including a K9 take-down demonstration), training activities with airborne paramedics, air traffic control, armament engineers (who showed us all their weapons), and of course the pilots and aircrew themselves. We were allowed to use some of their state-of-art simulators, from VR renditions of attack helicopter gun-runs and a door gunner simulator with genuine heavy machine guns, and finally, flying the MRH-90 taipan helicopter under the Sydney Harbour Bridge in a simulator worth tens of millions of dollars.

On both programs, we were given a genuine look at everyday military life, utilising all amenities the personnel would use on a daily basis. The uniformed staff looking after us couldn't have been more welcoming and helpful, and were happy to tell us the truth of all the good, bad and ugly of military life.

Boys, I highly recommend these programs. All it took to get in was filling out the form, and like many of the officers said, most people in the military would end their career without seeing half the things we got the opportunity to experience. 

If you're considering a career in the military, this is a must-do, but I recommend it to all boys, as the things we got to do rarely see civilian eyes (also why I have so little photos, with photography usually not allowed).

There is no workforce as professional as the military, and for almost every field of work and study you can think of, there is a uniformed job role available in the Australian Defence Force. If you are not sure what you want to do after school, perhaps consider taking on a military work experience program, as it may uncover a hidden passion, and can steer you in the right direction for post-Marist life.

If you have any questions or want to apply, please contact the careers office.

Remy Versace

Remy enjoying ADF life during his work experience placement

Thanks for taking the time to share your story Remy! Looks like an amazing opportunity and a positive experience for students looking at a career in the ADF and who are successful in gaining a spot on the program/s.  Interested students are encouraged to visit the Defence Work Experience Program recruitment website for information on upcoming placements and how to apply. 

Aircraft Engineer

Lachlan Boyd, Year 11, has always had a keen interest in the Aviation field so what better way to see the options available in this field than to complete a work experience day at Aviation Australia. Lachlan worked beside some of the Aircraft Maintenance Engineering crew, where he was able to experience first-hand the role of an aircraft engineer. He also looked at other career options within the Aviation sector including the pathway to become a pilot.  

Hands-on experience during Lachlan's work experience day

Financial Advisor 

During the recent Year 12 QTAC meetings, Tom Maguire showed an interest in applying for courses leading to a role in finance. To assist Tom in further understanding “a day in the life of a Financial Advisor” he spent a day with Andrew Graham from Astute Brisbane Central. 

Tom was able to sit in on a client interview, assist in preparing a financial recommendation report and perform a number of office duties. Given the large focus on compliance in this industry, he was able to see pretty quickly that the majority of the role is about completing paperwork and administrative duties, as opposed to what he first thought would be more of advisory work. 

Tom enjoyed the work experience and will continue to pursue study preferences within the area of business/commerce, with a view to securing a Financial Advisor role in the future.   

Construction Immersion Program 

Last week the construction immersion program students were busy concreting and laying paving as they wrap up the pergola project that they have been constructing this year at one of the school’s boarding residences.

Back at school they learnt how to frame, gyprock/plaster and hang a door as well as learning how to test general power outlets. 

Blast From the Past 

2021 Year 12 graduate Jack Condon is showing how a VET pathway has worked hand in hand with his university studies. Jack is completing his first year in law at QUT and is combining this with a Certificate III in fitness which has helped him secure a part-time job with the crew at F45 Keperra. Keep up the great work Jack and nice to see that smiling face at the early morning classes!!

Finishing year 12 this year and looking for employment or training options? 

The Department of Employment, Small Business and Training produce an informative e-newsletter “Connected jobs and training”. School-leavers and their parents/guardians can keep up to date on job vacancies, training, industry and career information. To subscribe to receive regular updates from the department register via the code below.