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

Mrs Michelle Carter - Careers Counsellor

For those of you interested in societal trends and current-future analysis, it’s really interesting to follow Australia’s leading social analysts at McCrindle (link: Home - McCrindle). Here is an extract from their latest note; at the bottom you will see a link to a free podcast on The Conflict in Iran – How it is impacting each generation.

McCrindle extract as at 30 April 2026:

It goes without saying that 2026 has started with its fair share of volatility.

A few insights so far:

• 51% of Australians say they feel anxious, that’s higher than the 45% recorded during the first COVID-19 lockdowns. 
• In response to the rising fuel costs, 55% say they've limited driving to essential trips. 
• When it comes to outlook, one in three (36%) are optimistic that the conflict in Iran will resolve within three months. Nearly three in ten (29%) believe the instability is likely to persist for a year or more.

We discuss the tactical ways to respond to these shifts in the latest episode of the podcast.

The Key to Success: Why Soft Skills Matter (from Options Careers Bulletin) 

Soft skills are personal attributes that enable someone to interact effectively and harmoniously with other people. Unlike hard skills, which are about a person's skill set and ability to perform specific tasks, soft skills are interpersonal and broadly applicable in all aspects of life. These include: 

• Communication: The ability to express oneself clearly and listen well. 
• Teamwork: Working effectively with others. 
• Problem-solving: Finding solutions to challenges. 
• Time management: Efficiently managing one's time. 
• Adaptability: Being able to adjust to new conditions. 

Click here to read the LinkedIn's article that goes into more detail about why Soft Skills matter and the importance of advocating for Soft Skills Development. 

What Do Employers Want? 

No matter the job, employers want people who have certain qualities. When you’re applying for a job, showing that you have the following six qualities will help you stand out from the other job applicants. Youth Central outlines ways to show an employer that you have these qualities by using examples from your everyday life. Click here to read more about what employers want and how you can demonstrate that you: 

• Have Experience 
• Have Teamwork skills 
• Are reliable 
• Have initiative 
• Have maturity 
• Are willing to learn

Why is Labour Market Information Important? 

To make good career decisions for the future, you need to have some idea of the employment prospects of the jobs you are interested in. The following resources can be helpful in this process: 

• Jobs and Skills Australia website – The Skills Priority List webpage on this site identifies the areas of skill shortage nationally and by state/territory. It also provides skill shortage information by occupation. 
• Jobs and Skills Australia - provides advice on Australia’s labour market, including advice on workforce needs and priorities and current, emerging and future skills and training needs and priorities (including apprenticeships) 
• Graduate Jobs and Internships in Australia (997 open right now!) | SEEK Grad (formerly GradConnection) provides a range of graduate-related publications and research on topics such as salary trends and graduate employment opportunities.

VET

Welcome to our first edition for Term 2.

Firstly, I would like to introduce myself, my name is Melissa Peacock, and I recently started in the role as Program Leader - VET.

I look forward to the opportunity to support students and their families in vocational pathways.

Current News

School-based Apprenticeship

Congratulation to Thomas Daly who recently started his school-based apprenticeship as an Automotive Mobile Plant Technician. We wish you all the best.

Year 10 Trade Tasters (TAFE Queensland)

This year, 20 Year 10 students have undertaken Career Taster courses through TAFE Queensland. The courses provide students with the chance to learn about an industry they are interested in. Enrolments include industry areas of Electrical Engineering, Vehicle and Construction trades.

CPC10120 Certificate I in Construction

Congratulations to the Year 12 students recently awarded the CPC10120 Certificate I in Construction. This qualification is offered through Bluedog Training (RTO Code: 31193). 

SIT20322 Certificate II in Hospitality

Good luck to the Year 11 Hospitality students who start work experience at the Brisbane Racing Club this week.  The placement is undertaken over three days this term and provides the opportunity for students to develop their knowledge of the industry through hands-on practical experience.

Upcoming Opportunities

Powerlink/CSQ future careers with Powerlink online session

Powerlink and Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ) are partnering to offer an after-school, online session for high school students, educators, and care givers to navigate future career opportunities into the energy sector with Powerlink Queensland.

The one-hour online session includes hearing from Powerlink’s Early Careers Recruiter and Apprentice Program Team Leader about Powerlink’s Apprentice Program and how to submit a stand-out application, as well as CSQ’s Construction Pathways Specialist for an insightful update on the workforce demand in the construction industry.

This online session will be relevant for any students considering pathways into trades, to learn more about the variety of apprenticeships available in Brisbane, Gladstone and Townsville, with Powerlink.

This session is a secure link offering students question time and an open conversation.

Powerlink & CSQ Virtual Apprenticeship Discovery Session – Event Details:

Date: Wednesday 13 May 2026

Time: 4:00pm – 5:00pm

Location: Microsoft Teams Meeting – join meeting link will be sent to everyone who registers via the form in the link below:

To register, use the following link: CSQ x Powerlink – Online “Discovery” Q+A – Fill out form  To receive your secure link to the session, please register in the form above and Powerlink/CSQ will email you the invite. Watch an apprentices in action Apprenticeships at Powerlink

This session is a secure link offering students question time and an open conversation.

Rural Ergon Energy Network Information Sessions – Pathways to Work Back Home

These sessions are targeted at students who have family, friends, or strong personal connections in rural and regional Queensland, and who may be interested in returning to their home communities for work or an apprenticeship after school.

Students will hear directly from Ergon Energy representatives about:

• What day-to-day work looks like in rural and remote locations
• How apprentices are supported while living away from major centres
• Lifestyle, community, and career pathway opportunities
• How and when to apply for the 2027 Apprenticeship Program

The sessions are delivered online on:

Dates: Tuesday 19 May and Thursday 21 May 

Times:  6.00pm - 7.00pm

*Applications for 2027 Apprenticeship Program open on 12 June 2026.

Please see VET and Careers office for more information including the online QR code.

Glencore Coal Queensland Apprenticeship Program 2027

The Queensland Apprenticeship Intake offers positions in: 

• Electrician (dual qualification) – Cert III Electrotechnology / Diploma of Applied Technologies 
• Diesel Mechanic/Auto Electrician (dual trade) – Cert III Mobile Plant Technology / Cert III Auto Electrical Technologies 
• Auto Electrician (dual qualification) – Cert III Auto Electrical Technology / Glencore Skill Sets - Operational Technology (OT) 
• Underground Fitter (Mechanical) (dual trade) – Cert III Fixed & Mobile Plant Technology / Cert III Metal Fabrication 

• Boiler Maker (dual trade) – Cert III Metal Fabrication / Cert III Fixed & Mobile Plant Technology

   

Applications are now open and close on Monday 18 May 2026.

Application and further information can be found here: Coal Apprenticeship Program

Work Experience Reminder

Specific dates have been allocated for work experience for each year level this year. These have been selected to minimise impact on student learning and assessment.

• Year 10 - Wednesday 16 – Friday 18 September 
• Year 11 - Monday 25 May – Wednesday 27 May 
• Year 12 - Wednesday 24 June - Friday 26 June  

Year 11 and 12 work experience applications closed last Friday.

Year 10 students must return their work experience application form by Friday 14 August.

Application forms for work experience are available from Ms Stabik in the VET and Careers office. 

Qantas Pilot Academy

Spend 3 days flying our simulators, learning aviation theory, and experiencing real-world operations.

• Intake 4 will be the 1st - 3rd of July 

• Intake 5 will be the 9th - 11th of September

   

Limited spots available - please contact eparkinson@flyfta.com for more information.

If you have any questions or would like further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.