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’. 

New Booking System

A new booking system has been set up for Students (and Parents/Carers) to book in a 30-minute career discussion with Careers Counsellor, Mrs Carter. Please use the following link if you would like to book in a time: Career Chat with Mrs Carter. Mrs Carter is available on Wednesdays and Fridays.

There are appointments available from 7 November (once Mrs Carter returns from leave). Alternatively, students are also welcome to pop into the VET & Careers Office to arrange a time.

University Offers

Congratulations to two of our Year 12 students who have received University Offers in their first preference. Well done to Lucas Newcombe and Luka Vavra-Quintanilla. Generally, students will not find out that they have an early offer until 21 November (the official Year 12 last day of school). UQ is not part of the Early Offer scheme.

Oxbridge Program

On Wednesday 22 October, Richard Michaelis from Oxbridge came and spoke to interested Year 9-11 students about the range of short course academic programs offered by Oxbridge. Courses are run in Barcelona, Paris, New York, Cambridge and Oxford. Further details can be found at: www.oxbridgeprograms.com

QTAC Educational Assistance Scheme (EAS) aka Special Consideration

If you are applying for any of the EAS categories, you have until mid-November to upload your documentation. The reality is that this may give you 2 adjustments (rarely 3). QTAC may not even look at your EAS application until AFTER ATAR’s are released.

Please note, at the school level, we do not know who receives any adjustments and QTAC makes it hard for you to find out too. It’s all super confidential and any information uploaded by you gets deleted/shredded at the QTAC end.  This means that if you need future assistance at university (e.g. extra exam time, computer assistance etc.) you will need to deal directly with the University after acceptance.

The five most common university myths debunked

There are popular myths about university study, some of which are:

1. First year Uni doesn’t count – False. At most universities, first year results contribute to your final grade point average (GPA). Your GPA is of interest to future employers. Furthermore, your first year GPA (if good enough) can be used to be competitive for entry to your preferred course if you didn’t get straight into it from school. You can apply for scholarships once you get to Uni and your GPA is important when applying for these scholarships.

    

2. I’ll never find a job after graduation – Competition for jobs is high. However, you can increase your employability while you are studying by gaining work experience in the field in which you want to work. This not only looks good on your résumé, but it also gives employers a chance to see what kind of worker you are. Don’t wait until your final year at Uni to start looking for jobs. Access the University’s Careers and Employment services and programs early on in your studies.

    

3. If I don’t make friends during O Week, I never will – For those who don’t know, O Week is Orientation Week which is usually the week before lectures begin. This is an important week as the information you receive will introduce you to the support services and other activities available. You will have many additional opportunities to make friends during your Uni studies. If you’re not particularly comfortable starting up a conversation with a random in class, get involved in a University club or two.

    

4. Lectures can be skipped – Yes and No. Lectures are usually recorded and made available online, so technically, you don’t need to attend in person. However, there are good reasons why you should go to every class. Attendance might form part of a percentage of your final mark. You’re paying to sit in that lecture theatre, so you might as well show up and enjoy it. Lectures provide an opportunity to make new friends and of course, impress a lecturer or two. Lecturers are great contacts for future employment.

    

5. I’ll be paying off my HECS-HELP debt for the rest of my life – False. The HECS-HELP loan scheme helps you pay part of the cost of the course you are studying (called ‘Student contribution’). You begin paying it through the Australian Tax Office as part of your income tax once you have completed your course and are earning a threshold amount ($67000). You do not pay interest on your debt, but it is indexed each year to reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index. Click here to access current Commonwealth Supported Places and HECS-HELP information.

HECS  GUIDE  FOR  2026

(subject to change)

Source:  Commonwealth supported places and HECS-HELP information

Free TAFE for Year 12 Graduates

To support Queensland's Year 12 graduates to successfully transition to employment, the Government is offering fee-free TAFE in high priority qualifications. The training is available through a range of Certificate III level vocational education and training (VET) courses as well as apprenticeships and traineeships. View the courses offered by TAFE Queensland. The full list of high priority qualifications is available on the Department of Trade, Employment and Training (DTET) website.

2026 Directory of Performing Arts Courses

Interested in performing arts courses?  Access the Stage Whispers Directory of Performing Arts Courses 2025 for a comprehensive list of performing arts courses in Australia and New Zealand.

VET News

Mrs Robyn Gooley - Program Leader - VET

VET Industry Breakfast

On Tuesday the 21st of October Marist College Ashgrove hosted a vibrant Industry Breakfast that brought together the many members of our “village” who support students on their journey into diverse career pathways. The event was a celebration of collaboration between industry bodies, trainers and assessors, students, and VIP guests, all united by a shared commitment to vocational education and training.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to:

• Industry bodies for their ongoing support and partnership.
• Trainers and assessors for their dedication to student development.
• Students from the Certificate II in Hospitality, who showcased their skills and professionalism by preparing a delicious buffet.
• Our VIP panel guests — Henry Waters, Lucas McCabe, Jake Summers, and Mason Irving — who generously shared their insights and experiences with apprenticeships and industry engagement.

The breakfast provided a valuable opportunity to hear directly from those involved in shaping student futures. The panel discussion highlighted the real-world experiences of students undertaking apprenticeships, offering inspiration and practical advice to those considering similar pathways.

Feedback Highlights: What’s Working Well

Work Experience (WEX):

• Offers students a hands-on understanding of industries.
• Acts as a “try before you buy” opportunity for both students and employers.
• Helps students clarify their career interests.
• Employers value students who are vetted and well-prepared before placement.
• Special recognition was given to former Industry Liaison Officer Beth, whose efforts greatly enhanced employer-student engagement.

Apprenticeships:

• Highly effective for students with a clear commitment to trade careers (“Plan A” students).
• Employers such as Velocity Truck currently offer multiple apprenticeship opportunities.
• Strong collaboration between schools and employers was noted and appreciated.

Courses:

• The wide range of VET courses available at Marist College Ashgrove was praised.
• These courses play a key role in developing relevant skills and supporting career pathways.

What Employers Are Looking For

Employers shared valuable insights into the qualities they seek in students entering the workforce. These include:

• Confidence and a clear career vision
• Strong work ethic and positive attitude
• Good communication and teamwork skills
• Commitment to continuous improvement
• A genuine interest in their chosen trade

Looking Ahead

Part of the morning was also dedicated to gathering feedback on how we can continue to enhance our programs. The insights shared will help us refine our approach and ensure we remain responsive to the evolving needs of students and industry.

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the success of the Industry Breakfast. Together, we continue to build a strong, supportive network that empowers students to thrive in their chosen careers.

BEYOND

Year 12 students looking for apprenticeships – don’t forget to check out BEYOND for help with your resume and other great tips. Keep an eye on your student notices, emails, and SEEK for new opportunities. If you’d like some extra support, come and see us in the VET & Careers Office.

Work Experience in 2026

Work Experience (WEX) will be available in 2026. Students entering Years 10, 11, or 12 are encouraged to start exploring work experience opportunities in their areas of interest. Planning can begin next year, and students are welcome to arrange a meeting with our VET Program Leader, Mrs Gooley, in Term 1 to discuss options further.

Changes to VETiS Funding & Apprenticeships and impact on Year 10 and 11 students

Please be aware that in 2025, the Department of Trade, Employment and Training (DTET) have changed the rules around the funding of courses and apprenticeships. This may impact subject choices and students who are already completing apprenticeships. This was discussed at the subject selection evening and with students during SET Plan interviews. Please be aware that these rules have just been finalised and the course providers have recently been given the information they need going forward.

VET in Schools (VETiS) now states that students can undertake VET at school:

• as part of their school studies – delivered and resourced by a school that is also a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)
• by enrolling with an external RTO – funded either by the Queensland Government’s VETiS program or through fee-for-service arrangements, where fees are paid by an individual such as a student or parent, or another entity such as a community or industry group
• as a school-based apprentice or trainee – funded either by the Queensland Government or fee-for-service arrangements.

Find answers to frequently asked questions about the Vocational Education and Training in Schools (VETiS) program in 2026.

Please have a close look at the table below to see if you will be impacted. If you feel that you might be impacted, please come and have a conversation with Mrs Gooley and/or Mr Brown in relation to your pathway choices for the future.