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

Hi, my name is Elizabeth Kenny. After several years as a Science teacher here at Marist, and a passion for career education, I have recently commenced in the role of Futures and Partnerships Practitioner. I am available to support students with career counselling and post-school options. I look forward to working with students in a role that I am truly passionate about!

Students are welcome to book a career counselling appointment here:

Book a meeting with me

Year 12 Students Interested in University Pathways

We will be guiding Year 12s through the university application process at school in upcoming weeks.

The process involves two important steps:

1. Submit a QTAC Application

2. Register for the ATAR Portal to have your ATAR calculated

    

These application processes are open as of 4th August 2026. Students can start learning about this process and planning their university courses and preferences by reading the QTAC Guide: QTAC Guide - QTAC

Further support with the QTAC application process

On 20 August from 6:00pm - 7:00pm QTAC are hosting a student info night webinar. QTAC will walk you through key tips for a successful application. This session is perfect for students (and parents!) wanting to feel confident and prepared throughout the QTAC process. Click here for more info and to register.

Important Dates for University Applications

• 4 August 2026 – Applications open for the 2027 university intake. You can begin your QTAC application and register for the ATAR Portal from this date.
• September 2026 – Fixed closing dates for some Medicine, Dentistry and Creative Arts programs. Check individual university websites for details.
• 30 September 2026 – QTAC Early Bird application fee deadline. Applications submitted by this date incur a fee of $75. From 1 October 2026, you can still apply, however the application fee increases to $159. All applications allow three free course preference changes; but any additional changes cost $75 each. More information is available on QTAC’s fees, charges and payment options page.
• 7 December 2026 – Deadline to apply and submit documents for the December offer round.
• 18 December 2026 – ATARs released by QTAC from 9:00 am.
• 23 December 2026 – Early Offer Round.

• 14 January 2027 – Major Offer Round.

   

University Open Days

Attending university open days is highly recommended, for students to explore study options, campuses and career pathways. Local universities have their open days in July and August, see below. Students are also encouraged to explore opportunities at other institutions too, some that are less local, for example James Cook University, the University of New England (UNE), and CQUniversity.

Local University Open Days – Coming Up Soon!!!

• 25 July – Bond University Open Day (registration required)
• 26 July – Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Open Day, 9:00am – 3:00pm
• 1 August – Australian Catholic University (ACU) Open Day, 10:00am – 2:00pm
• 2 August – The University of Queensland Open Day, St Lucia Campus, 9:00am – 3:00pm
• 2 August – University of the Sunshine Coast Open Day, Sunshine Coast Campus, 9:00am – 1:00pm
• 8 August – UniSQ Open Day | University of Southern Queensland
• 9 August - Griffith University Open Day| 9:00am - 2:00pm
•  

Scholarships

• Most scholarship applications open in Term 3. Check the university websites early, note the deadlines, and apply - even if you're not sure you'll get it! Come to see me for support – happy to read through applications etc.  

   

More Opportunities

• JMC Academy: Explore film, TV, games, animation, design, music, acting, music theatre, audio, stage management and more. Learn more at: Open Day is on 22 August, 75 Grey St, South Brisbane from 9:30am to 3:00pm. Find out more here including registration details.
• Aviation Careers in the Defence Force Information Session: 27 July, 6:00pm-8:00pm, Level 8, 88 Tribune Street, South Brisbane, QLD 4101 ADF Careers - Brisbane Aviation Careers Information Session

• Army Reserves Information Session: 28 July, 6:00pm-8:00pm, Level 8, 88 Tribune Street, South Brisbane, QLD 4101 ADF Careers - Brisbane Army Reserve Information Session

   

I encourage all students to take advantage of these opportunities to explore their future options. I look forward to supporting you throughout your career exploration journey.

Email me with further questions, happy to help: kennye@marash.qld.edu.au.

VET

Welcome to Term 3

Please see below for our current news and upcoming opportunities for students.

If you would like further information on any of the below items or would like any assistance with completing applications, please visit the VET and Careers office.

‘Apprentice of Year’ Australian Training Awards

We have some exciting news - Mason Irving has made the top three finalists for ‘Apprentice of the Year’ at the Australian Training Awards for Queensland. The winner will be announced on 7 August. We wish him all the very best of luck. 

School-Based Apprenticeship 

Celebrating Declan Blundell who recently signed a training contract to commence a school-based apprenticeship in Carpentry with BOS Projects (QLD) Pty Ltd. We wish him all the best.

Work Experience Update

Last term several Year 12 students successfully completed a block of work experience in a range of different careers including Dental, Heavy Diesel Mechanic, Electrical, Carpentry, Political and Aviation. This real-life experience has supported future pathway decisions. Thank you to the employers for providing this opportunity.

A reminder that Year 10 students must return their work experience application form by Friday 7 August to Ms Stabik in the VET and Careers Office. 

VET Courses Update

A big congratulations to the Year 12 students who completed the BSB50120 Diploma of Business. This qualification is offered at the school through Barrington’s College (RTO code: 45030) and to the SIS30321 Certificate III in Fitness students completing a First Aid certificate.

Upcoming Opportunities

McNab’s 2026 Building Pathways Program for Year 11 and 12 Students

During the 2026 September school holidays an intensive one-week work experience placement (see dates below) and try out for one of their highly sought after apprenticeships.

2026 Work Experience Dates

Students can take part in a one-week placement during the 2026 September school holidays: 

Week 1: 21 - 25 September OR  Week 2: 28 September – 2 October

Selection Criteria

Students must submit a Resume/CV as well as meeting the following criteria:

• Be in Year 11 or 12 and available for work experience in September 2026 school holidays
• Working towards achieving P1 license (driver’s license preferred but not essential)
• Hold a White Card
• Have had previous, relevant work experience 

• Hold a Certificate I in Construction (ideal but not essential)

   

Application Process

Applications due Friday 31 July 2026

High School Health Adventure – Mater Education

Mater Education offers two immersive, practical opportunities for students in Years 10 – 12 interested in pursuing a career in healthcare. Programs are held in school holidays.

• High School Health Adventure (Two-day program)

High School Health Adventure | Mater Education

• High School Health Adventure Experiences (One-day experiences)

High School Health Adventure Experiences | Mater Education

2027 Heavy Vehicle Technician Apprenticeships – Applications Open

Brisbane Isuzu is seeking enthusiastic school leavers to join our 2027 Heavy Vehicle Technician Apprentice Intake. This is an excellent opportunity to earn while you learn, gain a nationally recognised trade qualification, and work with Australia's leading truck brand.

 What you'll gain:

• Paid apprenticeship 
• Industry-recognised qualification
• Hands-on mechanical experience
• Career development and mentoring
• Long-term career opportunities

Students interested in mechanics, trucks, engineering, or automotive technology are encouraged to apply. For further information, please contact Brisbane Isuzu. Applications for the 2027 intake are now open.

2027 Ergon Energy Network & Energex Pre-Apprenticeship Program

This program is delivered in partnership with TAFE Queensland.

Applications open at 9:00am Monday 20 July 2026 and close at 9:00am Monday 10 August 2026.

This opportunity is available to eligible students entering Year 11 or Year 12 in 2027 who are interested in exploring future career pathways as a Distribution Linesperson or Electrical Fitter Mechanic with Energy Queensland.

Please Visit the Tafe website dedicated to the program for further information.