VET and Careers News
Mrs Michelle Carter - Careers Counsellor and Ms Melissa Peacock - Program Leader VET
Careers Information Bulletin – Something for Everyone
There are so many fantastic and current career opportunities found in our fortnightly ‘Careers Information Bulletin’.
Read Now!
Careers
Mrs Michelle Carter - Careers Counsellor
Open Days 2026
QANTAS Pilot Academy
Congratulations to Harper Frazier (Year 12) who is one of three students accepted into the QANTAS Pilot Academy July holiday program. The next two three-day programs run from 9-11 September and 18-20 November. Should you like to investigate, please contact the Qantas Pilot Academy via eparkinson@flyfta.com
2027 University College Accommodation – Some applications are now Open – cost is circa $30,000+ for 40 weeks
Students do not necessarily need to be attending UQ to live in at one of their 10 residential colleges and extended housing options. If interested, it’s time to start investigating and applying. Most have application fees of around $300. Should students not want to live at College but have access as a “Day” student, they can apply for an Associateship (not available at St John’s). Here a link to begin your investigation/s: UQ Residential Colleges - my.UQ - University of Queensland. (Colleges are usually open on Open Day – 2 August – but don’t leave it until then if currently in Year 12). UQ Gatton also has one residential college.
School Holiday Mater Education hands-on program
Interested in a healthcare career? The Mater Education High School Health Adventure is a two-day, hands-on program for Years 10–12. Step into the role of a health professional — wear scrubs, use real simulation facilities and learn from experts. You’ll meet doctors, nurses and other health workers and try activities like CPR, emergency response and basic medical procedures. Held during the holidays, it’s a great way to experience what a career in healthcare is really like. Find out more here. Cost is around $500.
QTAC Update for current Year 12’s: (Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre)
Time’s moving fast — start researching your university/TAFE/interstate course options now. You have 1-6 QTAC preferences. Not sure where to begin? Book a chat with Mrs Carter asap!
Helpful ways to get started:
- Thinking about Early Entry? Most universities offer Early Entry (except UQ)
- Become familiar with the QTAC website at: www.qtac.edu.au
- Attend University/TAFE Open Days (May–Sept): Explore courses and campuses (Open Day update attached)
- Online 2027 QTAC Guide (available June/July). NOTE: Unfortunately, QTAC no longer provides produces a physical book.
- TSXPO - Tertiary Studies Expo: Meet universities, TAFE, Private Providers, interstate options; RNA 17-18 July; FREE; https://www.careersevent.com.au/event/brisbane-tsxpo/
- QTAC application portal (opens 4 August). Make sure you have your USI handy (www.qtac.edu.au); www.qtac.edu.au
- Collect the 2027 University Guides from the Careers Office and/or Room 406
QTAC Key date and costs for current Year 12’s
QTAC Online Portal opens on 4 August. Students will be guided through this process. The cost is $75 if students apply by the 30 September (“Early Bird” rate). From 1 October to early December, the application cost jumps to $159. There are three free changes built into this cost; thereafter changes cost $75 each time.
James Cook University - Applying to JCU Medicine, Dentistry or Veterinary Science?
JCU has a two-step application process for the following degrees:
- Bachelor of Dental Surgery
- Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery
- Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours)
TWO Steps to apply
- Apply online via the QTAC website (after 4 August); AND
- Apply online directly to JCU here. (click on course link for specific course information – screenshot below); Latest application information: https://www.jcu.edu.au/applying-to-jcu/domestic/undergraduate-applications/medicine-dentistry-and-veterinary-science
University of Queensland - Medicine
This is a great place to start: Apply to study a Doctor of Medicine at UQ - The University of Queensland
Central Queensland University - Bachelor of Medical Science (Pathway to Medicine)
CQUniversity’s Bachelor of Medical Science (Pathway to Medicine) is a direct pathway into becoming a doctor. Finish the 3-year degree with a GPA of 5.0+ and you’ll get guaranteed entry into The University of Queensland’s 4-year Doctor of Medicine (based in Central QLD and Wide Bay).
- Total study time: 7 years
- Must apply straight from school
Full-time study only
A clear, structured path from school to medicine. Click here for more info and you apply through QTAC later in the year.
Bond Medicine – 2027 Guides available in Careers area; per semester cost is $33,610 (total 14 semesters)
11 tips to increase your child's interest in careers
Young people can be unclear about their direction in life. It’s often not until their early twenties that they gain a good sense of who they are. There is a wealth of information about possible career choices. People can feel overwhelmed, unable to decide or lose interest in the whole 'careers thing'. Finding out who you are and what you want to do is a process that depends on many factors. Click here to read about 11 strategies that may assist you and your child including more details about:
- Stay calm and open-minded
- Be a positive influence
- Encourage your child to talk to other adults about their careers
- Watch movies and television together
- Talk about the people you know or those you meet in your day-to-day activities
- Do things together
- Ask your child what they would choose if they could be or do anything in the whole world
- Make it easy for your child to participate in work experience programs
- Encourage your child to participate in activities at school or in the community
- If your child is ready, encourage them to seek a part-time job
- Start to build your career profile
VET
Ms Melissa Peacock - Program Leader VET
Welcome to the second edition for Term 2.
Please see below for our current news and upcoming opportunities for students.
If you would like further information on any of the below topics or would like any assistance with completing applications, please visit the VET and Careers Office.
Current News
Try-a-Trade Day
21 students from Year 10 Construction Gateways are attending a Try-a-Trade Day. The event is sponsored by Construction Skills Queensland and provides students with practical hands-on experience in industry areas of Roof Tiling, Painting and Cabinetmaking.
Work Experience update
Work Experience Agreement forms are being finalised for Years 11 and 12 students. Ms Stabik will be in contact with required students when their paperwork is ready to collect from the VET and Careers Office.
The Work Experience Agreement form is a crucial document for school students participating in the College’s work experience program. It must be signed by the student. parent/guardian, work experience provider and the school. It is essential in ensuring safety and health of a student during their work experience placement.
Specific dates have been allocated for work experience for each year level this year:
- Year 10 Wednesday 16 – Friday 18 September
- Year 11 Monday 25 May – Wednesday 27 May
- Year 12 Wednesday 24 June - Friday 26 June
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.
Upcoming Opportunities
Defence Work Experience Program
The Defence Work Experience Program gives school students the chance to explore life in Defence and discover careers in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the Australian Public Service (APS). It’s a unique opportunity to learn, gain hands-on experience, and see what a career in Defence could look like.
Further information and application form: Defence Work Experience Program | Jobs & Careers | Defence
Defence Careers - Jobs List - Defence Work Experience Program
Energy Qld - Ergon/Energex - Work Experience Applications
Applications for last work experience cycle for 2026 open on Monday 18 May at 9am and close 7h June at 5.00pm.
This cycle is for placements between 31 August to 27 November 2026. Trade -based only.
You can find all the information you need on the website under the careers tab/work experience tile. Work Experience – Energy Queensland
TAFE Queensland School Holiday Workshops (Years 9 – 12)
TAFE Queensland is hosting its annual School Holiday Workshops: a mix of full- and half-day workshops designed for high school students to get a taste of TAFE. The courses are a simple way for students to explore different study and career areas through hands-on sessions.
Workshop topics include Art Design and Music, Horticulture, Sport and Recreation, Information Technology, Nursing and Early Childhood, Cooking, Hospitality and Tourism and Business, Justice and Study Skills.
*Parent/guardian contact information and permission is required on registration.
Date: Monday 6 July – Friday 10 July 2026
Time: 8:45am - 1:00pm, or 8:45am - 4:00pm
Where: Various Brisbane Campuses
Cost: $60 (full day) or $40 (half day)
Tickets close: 11.30pm (AEST) Tuesday 16 June 2026 (or earlier if workshops sell out)
*Tip: Spots are limited - book early to get the workshop you want.
Further information and registration form: School Holiday Program 2026
Powering Pathways Program - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students
The Powering Pathways Program supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to explore apprenticeship and career opportunities with Energy Queensland.
Expression of Interest (EOI) – Pilot Program
We are currently inviting Expressions of Interest from students who would like to be part of this pilot.
EOI closes Friday 22 May 2026 (short turnaround)
Applications for the 2026 Apprenticeship Program open on 12 June 2026.
To help you decide if this pathway is right for you, we’re running online information sessions where you can learn more about what an apprenticeship involves and what working in the energy industry can look like.
Online sessions coming up:
Tuesday 26 May 10am - 11am
Wednesday 27 May 1pm - 2pm
Thursday 28 May 6pm- 7pm
In these sessions, you’ll hear about:
• Electrical trade pathways
- The support available during an apprenticeship
• What the recruitment process involves
• Creating safe, welcoming, and inclusive workplaces
If you’re curious about your options or want to learn more before applying, these sessions are a great place to start. See VET and Careers office for more details including QR registration code.
Hastings Deering – Apprentice Intake
Apprentices work with world class Caterpillar machinery, gaining hands on experience in repairing, servicing, and maintaining a wide range of equipment, engines, and power systems. Each year, passionate and motivated school leavers are welcomed into the apprenticeship program.
Applications open 18 May 2026. Complete the expressions of interest form if interested: Apprenticeship Program
Origin Apprentice and Trainee Intake
The Origin Apprentice and Trainee Intake offer roles based in the Western Downs region of Queensland at Origin’s Condabri and Talinga sites in the Chinchilla/Miles area.
You must be a resident of the Western Downs region to be eligible for these apprenticeships and traineeships. Applications for the next Origin Intake open on Monday 20 July 2026. Further information and application form: Origin Apprentice and Trainee Intake | MIGAS Apprentices & Trainees
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.