Spotlight on VET

Highlights in VET education

Truly 21st century education requires a diverse range of subjects and pathways so that students can experience success. All research on Generation Alpha points to the likelihood of highly dynamic career trajectories, in which people will not only change jobs, but change industries and be expected to work in vastly different ways and contexts. As the year draws to a close, it is timely to take stock of the many successes of our Vocational Education Faculty.

In particular, 2024 has seen both the consolidation and growth of strong community partnerships as well as those with local business. The main purpose of this is to equip our students not only with the skills and knowledge required to be successful in the world of work, but the broader networks.  Some of these partnerships that we have formed include:

• Fitness sessions with Padua and St Anthony’s
• Catering and service opportunities with Delamore, Alumnae events and the Samaritans Group
• Sporting experience at CASSSA events
• Industry visit to Kedron Wavell to explore the operations of their business.

Work Experience Opportunities

Another essential part of vocational education is the opportunity for students to do work experience. We have had a number of organisations host our students; some include:

GOMA Work Experience

Sophie (Year 12) visited QAGOMA during the school holidays and spent a week discovering the intricacies in running Queensland’s Art Gallery, which included curation of Australian Art, the project management required for the ‘Iris Van Herpen: Sculpting the Senses’ display and insights into the Art and Dementia project.

Kedron Wavell Hospitality Work Experience

Hailey (Year 12) visited Kedron Wavell to focus on developing her hospitality service skills.

She was very fortunate to participate in a range of Front of House activities that included, setting restaurants up for service, running meals, clearing tables and undertaking cleaning procedures.

UQ Women in Engineering

Sam (Year 12) attended the UQ Women in Engineering Program where she attended Sandvik to learn the different roles women can be involved in, participated in a variety of workplace activities and work shadowing.

VET Shout Outs

Certificate IV Fitness Completion 

Lexie (Year 12) successfully completed the Certificate IV in Fitness School Pathways Course with Binnacle Training RTO 31319 over the school holidays. 

Brisbane Broncos Employment Success

Sam (Year 12) successfully secured her spot with the Brisbane Broncos Business Sport Institute doing a Dual Diploma in Leadership and Management and Sport Coaching. This is a very competitive course to get into, so congratulations Sam.

A BIG congratulations to the following graduating classes of 2024 who will successfully complete their qualification this year:

Here’s what Maeve had to say about her experience:

Choosing to partake in the Mater Education program through school was an amazing opportunity to develop my knowledge and skills in the health industry.  I was able to make new friends and realise that the nursing pathway is what I want to do. The best part about this program was the hands-on learning experiences through the practical lessons. The theory work in this program was very enjoyable and understandable.

Upcoming opportunities in VET

For any Year 10 and 11 students wanting to do TAFE at Schools next year, it is important that you enrol immediately.  Many courses are filling fast, so it’s important that you action this as soon as possible.  If you require assistance, please attend the Future’s Hub.

In 2025, we will be nominating our best performing VET students for the Queensland Training Awards. As nominations close in early March next year, we will start the shortlisting process in Term 4.  For students who are aspiring VET students we encourage you to step up and let your talent shine.  For more information, please visit Future’s Hub or speak directly with your teacher.

We have several organisations that are contacting the school advertising local job vacancies for Year 12 students. These are being posted on the Future and Subject page on MyMtA and being emailed directly to students.  Please keep an eye out for these.