Pathways Update
Mr Paul MacCallum, Pathways
Term 1 has quickly come to end with the Easter break now upon us. The Pathways scene has seen some popular initiatives aimed at inviting and allowing students to explore their pathway options.
TAFE At School Program (a VETIS-funded VET program) – 30 students across Years 11 and 12 commenced their TAFE At School course in the second week of Term 1. Students are travelling to Cairns each Thursday to undertake a Certificate II level course of their choosing including Health Support Services, Retail Cosmetics, Maritime Operations, Construction, Plumbing, Electrical, Automotive, Auto Electrical and other courses. Fortunately, in 2024, TAFE is delivering these courses on the same day each week (for 35 weeks) allowing the college to assist with the provision of transport to the TAFE Campus in Cairns, each Thursday. These courses contribute to the Year 12 Certificate (the QCE) and are paid for by a student’s VETIS Funding (ie: Govt funding). The course can also replace a school delivered subject.
Career Breakfasts
The BLA/JCU Careers in Health and the BLA/Cairns Manufacturing Hub Careers in Manufacturing breakfasts both proved popular for students across Years 10 -12. The breakfasts were held at the Pullman International in Cairns and each featured a panel of speakers talking about their pathways into their respective jobs and careers. Students were grateful for the chance to listen to and ask questions of all the speakers. Regardless of each speaker’s journey, their tips and advice included: be open to feedback, practise good communication skills, show initiative, be organised, be prepared to start at the bottom, be a hard worker and be punctual.
University Forums
Central Queensland University and James Cook University both offered chances for Pathways staff to remain up to date with their course offerings and new initiatives as they move into a future that includes high demand for tertiary-qualified workers across a variety of academic fields. The visit to the JCU Townsville campus included a look at the newly completed Engineering and Innovation Place (on campus) and the Sport and Exercise Science Centre located in the Cowboys Training Centre (adjacent to the Cowboys stadium) in the city. Both universities, like most universities, are working harder to attract students and subsequently provide greater support to complete their chosen courses. Students interested in going on to a university course are encouraged to explore their options early and talk to university staff about their entry options. Keep in mind that while applying with an ATAR might be the traditional mode of entry into many courses, it isn’t the only one. Students not achieving the ATAR they might have expected are encouraged to explore their other options for entry.
Defence Force and UQ Women in Engineering - The teams from Defence Force Recruiting and UQ’s Women In Engineering also visited the college to share lots of valuable information with interested students.
VET Courses - A small number of students commenced on their pathway of combining study and work or commenced externally delivered Certificate courses as part of their senior school studies. Morgan (Year 12, Trinity Auto Cairns); Bella (Year 12, Fresh St Market IGA Atherton); and Nate (Year 10, TransMax Mechanical Mareeba) were fortunate to have secured school-based apprenticeships/traineeships while Madeline and Bridie (Year 10) and Bailey (Year 11) commenced externally delivered Certificate II and III courses in Rural Operations - Horse Husbandry and Early Childhood Education and Care.
VET Courses - Can my child start a VET program or Certificate course as part of their Year 10 – 12 studies? Yes, they can and like a lot of things in life, there are caveats and considerations around this. Age, time left in school, level of commitment, pathway intentions beyond school, who pays and the relationship with subjects studied at school are all important aspects needing careful consideration before commencing a VET program. “VET programs” essentially include school-based apprenticeships and traineeships, stand-alone Certificate courses, TAFE courses and other courses delivered by training organisations. Students and parents wanting to explore a VET pathway (and any other pathway options) are encouraged to speak with the Pathways Officer (me, Paul MacCallum).
Paul MacCallum | Pathways Officer