From the Careers Desk
Certificate Course
With the addition of students from year 10 to 12 being able to attend or study certificate courses or Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Queensland schools, it has opened a whole new world of education and training opportunities. Certificate courses generally come in Certificate 1, 2, 3 or 4 levels. If a student is attending either a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship these are most likely a Certificate (III) course, for example, a Certificate (III) in carpentry for a student who is attending a school-based apprenticeship in carpentry or building construction. If a student wishes to gain some more experience in the metal fabrication trades for example, they may wish to attend a Certificate (II) in Engineering Pathways. This usually takes place by attending a one day per week course at TAFE for approximately 12 months. These are generally not associated directly with a trade or traineeship but will provide students with skills and knowledge if they wish to enter a trade or some other pathway such as administration for example. There are also higher-level courses offered at TAFE or other registered training institutions that can offer courses such as a Certificate (IV) in Justice studies or a Diploma in Nursing to name two examples. These courses can generally take up to 18 months to 24 months to complete. Most of these courses require attendance at training institutions for one to two days per week or in a weekly of fortnight block release. Some courses can be completed purely online, depending on the courses available.
Queensland Training Awards
Nominations are now open for the 2024 Queensland Training Awards, celebrating excellence in training and the transformative power of skills. Across a range of categories, the annual awards recognise the outstanding achievements of apprentices, trainees, students, teachers, trainers, training providers, community-based organisations and employers. If you are interested in nominating yourself, please click on the link below for further information. Nominations close at midnight, Tuesday 12 March 2024.
Work Experience
Work experience is offered to year 10 students at the College as a part of the curriculum and learning experience in careers. We encourage students to take advantage of this opportunity to spend a week with an employer engaging in the workplace. Students can take advantage of work experience from grades 10 to 12 and this can also take place during school holidays or at the end of term 4 when these students finish school earlier than the students in prep to year 9. Work Experience Agreements are organised through the College and these agreements include Insurance. It is recommended that students who wish to attend work experience form year 10 to 12 give two to three weeks’ notice so that the documentation required is obtained and approved by College Leadership.
Experience UniSQ Days
The University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba Campus will be holding Experience UniSQ Days for Year 11 and 12 students who are interested in attending tertiary studies after school. These days offer students to explore their campuses, take part in specialised sessions in different study fields, and get a feel for student life at UniSQ. If you are interested in attending one of these campuses, you are required to register on the link below.
UniSQ Toowoomba 14 March 8.30am – 2.30pm
UniSQ Ipswich 15 March 8.30am – 2.30pm
UniSQ Springfield 15 March 8.30am – 2.30pm
Experience UniSQ Days | University of Southern Queensland
Future Careers – Minerals and Exploration Industry
For students interested or want to know more about careers in the minerals and exploration industries, Central Queensland University have information for students wanting more information on these possible pathways. Please click on the link below.
Shape Your Future Innovate Our World – Start your career in minerals and energy.
Apprenticeship Opportunities
Jimbour Beef and Bacon Pty Ltd are offering a traineeship in Certificate (11) Meat Processing at their business located in Jimbour. Any students interested or seeking a career in the agriculture sector please contact the business owner Mr. Steve Donovan on 07 46636137 or contact Mr Garside when school returns in 2024.
Key Dates
19 April Yr 10 White Card Training
15 May Yr 9 Industry Dinner
29 May Aspire2Health
10-14 June Yr 10 Work Experience
19 July Dalby Careers Expo
August Yr 12 ATAR Registration & QTAC Applications
2-4 September Yr 12 Barista & RSA
9-10 September Yr 10 Manual Handling & First Aid Course
11-13 September Yr 10 Barista Course
(tbc) October Yr 12 SBA/Traineeship Employer thank you lunch.
University Open Days 2024
UniSQ
Ipswich 11 August 10am-2pm
Springfield 11 August 10am-2pm
Toowoomba 18 August 10am-2pm
Griffith University
Nathan Campus 11 August
Gold Coast 11 August
Mr Dean Garside
Career Development Practitioner