Careers
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Frequently asked questions
1. My child doesn't know what they want to do. How can I help?
- Have an open discussion and investigation at home.
- In Year 10 at our school, students will undertake a Certificate II in Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways in which they will complete a number of weeks of training focused on career planning and readying for work. They will also complete the Senior Education and Training plan and a subsequent interview in order to select their senior subjects. Building their awareness of these opportunities and requirements and assisting them to understand the work is invaluable.
- Encourage them to try work experience.
- Encourage them to speak to the school's Guidance Officers or the VET HOD.
2. How do students know what job they will be good at?
There are a number of career quizzes that students can undertake to help them understand their potential work style and explore career matches.
3. Is work experience something I should do?
Yes. Work experience is available to our students in Years 10-12. Students are encouraged to source this themselves and then to complete the associated work experience agreement which they can access by email to the HOD VET.
Students are also encouraged to minimise disruption to their academic schooling by completing their work experience on weekends, during school holidays or one day per week.
The school is able to support students to undertake a maximum of 10 days of work experience per year.
Work experience gives you a true taste of what it would be like to work in a specific industry. Also, if you work hard and make a good impression on your employer during your work experience, you may be able to discuss future opportunities such as a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship.
4. What is VET?
Vocational Education and Training (VET) enables students to acquire skills and knowledge for work through a nationally recognised industry-developed training package or accredited course. Undertaking VET may enable and benefit students' exploration of a variety of career pathways; it is not just reserved for a pathway within the trades (e.g., plumbing, automotive, and construction). Students can complete VET qualifications in a diverse range of industries, including business administration, veterinary nursing, agriculture, information technology or tourism.
The training teaches skills and knowledge needed in particular occupations and workplaces, and normally includes some structured workplace learning (or on-the-job training) that puts what students have learned into practice. As well as readying students for the workforce, VET programs can lead to further study, either in the VET sector (where students can gain credit for their VET certificate) or university, since results from some VET programs can be included in the calculation of their Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR)
5. At what year levels can VET can be undertaken?
Students at CTSDE are eligible to commence VET qualifications in Year 10. As a core subject in Year 10, our students complete a Certificate II in Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways. Students are also able to access VET qualifications through other providers.
6. Does VET count towards the Queensland Certificate of Education or ATAR
Dependent on qualification level, VET courses contribute between 2 and 8 points for the Queensland Certificate of Education. VET qualifications at level III may also count towards a student's Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR).
7. How much will it cost me to undertake a VET course?
This varies according to the qualification undertaken. The costs to undertake VET qualifications at CTSDE can be ascertained by emailing the parent liaison officer or school office.
Students who would like to undertake a VET qualification through another provider will need to find out the cost directly from that provider.
8. Can students undertake any VET qualification?
Yes – Students are able to access outside providers for qualifications that the school does not offer. The school will then support the student in obtaining this qualification by reducing subject load requirements to enable the student to successfully complete the course while still meeting school and QCE requirements.
9. What is required if I want to do a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship?
If "In Good Standing" with the school, students can obtain a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship (SBA) on turning 15 or entering Year 10. Students must source their own employer and sign up with the Apprenticeship Centre in their area. For an SBA to go ahead there must be school support.
To be "In Good Standing," students must consistently submit send in tasks and assessment pieces. If a student is not demonstrating this commitment to their studies, then the school is unable to support the SBA.
10. Who do I approach to organise a school based apprenticeship/traineeship (SBA)?
Students are encouraged to source their own employer for the SBA. You are welcome to discuss this with the HOD of VET in the school.
11. How will a school based Apprenticeship affect school attendance and my subject load?
CTSDE does not have mandatory lesson attendance; however, attendance is encouraged. Our students are obligated to return all send-in work and assessment items to meet our requirements. Therefore, an SBA will not affect school attendance, as students are able to watch recorded lessons.
Student will undertake a Personalised Learning Plan with subject load reduction in accordance with the SBA requirements, authorised by the relevant Deputy Principal.
12. What is required if I want to join the Australian Defence Force as a general enlistment serviceperson (i.e., sailor, soldier, airman), or as an officer?
- You need to be 17.
- You need to have at least a pass in Year 10 Maths and English or Year 12 Essential Math and Essential English.
- You will need to sit the aptitude test to see for what jobs you are eligible.
- If a student wants to apply for a trade in the Defence force, they are strongly encouraged to have achieved a pass in Year 10 Science.
- Please visit the Australian Defence Force website https://www.defencejobs.gov.au/ for further information.
13. Can I still apply for university even if I don't have an ATAR?
Yes. There are multiple entry pathways into university, including Headstart courses, Principal's recommendation, interview-only, and possible bridging courses (possibly at no cost). Each university has their own process and deadlines for entry pathways.
Please investigate the course you would like to undertake and approach the universities to access their pathways. You may also discuss this with the school's Guidance Officers.
14. What is a Headstart Course?
Headstart is a transition program for Year 11 and 12 students to study first-year university subjects while in Years 11 and 12. These courses will also contribute 2 points to your QCE but do not contribute your ATAR. These courses are free.
Successful completion of a Headstart Course guarantees entry into that university's related degree (as long as degree pre-requisites are met).