Practical skills. Meaningful qualifications. Purposeful pathways.

At Mary Help of Christians Catholic College, we recognise that students’ strengths and aspirations can lead them in many directions. Vocational Education and Training (VET) will be an important part of our developing curriculum, connecting learning with practical skills, recognised qualifications and opportunities beyond school.

Our VET pathways are being planned as our first cohort approaches Year 10 in 2028, Year 11 in 2029 and Year 12 in 2030.

What is VET?

Vocational Education and Training develops the knowledge and practical skills used in particular industries and workplaces. Nationally recognised VET qualifications are delivered and assessed through registered training organisations (RTOs).

VET can help students prepare for employment, apprenticeships, traineeships and further study. Eligible VET learning can also contribute credit towards the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE), subject to the applicable requirements.

For students, the benefits extend beyond a qualification. Vocational learning provides opportunities to develop confidence, communicate effectively, work with others and demonstrate skills in practical settings.

Year 10: Learning through service

Our planned Year 10 program includes the Certificate II in Active Volunteering as a full-year component for all students, subject to final training-provider and delivery arrangements.

This reflects our Catholic commitment to service and the dignity of every person. Our intention is to connect practical learning with meaningful opportunities for students to contribute to the broader community.

Through the program, students will be supported to develop skills in communication, teamwork and responsible participation, while building an understanding of volunteering and community contribution.

Further information about the qualification, provider and delivery arrangements will be shared before the program commences.

Years 11–12: Building connected pathways

Our senior VET program is being designed to reflect students’ interests and North Queensland’s training and employment opportunities.

Depending on their chosen pathway and the options available, students may access:

  • School-delivered VET qualifications, through arrangements with registered training organisations.
  • External training, including TAFE at School or other approved provider programs.
  • School-based apprenticeships and traineeships, combining school, paid employment and formal training.
  • Workplace and industry experiences, helping students explore possible directions and understand workplace expectations.

Students may combine VET with General or Applied subjects where course requirements and the timetable allow. Individual guidance will help families understand how different combinations support further study, training or employment goals.

School-based apprenticeships and traineeships

School-based apprenticeships and traineeships allow students to begin an employment and training pathway while continuing secondary school. They combine paid work with structured training towards a nationally recognised qualification.

These arrangements require coordination between the student, family, College, employer and training provider. Participation will depend on a suitable employment opportunity, eligibility, training requirements and compatibility with the student’s school program.

The College’s planned approach will support students to consider these commitments carefully and maintain progress in both school learning and vocational training.

Learn more about school-based apprenticeships and traineeships in Queensland.

Making time for vocational pathways and school-based apprenticeships and traineeships

Our planned senior Flexible Pathways Day, held each Week B Wednesday, will provide dedicated time for approved training, workplace learning and personalised academic support.

Some external programs, including school-based apprenticeships and traineeships, may require participation every Wednesday. These arrangements will be fully supported, with clear expectations and processes for managing learning missed during Week A, which remains a regular teaching day.

This approach is intended to help students pursue vocational opportunities while remaining connected to their school learning and the College community.

Preparing students to choose well

Preparation for vocational pathways begins before the senior years.

In Year 9, Future Ready will introduce students to different industries, training options and future possibilities. In Year 10, Future Forward will help students investigate their options, reflect on their experiences and develop their Senior Education and Training (SET) Plan.

Together, these subjects will support students to make informed decisions based on their strengths, interests and aspirations.

Our developing VET program

Specific qualifications and training opportunities are still being developed. Final offerings will depend on student demand, provider arrangements, staffing, viability and course requirements.

As programs are confirmed, families will receive information about qualifications, training providers, entry requirements, costs and any workplace commitments.