SCHOOLS

The Smart Futures 4 North Queensland initiative assists teachers in guiding and supporting students through the transition from education to secure employment.

Queensland Certificate of Education - QCE

Queensland school leavers have never in history had so many or varied career or work opportunities. This is largely thanks to the introduction in 2008 of the QCE. The QCE is achieved by earning 20 credits which are banked into a learning account that remains active for up to 9 years after a student completes school. This flexible senior qualification incorporates a broad range of learning options including senior school subjects, vocational education or training, workplace learning and some university subjects. Students can design a program of learning to match their career goals.

We need to expand students thinking beyond the known extremes of the traditional trades and university pathways. In 2012 we will be promoting vocational training in every industry sector - specifically looking to expand student's horizons to encompass the many paraprofessional careers with Certificate III, Certificate IV and Diploma level qualifications.

These opportunities exist in every industry sector; e.g. every Lawyer needs a Para-legal, administration and support staff. SF4NQ will be showcasing career pathways and jobs in Banking, Legal, Accounting, Dental, Real Estate and Agricultural sectors, the Arts, Health and Fitness and many more.

Representatives from James Cook University will be participating in the expo. They will map vocational and academic pathways - specifically how doing vocational training can lead to university entry and/or achieve credits for various qualifications.

SF4NQ will assist schools to achieve positive QCE outcomes

Students will be:

• exposed to ideas and opportunities that they may not have been aware of previously - this will assist grades 9 and 10 with their SET planning.
• made aware of the different options available in a variety of paraprofessional and trade entry level training and employment opportunities.
• able to pursue school-based apprenticeships and traineeships - this helps them achieve credits towards their QCE - this is particularly relevant for grades 10, 11 and 12.
• able to speak to qualified trainers and employers to find out what is involved in a wide range of industries.
• able to try their hand at different activities in the Try-a-Trade Gallery.
• able to connect with local employers, submit their resumes and expressions of interest for work experience.

Time slots

Each school will be allocated a time slot for arrival. We recommend that you spend at least 2 and a half hours at the expo to enable students to explore new ideas. Schools from outlying areas will be allocated time slots in the middle of the day [to allow for travel to and from the venue] and Townsville schools will be asked to come in the morning and afternoon.

Buses and subsidies

Book your bus ASAP.

Subsidies will only be paid in exchange for a complete and accurate registration form handed in on arrival at the expo.

Hands on Careers Gallery incorporating Try-a-Trade  

There will be no tickets or places allocated to schools. The onus will be on students to put themselves forward...this is good practice for getting out there in the real world.

To make the most of this opportunity, we strongly recommend that students bring resumes and expressions of interest for work experience. We need to educate our young people to succeed and prepare them for life after school....this means being pro-active, using your initiative and pursuing opportunities.

photographs by Lori Neilsen 0419 649 697