Careers and Vocational Education

Explore Your Future with Careers and Vocational Education at St Patrick's College Townsville

At St Patrick’s College Townsville, we are committed to helping students discover their strengths, passions and career pathways. Our Careers and Vocational Education program provides personalised guidance, practical experiences and real-world opportunities to ensure students are well-prepared for life beyond school.

Careers Services at the College:

• Our Careers Program offers:

  • Career planning and pathway guidance
  • Advertising of available positions and opportunities
  • Expert support with career research
  • University and industry experiences
  • Job application support & professional resume writing
  • Scholarship guidance and application support
  • Notifications of upcoming events and opportunities
  • Work experience placements
  • QTAC application assistance
  • Personalised one-on-one careers counselling
  • Coaching for interview skills

Work Experience Program

Students in Years 10, 11 and 12 may participate in our optional Work Experience Program, which allows them to explore careers of interest during the school holidays. This valuable opportunity enables students to observe, participate and gain hands-on experience in industries they are considering for their future. 

Specialised Work Experience Opportunities

• Townsville Hospital and Health Service (THHS) – High School Health Careers Program
  Explore health-related careers such as nursing, midwifery, medicine, allied health, psychology, radiology, dietetics, pharmacy, and more.  Students will apply at the start of the year
• Defence Work Experience Program
  Provides students with insight into the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the Australian Public Service (APS). Enquiries: Defence.WorkExperienceProgram@defence.gov.au. 

 All work experience must be approved by the College. A Work Experience contract is signed to ensure insurance coverage.

 Vocational Education and Training (VET)

We offer a wide range of VET opportunities through school-based programs, TAFE, and partner providers.

School-Based Apprenticeships & Traineeships (SATs)

Students can begin training and paid employment in their chosen field while completing their QCE.

Benefits include:

• Contributes to the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE)
• Provides a head start in the job market
• Completion or progress towards a vocational qualification (e.g. Certificate III in Hospitality)
• Paid employment while training
• Experience with a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)
• Smooth transition from school to work
• First-hand industry experience

TAFE – VET in Schools Program

Students in Years 11 and 12 may attend TAFE one day per week to complete a Certificate II qualification, earning QCE points while still attending school.

Options include:

• Hospitality, Health, Trades

Students are responsible for keeping up-to-date with any schoolwork missed while attending TAFE.

TCTC – Townsville Creative Technologies College

Offers specialised training in:

• Print and Media, Information Technology, Music Production, Game Production

 Students may complete one fee-free VETiS course in Year 11 or 12.

 Qualifications Delivered at St Patrick’s College Townsville

Through partnerships with Binnacle Training (RTO 31319), Connect ‘n’ Grow, and Get Set Education the College delivers nationally recognised qualifications.

Year 10:

• SIT20122 Certificate II in Tourism
• SIS20321 Certificate II in Sports Coaching

Year 11 and 12 (studied over 2 years):

• BSB30120 Certificate III in Business + BSB20120 Certificate II in Workplace Skills
• Certificate II in Health Support Services + Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
• SIS30115 Certificate III in Sport and Recreation + SIS20115 Certificate II in Sport and Recreation
• BSB50120 Diploma of Business

For further details, download our Curriculum Handbooks.

Stay Connected

For the latest news and opportunities in Careers and VET, contact Dean of Pathways, Camille Flores  cflores@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au