Careers and Vocational Education

St Patrick's College Townsville helps students identify their strengths and interests which can ultimately lead to career satisfaction. We also provide expert advice across a range of post-school options. 

Our CAREERS service provides the following:

• Career planning
• Advertising positions available
• Assistance with career research
• University experiences
• Job applications
• Resume writing
• Scholarships
• Coming events
• Work Experience Program
• QTAC Applications
• One on one careers counselling
• One on one coaching for interview skills

Work Experience Program

• Students in Years 10, 11 and 12 may participate in the Work Experience Program which is optional. This is a valuable educational activity which enables the students to observe and participate in an area of employment that interests them.  Students work in an industry of their choice for a period of time during their school holidays.
• The defence offer an amazing work experience program: https://defencecareers.nga.net.au/cp/index.cfm?event=jobs.listJobs&audiencetypecode=defenceworkexp
• The Townsville Hospital and Health Service provide a work experience that is in high demand. If your daughter is interested they need to email the HOF Careers/VET early in the year.

All work experience must be approved by the College and work experience contract is signed covering the student for insurance purposes.

Our VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING program includes:

• School Based Traineeships/Apprenticeships
• TAFE – VET in Schools Programme/ TCTC Programme and other providers
• Delivery of qualifications at St Patrick’s College Townsville 2023

School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships

School Based Apprenticeships and School Based Traineeships allow students to train and do paid work in their chosen area while still studying for their QCE.  Students should be capable of the additional work load and should be motivated. 

 Students sign a training agreement which commits you and your employer to the apprenticeship or traineeship.

Benefits for the student are:

• Contributes points towards Queensland Certificate of Education
• A head start in the job market
• Completion or progress toward the completion of a vocational qualification eg. Certificate III in Hospitality
• Paid employment for the time spent at work
• Training with a registered training organisation
• An easier move from school to work
• Gaining first-hand experience in the industry

TAFE – in Schools Program

Students interested in vocational careers are offered the opportunity to attend TAFE on a one-day a week basis to complete a Certificate II outcome by combining school and TAFE studies over a one period. Students must be in Year 11 or 12 to participate in this program. Completion of these certificates gains points towards the QCE.

Students must attend the TAFE College for one day per week for the school year and attend school on the remaining four days.  It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that they are up-to-date with any school work they miss while they are at TAFE.

TCTC – Townsville Creative Technologies College offers students the opportunity to study Print and Media, Information technology, Music Production, Game production.

STUDENTS MAY ONLY COMPLETE ONE FEE FREE COURSE UNDER THE VETIS PROGRAM IN YEAR 11 OR 12.

Qualifications Delivered at St Patrick’s College Townsville

St Patrick’s College has formed partnerships with Binnacle Training RTO Code 31319 and Connect N Grow and are able to deliver a variety of Australian standard qualifications to our Year 11 and 12 students. The qualifications include:

• Certificate II Health Support Services – Year 11
• Certificate III Health Services Assistance
• BSB30120 Certificate III In Business
• SIS30115 Certificate III In Sport and Recreation
• SIS20115 Certificate  II In Sport and Recreation

The College is proud to provide training and assessment services on behalf of Binnacle Training RTO Code 31319.

A Certificate III level qualification is a great stand-alone achievement and ensures that students are job ready on the completion of Year 12. For more information on these courses, download our Curriculum Handbooks for 2023.

For the latest news and information about Careers and VET Services please visit the St Patrick's College Townsville Careers Website. 

For more information, contact our Acting Head of Faculty - Careers/Vocational Education – Camille Flores at: cflores@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au