Pathways News
I am Shannon Scott, and I am thrilled to join Carmel College as the leader of the VET and Pathways team. My role is to support students in their career development – helping them make informed subject selections, explore vocational education and training (VET) opportunities, and plan meaningful pathways for life after school. Whether a student’s journey leads to university, TAFE, apprenticeships, or direct employment, I am passionate about ensuring they feel confident and supported in their decisions. I feel privileged to be working alongside such dedicated staff and students in this important space.
QTAC Information Session – Tuesday, 9 September, 6pm
Next Tuesday evening at 6pm, we will host an information session for Year 12 students preparing to submit a QTAC application, and their parents/guardians. VET students who have completed a Certificate III or higher and are considering tertiary study at Diploma level or higher are also encouraged to attend, as they are eligible to apply through QTAC for many courses.
This session will cover a range of information including:
- Application preferencing strategies
- Early entry information
- How to respond to offers
Year 12 Exit Meetings
Exit meetings for Year 12 students are well underway, and students are encouraged to discuss their goals with parents and explore them together in the student’s Learning Dashboard. For those still unsure of their direction, the Explore Careers: Australian Career Quiz may be a helpful tool. Results are best used as a conversation starter, not a final answer.
QCAA External Assessment Guide
The QCAA has released the External Assessment Guide for Students. This resource explains how assessments are developed and marked, provides study tips, and outlines key dates and preparation tips. Please see the attachment for details.
University Updates
Australian Catholic University (ACU) Guarantee:
Guarantee your place at ACE before your Year 12 external exams by applying for ACU Guarantee. Applications are based on your Year 11 results and close on 15 September 2025.
Griffith University:
Students who did not study General Maths and wish to complete a Bachelor of Teaching can meet the math prerequisite by completing Griffith’s Bridging Maths course, and commence studies in the next available trimester. Visit Griffith Bridging Maths for course topics, dates, delivery modes and fees.
Queensland University of Technology (QUT):
QUT is hosting guided campus tours of Gardens Point and Kelvin Grove campuses between Saturday 20 and Tuesday 23 September. The tours will be led by a current QUT student. Register here!
New Majors in Bachelor of IT:
QUT is launching seven new majors in IT to meet rising demand in AI, cybersecurity, automation and enterprise systems. Their recent panel event provides insight into the future of tech careers. View the Demystifying AI and Cyber Careers to learn more about the future of the industry and how to gain credentials to meet the demands.
University of Queensland (UQ):
Free School Holiday Campus Tours will be held during the September school holidays. If you wish to explore the St Lucia campus and gain valuable advice about the UQ student experience or ask questions of the Future Students team, UQ Holiday Campus Tours to register.
Senior Mathematics Study Days: build your confidence, gain additional tips and skills and prepare well for your upcoming assessment with UQ’s Maths Methods Study Day on 1 October, 2025. These sessions are designed for both Year 11 (morning session) and Year 12 (afternoon session) students. Face-to-face and online options are available. Register now!
Scholarship Opportunities
A wide range of scholarships are available across all institutions and fields of study including academic, equity, Indigenous, and sports. Each university has its own scholarship page—start exploring and apply early!
- QUT CPIE Scholarship: Valued at $42,000 and paid in semester instalments over three years, this scholarship also provides two 15-week full-time internships with top-tier corporate partners, and access to QUT’s College of Excellence. Applications close 12 October 2025. Visit CPIE Scholarship for more information or to apply.
- UQ Equity Scholarship – the Queensland Commitment: Valued at $7,000 per year for the standard duration of a student’s studies, this scholarship is designed to ease living costs for students who can demonstrate significant financial disadvantage. An EAS application for Financial Hardship must be lodged with QTAC to be eligible. Visit UQ Scholarships for further information and to check eligibility requirement.
AVCAT Scholarships
Scholarships and bursaries are available for children and grandchildren of ex-service personnel. Applications for 2026 close on 31 October 2025. Apply here. .
Australian Defence Force (ADF) Information Sessions
The ADF regularly runs sessions on upcoming intakes. The next local session is:
9 September – Brisbane Army Special Forces, 6–8pm. Register here.
TAFE Queensland Updates
- Scholarships: Applications for Semester 1, 2026 are now open. These include access and equity, merit, and athlete-merit scholarships. Find out more here!
- myPROFILER: Not sure which TAFE course suits you? Try myPROFILER to explore options.
Apprenticeships & Traineeships
The Queensland Government’s website provides guidance on finding employers, contacting Group Training Organisations (GTOs), and preparing your resume. Locate more information here..
School Holiday Program Opportunities
UQ’s We Spring into Engineering
This is a three-day holiday program for girls in Grades 10-12 interested in learning more about the diverse range of emerging engineering opportunities. The program offers hands-on activities, engaging workshops, and insightful talks from successful women in engineering. The program will run from 29 September – 1 October, 2025, from 9am-3pm. To view the program schedule and purchase your tickets, visit UQs Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and IT.
UQ IML Beginner Bootcamp
UQ’s Institute of Modern Languages is offering an online Beginner Bootcamp these September school holidays for Year 7–8 students. This five-day immersive language program is perfect for those wanting to try a new language or learn one not offered at school. Registration is required before 12 September: Register here.
Competitions
BUFTA - FLiCKERFEST Australian Youth and School Competition 2026
Australia’s premier international short film festival is calling for entries to its FlickerUp 2026 youth competition – it is open to secondary students and individuals 18 years and under. Films must:
- Be under 35 mins
- Have been completed within the last 2 years
Key Date: FlickerUp submissions are due on Monday 15 September 2025. Visit Flickerfest 2026 for more information.
Have a wonderful fortnight!
Mrs Shannon Scott
VET Pathways Leader