Community & Business
20 June, 2024
Isaac samples dream career with TAFE at School
While completing high school, Millmerran local Isaac Zimmerman is exploring the fascinating world of science and setting himself up for future success with a Certificate II in Sampling and Measurement at the TAFE Queensland campus in Toowoomba.
“This course has really shown me what jobs are needed for this field I’m studying, the duties, and it’s definitely helped me to learn the basics,” Isaac said.
His focus is firmly set on a science career and this qualification will give him entry-level knowledge.
With it, he can pursue roles as a sampler, field assistant or laboratory attendant, all positions which are in demand across the mining, food manufacturing, construction and pharmaceutical production industries.
What makes Isaac’s story unique is that he’s not only a TAFE at School student but is also a homeschool student living in regional Queensland.
“My dad is a pastor, and my mother worked in retail before having children.
“Both my parents, when they first started out in their careers, did TAFE qualifications - a cabinet making course for Dad, and hairdressing for Mum.
“They always told me that TAFE Queensland was a great choice to help me with my studies,” said Isaac.
“I can absolutely see why - my teacher is super passionate and she’s taught me many things.
“Most importantly, she’s taught me to work out problems, and she’s always been there to help me.
“If there was ever an answer I was stuck on, she was there to not give it to me, but to teach it to me.”
“I’ve definitely gained the foundational skills I’ll need for my science career.
“And the facilities at TAFE Queensland are ten out of ten,” Isaac said.
Looking ahead, Isaac plans to graduate from high school and finish a Certificate III in Laboratory Skills at TAFE Queensland, which he has already enrolled in.
“I then hope to find a job using the skills and qualifications I have learnt and eventually go to university (and use the course credits I’ll have received from TAFE Queensland),” Isaac said.
TAFE Queensland’s TAFE at School program offers high school students the opportunity to undertake a nationally-recognised qualification, while potentially gaining Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) credit points, and direct entry into TAFE Queensland courses after they finish school.
TAFE Queensland General Manager of the South West Region, Jenni Butler, said regional families and business are increasing realising the value of vocational training in high school.
“We’ve continued to see strong interest in TAFE at School enrolments from across the Darling Downs this year,” Mrs Butler said.
“Our TAFE at School team has also been working closely with our faculty leaders to broaden the range of courses on offer, based
on feedback from local schools.”
There is still time for students to apply to start in July, with courses available at the Toowoomba campus in sampling and measurement, justice studies, health and hospitality.
Students or guardians are strongly encouraged to talk to their VET coordinators or contact the TAFE at School team at GOTAFE.SouthWest@tafeqld.edu.au.
TAFE Queensland also helps connect students to school-based apprentice-ships and traineeships (SAT) opportunities in local industry.
“High school students gain valuable skills working alongside professionals or
tradespeople during a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship, while they earn an income to support their career journey,” Mrs Butler said.
“Working with local businesses and schools, this type of training links students with a local employer and may lead to future employment upon completion, while employers benefit from addressing workforce development challenges.”
“For employers, hiring a school-based apprentice or trainee can boost their workforce, and our industry-qualified educators and educational designers can customise training to suit the organisation’s needs and increase efficiency,” Mrs Butler said.
To find out more about TAFE at School visit tafeqld.edu.au/tafe-at-school or expressions of interest in school-based apprenticeships and traineeships can be made at bit.ly/school-based-apprenticeships.
