VET Pathways Forum explores diverse career opportunities 

The Queensland Catholic Education Commission and Catholic Education – Diocese of Rockhampton joined forces to deliver the VET in Schools Pathways Forum this week, showcasing a range of emerging career paths from drone technology to cybersecurity. This marks the first time the event has been hosted as a partnership and held in regional Queensland, highlighting a commitment to expanding educational opportunities across the state. 

Under the theme “VET – The future is full of Queensland-wide possibilities!” the forum brought together VET practitioners, school leaders, industry partners, and policymakers to discuss the latest developments and best practices in vocational education and training in schools.

Despite unfavorable weather conditions, the forum drew more than 60 in-person attendees at Rockhampton’s Kevin Castles Conference Centre, with an additional 30 participants joining online. 

The first day featured a keynote address by Professor Susan James Relly, from the University of Adelaide, focusing on the skills and knowledge economies in relation to vocational education. Will Hood from the National Office of Cyber Security outlined the 2023-2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy and how the Government is recruiting for a world class diverse cyber and digital workforce, while Sarah Brown from the Queensland Government Cyber Security Unit discussed state-wide cyber protection employment initiatives and resources. Darren Jeacocke of Queensland Aerial presented on his company’s extensive use of drones in industry and the importance of developing coding skills from an early age. 

On the second day, Renee Rosenlund from the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training provided participants with an industry update. In-person attendees then had the opportunity to visit either the Department of Transport and Main Roads Southern Site Ring Road or the Stanwell Future Energy Innovation and Training Hub. These site visits showcased how these organizations are creating pathways for young people through various work experience programs, apprenticeships, traineeships, internships, and partnerships with Queensland education providers. 

The forum concluded with presentations from Rachel Corcoran, General Manager People and Culture at Australian Country Choice, who discussed their gap-year program in the agriculture industry, Chris Jones, Manager of Training Services at the Tenancy Skills Institute, who explored teaching and learning life skills within a vocational framework and Mark Stanley, Deputy Director CQU TAFE Marketing, who provided an overview of what’s happening in this space. 

This regional forum provided valuable insights into the intersection of education, technology, innovation and workforce development in Queensland, emphasising the diverse opportunities available through vocational education and training and the importance of partnerships between education providers, government and industry.