Step in the Right Direction

STEP

IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION Get a head start

TAFE offers incredible opportunities

Interviewing in the digital age Top Tips to be on top of your game

POSITIVE OPTIONS FOR YOUR FUTURE CAREER

Building a better future

A proudly Australian company, Santos is a leading supplier of natural gas, a fuel for the future providing cleaner energy to improve the lives of people in Australia and Asia.

WHY WORK FOR SANTOS? el Santos recognises the strategic value in recruiting new talent at graduate level and provides excellent opportunities for growth and development through ourr Graduate and Vacation programs.

Our Graduate Program is an integral part of Santos’ capability development strategy. Our goal is to ensure that we attract and retain the best graduates and provide them with a career path and opportunities for development through planned training strategies and rotations. o While you’re studying your degree, we offer 12 weeks’ vacation employment to geoscience and engineering students who are currently in their second-to-lastt year of university. It provides students with the opportunity to improve their technical skills and enhance their personal development.

A career in the oil and gas industry may start locally, but could take you all over Australia and ultimately around the world.

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And Santos is proud to offer a variety of apprenticeships in Queensland to people who have finished year 12, valuing cultural diversity.

Visit www.santos.com/careers/pathways/ for more information Roma Office

72 Kimbler Road, Roma, Queensland 4455

1800 761 113

Kickstart your Career with a traineeship or apprenticeship at

Western Downs Regional Council

 Study while you work  Complete nationally-recognised training  Experienced supervisors

 Gain on-the-job experience

For vacancies and more information, contact Council at www.wdrc.qld.gov.au or call 1300 COUNCIL 7054591ak

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CONTENTS

Consider a career in childcare.....................................05 UQ’s Rural access scheme is opening doors.......................................................................................06 Kickstart your career with WDRC.............................08 TAFE at school offers immense opportunity.........10 Secure your future with Golden West.........................11 Upskilling in construction................................................12 Is study or an apprenticeship for you?......................13 Interviewing in the digital age.......................................14 USQ helps dreams become reality..............................15 Santos enables hands-on experience........................16 A career in cars is calling.................................................17 Getting hired starts with a great CV...........................18 Is your future the right fit?..............................................19 Get on the flight path to success with Qantas....................................................................................20 Our Lady of Southern Cross College offers career path for all..............................................................................21 A day in the life of a Master Plumber........................22

CONTACT US Cover image provided by the University of Queensland.

Advertising Debbie Phillips: 4672 9915 debbie.phillips@chinchillanews.com.au Writer and designer Carmen Miller General Manager Erika Brayshaw: 4672 9921 erika.brayshaw@chinchillanews.com.au Enquiries Phone: 4672 9900 Email: advertise@chinchillanews.com.au 12 Mayne Street, Chinchilla Qld, 4413 Indemnity Step In The Right Direction is published by News Corp Australia in Chinchilla. Those who make advertising placement and/or supply copy or editorial submissions to the magazine, undertake to ensure that all such material does not infringe any copyright, trademark, defamation, libel, slander or title breach of confidence, does not contain anything obscene or indecent, or does not infringe the trade practices act or other laws, regulations or statutes. Further to the above mentioned these persons agree to indemnify the publisher and/or its agents against any investigations, claims or judgements.

GRADE 12 SCHOOL LEAVERS

Have you considered an apprenticeship?

The 2020 Apprentice Intake has now opened.

Golden West Apprenticeships are currently looking for apprentices who are keen to start their career in January 2020.

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2020 APPRENTICE INTAKE

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QUALITY CAREER OPTIONS A career in the Early Childhood Education and Care industry is dynamic, challenging and extremely fulfilling.

It is important to consider that the demand for workers in Long Day Care, Kindergartens, School Aged Care, and Education Support, continues to rise each year.

Individuals who enjoy nurturing, developing and educating young children are best suited to pursuing vocations in these very important environments.

Australian Child Care Career Options, otherwise known as ACCCO, first opened its doors in Brisbane 23 years ago.

With a vision to deliver quality, industry focussed training, ACCCO has surpassed all ambitions.

Now a leading training provider, ACCCO delivers quality, practical based training all throughout Australia.

Standing out from other training providers, ACCCO is regarded for the valuable face to face and on the job training that students receive

throughout their course.

Students also benefit directly from the fact that ACCCO specialises only in Early Childhood Education and Care qualifications.

The high degree of industry engagement and connection that ACCCO offers assists graduates when seeking employment.

ACCCO students have higher employment outcomes than all other training providers across Australia.

Education and Care services actively seek out ACCCO graduates because of their high quality training, with employers recognising the exemplary skills and practices from the students who have trained with ACCCO. All courses are designed and developed for the industry; nationally recognised and accredited; and, offered in flexible delivery modes including class based and externally with local trainers in regional areas. If you are passionate about the care and education of young children, this is the essence of the training that ACCCO will provide.

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Rural Access Scheme applicant Laura Haddock-Grant is studying a Bachelor of Midwifery at UQ.

UQ students have the opportunity to take up a placement in Charleville which can include experience with the RFDS

STUDYING AT UQ IS MORE ACCESSIBLE THAN YOU THINK UQ’s Rural Access Scheme supports applicants from Australian rural and remote areas by boosting their entry score for a number of undergraduate health programs.

Rural areas of Australia often have restricted or limited access to educational opportunities, resources and health services compared with those available in larger cities and towns.

To help address these challenges and give more students the option to study at UQ, the Rural Access Scheme will add two adjustments to a student’s entry rank for a broad range of programs across dentistry, midwifery, nursing, psychology, audiology, pharmacy, physiotherapy, physiology, dietetics, social work, occupational therapy and speech pathology.

Since the start of semester one in 2018, more than 180 students have commenced their studies at UQ through the Rural Access Scheme.

Bachelor of Midwifery student Laura HaddockGrant from Nhulunbuy in the Northern Territory said the Rural Access Scheme made studying at UQ more accessible.

"I didn’t quite get the grades I wanted at high school so the additional adjustment to my entry score made a big difference.

"I was attracted to UQ because of the program structure, the standard of teachers and the placement opportunities available.

At UQ, students start placements in clinical settings early on in their course so we’re able to apply what we learn in class to real life situations on a weekly basis.

"Moving away from my home town was initially nerve-racking but I feel I’ve gained significant experience and learnt so much from the staff at UQ that I now feel much more confident overall".

Throughout their studies UQ students have ac-

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cess to placements and training in rural, regional and remote communities via Southern Queensland Rural Health (SQRH). These opportunities allow students to take their new skills and expertise back to where they are most needed.

SQRH offers a range of supports for students during their rural placements across the Darling Downs and South West Queensland. These include clinical education support and access to specialised workshops that focus on building effective teamwork across health professions. In addition SQRH provides accommodation in some centres and travel subsidies. Students have the opportunity to learn in diverse and rewarding placements including time with the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health services and private health providers.

In some cases students who have taken up a rural placement have secured full time employment at their placement location upon graduation.

To be eligible to apply for the Rural Access Scheme, you must have lived in a rural area as defined by the Australian Standard Geographical Classification System for at least five consecutive years, or for 10 years cumulatively. It doesn’t matter when you lived in a remote area – you are eligible for any period of your life (i.e. from birth onwards).

Applications are administered by QTAC and if successful, adjustment factors are added to your entry rank, not your OP score. OP scores are converted into an entry rank and adjustment factors are added to these. Students are required to meet all entry requirements for each program they apply for.

To find out more about the Rural Access Scheme, eligibility criteria and how to apply, visit habs.uq.edu.au/study/rural-access-scheme.

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ALL SMILES: Western Downs Regional Council Mayor Paul McVeigh with Dalby local Michael Glasby.

WDRC COULD KICKSTART YOUR CAREER

A dynamic learning environment where you feel supported and valued is why Dalby local Michael Glasby kickstarted his career this year as an apprentice with Western Downs Regional Council.

Michael joined Council in February and is currently completing his Certificate III in Engineering Mechanical Trade.

In his apprenticeship, Michael has gained valuable hands-on experience in his field and has developed a solid pathway for employment opportunities moving forward.

Michael first got a taste for the trade during work experience he completed with Council in high school. It's here that he discovered his passion for Diesel Fitting and the start of what he hopes will be a long and fulfilling career with Council.

"Already in my first year I have had experience with a range of plant machinery stretching from lawn mowers right through to graders and crushers," Michael said.

"Plus, I'm really getting the support I need to expand on my skills - you really couldn't ask for a greater bunch of colleagues.

"The opportunities I've had already on the job have been invaluable and I encourage other young people to get out there and give it a go!"

The young apprentice is one of 23 apprentices and trainees paving their career with Council, with next year's intake offering a further 16 positions.

Council Spokesman for Finance and Corporate Services Ian Rasmussen said there was a wide range of positions available across the region.

"We also offer disability traineeships as part of our accessible and inclusive culture here at Council," Cr Rasmussen said.

"Council's offerings of traineeships and apprenticeships are quite diverse, with positions varying from Business, Water Operations, Civil Construc-

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tion and career pathways just like Michael's in Diesel Fitting.

"A massive 16% of Council's workforce are 30 years or younger, which brings a vibrant energy to the team and reinforces Council as a major player in skilling-up the next generation of professionals.

"By providing full-time and flexible opportunities, trainees and apprentices can study while they work to gain invaluable on-the-job experience."

Apprenticeships and traineeships are offered across the region including Dalby, Chinchilla and Miles and there are further opportunities to celebrate the outstanding efforts of individuals, with several trainees receiving state recognition in previous years.

Western Downs Regional Council is conveniently placed in rural Queensland, just 2.5 hours from Brisbane and an easy drive to the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast.

With a growing population of over 34,000, the region has a skilled workforce and a thriving job market.

Applications for the latest intake of apprentices and trainees are opening soon.

If you are interested in kickstarting your career with Western Downs Regional Council, visit www.wdrc.qld.gov.au to keep up to date when applications open.

KEY FACTS ● Positions offered in Diesel Fitting, Civil Construction and Business ● Opportunities specifically available to people who identify as having a disability ● Apprentices and trainees can study a nationally recognised qualification while gaining on-the-job experience ● Since 2017 six of our trainees have received state awards of excellence

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TAFE Queensland offers flexible study options so you can gain a VET qualification while you’re still at school in a way that best suits you.

TAFE AT SCHOOL Benefits of TAFE at School ■ Fits around your senior studies ■ Get valuable Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) credits* ■ May contribute to your Australian Tertiary Admissions ■ Rank (ATAR)* ■ Direct entry to any related TAFE Queensland course ■ Open up a variety of university pathways ■ Gain credits towards an apprenticeship, diploma or university studies ■ Build practical skills in an adult learning environment ■ Get work ready FLEXIBLE STUDY OPTIONS TAFE Queensland offers flexible study options so you can gain a VET qualification while you’re still at school in a way that best suits you.

On campus TAFE Queensland offers some of the best training facilities in the state, with advanced, industry-standard workspaces and classrooms.

All training is delivered in an adult learning environment so you’ll get a taste of what it’s like to study in a higher education setting. You’ll also learn from highly-qualified teachers and benefit from their vast experience.

At school Many Queensland schools have partnered with TAFE Queensland to deliver vocational qualifications. School teachers are given specific training so they are qualified to deliver TAFE Queensland courses. Even if you undertake your training at school, you will still receive a TAFE Queensland qualification once complete.

Trade taster Year 10 school students have access to a Trade Taster program which is funded by the Queensland Government. This is unique to TAFE Queensland and offered at NO COST. The program allows students to experience the Trades industry by studying one unit of

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competency from different Trade areas.

Industry experience Some TAFE at School courses require you to complete work placements, or in some instances to work in the industry. Work placement requirements should be discussed with your teacher prior to commencement of study.

School-based apprenticeship or traineeship TAFE Queensland offers both school-based apprenticeships and traineeships, which get you work-ready and a step ahead of your peers.

Becoming a school-based apprentice or trainee gives you skills in a vocation or trade and allows you to earn money while you’re still at school. A school-based apprenticeship or traineeship also contributes credits towards your Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE). After selecting the industry you are interested in and talking with your school and parents, your next step is to secure employment as an apprentice or trainee.

An employer can be found through family and friends, by directly contacting employers and group training organisations, or by applying for advertised jobs.Once you have secured an apprenticeship or traineeship, just let your employer know you want to study with us. School-based apprentices and trainees do not pay fees for training at TAFE Queensland, this is funded by the Queensland Government; however you may need to pay some costs for tools and compulsory personal protective equipment, which we will outline upon enrolment. When you become a full-time apprentice or trainee after completing Year 12, you may be eligible for fee-free training for the remainder of your apprenticeship. For more information about school-based apprenticeships or traineeships call 1800 210 210 or visit training.qld.gov.au/apprenticeshipsinfo.

Enrolment into TAFE at School courses is subject to eligibility requirements. Talk to your VET coordinator or guidance counsellor, or visit our website for more information. *Eligibility conditions apply.

SECURE YOUR FUTURE An apprenticeship or traineeship with Golden West Apprenticeships is a great way to kick start your career.

Apprentices and trainees have the opportunity to be paid while they learn on the job and work towards completing a nationally recognised qualification.

Are you interested in securing a fantastic career?

An apprenticeship or traineeship is the right step for you.

There are apprenticeships and traineeships in almost every different industry including construction, electrical, mechanical, business, tourism and health.

Not sure what the difference is between an apprenticeship or traineeship?

An apprenticeship is generally four years in duration and leads to a trade qualification such as a carpenter or mechanic.

A traineeship is usually 12 months to two years in duration, and will lead to the achievement of a qualification.

Working with Golden West Apprenticeships makes finding an apprenticeship or traineeship easy, they support you every step of the way through their easy and simple online registration process. Golden West has apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities across the Darling Downs, Western Downs, Maranoa and South West regions.

Golden West Apprenticeships are currently looking for apprentices and trainees who are keen to start their career in January 2020.

Apprenticeships and traineeships are open to school leavers, young people and mature aged applicants.

If you are interested in applying, register today at http://www.goldenwest.org.au/job-vacancies.

STEP IN THIS DIRECTION

Do you share our passion for great Australian beef?

NH Foods Australia is one of the biggest beef production companies in the country. We own and operate the largest cattle feedlot in the southern hemisphere, along with three substantial processing operations. One of those is located right here in the Darling Downs region and since 1956, Oakey Beef Exports has been proudly supplying the highest quality grain and grassfed beef from our region to the world.

We recognise dedication and strong work performance so if you have the ambition to produce superior Australian beef, then we would love you to become part of our team. With a range of opportunities including meat processing, quality assurance and accounting operations, you can be assured your career will step in the right direction.

Contact us at nh-foods.com.au/employment or employment@nh-foods.com.au 11

UPSKILLING A NECESSITY CONSTRUCTION workers and employers need to keep pace with changes in the industry, so training and up skilling is vital.

According to industry experts, the below factors are important to consider to ensure you are reaching your full potential in today's market.

1. Short courses – A huge range of courses may be studied for free, or subsidised, thanks to government or industry funding.

2. Skills assessment and gap training – Through Skills Assessment and Gap Training programs, experienced workers can attain a formal qualification if needed.

3. Apprenticeships – They can offer great pathways for high school leavers and workers.

4. Mentoring – A mentor can provide your career with new direction.

5. Industry events – Government bodies, companies and industry associations offer great networking and learning opportunities at their events.

6. University courses – After gaining experience in a trade, many workers will study a university degree part time to further their career.

A mentor can provide your career with new direction.

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7. Vendor training – With rapid technological advancements taking place and technology adoption rates increasing, vendor training has become more important.

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Carefully consider all of your options to ensure you choose what best suits you and your learning style.

WHAT SUITS BEST? IT CAN sometimes be tough deciding whether to go to university or to try for an apprenticeship or traineeship.

Both options have their pros and cons, so it’s really up to you to think long and hard about what’s best for your situation.

While many think going to university is the best way to earn the most money, it’s often not the case, particularly as deregulation of universities has led to degrees being driven by student demand rather than employer demand.

So one important step no matter what you decide on is to do your research on job availability.

Think about whether you would be happy to move towns or cities to attain your dream job,

because in some cases that might be your only option if you want employment.

Also think about your financial situation.

Would you rather earn a modest income while you get your qualifications or are you happy to take the risk of leaving with a stack of debt?

Another thing you need to take into account is your learning style.

This really is an important one.

Vocational education is hands-on and industryfocused, while university tends to require a lot more book work and self-regulation to meet project and assignment deadlines, so it pays to have confidence in your ability to meet those deadlines.

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BE DIGITALLY SAVVY Digital interviewing is emerging as a new technology favoured by companies to manage their job search.

If you happen to be asked to complete a digital interview, employ the below tips to help put your best foot forward: ■ Make sure you answer the questions as if you are speaking directly to your future employer.

■ Use positive body language.

Smile genuinely and maintain ‘eye contact’ – you’re talking to a person not a computer.

Most Digital Interviewing systems let you look at yourself while you answer a question.

This can be distracting and most allow you to turn it off.

■ 38% of all communication is conveyed through tone of voice, so ensure you are engaging the audience and avoid things such as speaking in a monotone.

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A DREAM REALISED

University of Southern Queensland (USQ) Aviation student Matthew Guevarra-Adams has always wanted to be a pilot.

He remembers spending weekends at Archerfield Airport with his father watching the planes take off and land and speaking to pilots. His dream was to fly and USQ has provided the runway to make it happen.

"During Year 12, I was going through my university options and USQ Aviation stood above the rest," Matthew said.

"It had small class sizes which makes it easier to communicate with the lecturer, a flight simulator that is incorporated into the degree and industryknown lecturers."

According to the latest statistics from Boeing’s Pilot & Technician Outlook 2019-2038, about 800,000 new pilots will be needed to fly and maintain the world’s fleet over the next two decades – with nearly 40 per cent of those required in the Asia Pacific region.

USQ already offers Aviation at its Springfield campus and will have Aviation in Toowoomba from 2020.

Helping launch university possibilities for school

ACHIEVED:Matthew Guevarra-Adams realised his dream.

leavers is the new automatic scholarships offered for students with OPs from 1-8 who list USQ as their number-one choice for QTAC. School leavers who achieve an OP of 1-2/ATAR 97.5 will automatically receive a scholarship package valued up to $29,000, including an optional study abroad package and leadership development. Students with an OP 6/ATAR 90 or above will be awarded a scholarship package valued up to $20,000. And students with an OP8/ATAR 85 or above will be awarded up to $6,000.

It was a scholarship that helped Matthew take flight and follow his own career flight path at USQ. "There are a lot of things that I have enjoyed during my studies, from attending each lecture and learning about aviation, to seeing my mates every day," he said.

At USQ there are more than 100 degrees to pick from – including Aviation, Engineering, Business, Law and more.

USQ is a place where students can become more.

To find out more about scholarships visit www.usq.edu.au/scholarships.

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Ben Thomson credits Santos with offering him hands on experience in operations and giving him the opportunity to work with some amazing people out in the field.

SANTOS OFFERS UNIQUE OPPORTUNITIES Looking back on his time in the Santos graduate program, Ben Thomson has one stand-out highlight.

"Working as a Field Support Engineer in the Roma coal seam gas field," Ben said.

Ben joined Santos as a Graduate Field Support Engineer in 2015 after doing several rounds of the Santos Vacation Program while studying petroleum engineering and geology at university and he feels it perfectly set him up for the future.

"Not only did it give me hands on experience in operations, but it also gave me the opportunity to work with some amazing people out in the field,” he said.

"I often catch myself drawing upon the knowledge I gained in that environment in almost every major project I’ve worked on to date.”

If like Ben, you have an interest in science, technology, engineering or maths (STEM) at high school, then a career in the oil and gas industry with Santos may be for you.

Santos has operations across Australia, but a big part of the business is in South West Queensland where we safely and sustainably extract natural gas to power homes and businesses in Australia and Asia.

Our Graduate Program provides accelerated career development incorporating on-the-job

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technical training and specialist development activities.

But we want to meet the best and brightest while you’re still at university. So that’s where our very popular Vacation Program fits in.

We offer 12 weeks’ vacation employment to geoscience and engineering students who are currently in their second to last year of undergraduate study. It provides students with the opportunity to improve their technical skills and enhance their personal development.

The program provides hands-on experience through challenging project work. While based in either Adelaide, Brisbane or Perth, you may be required to travel to site locations in Queensland and Roma.

Not everyone wants to go to university after school, so that’s why Santos also has a highly-sought after apprenticeship program with a new intake about to launch in 2020.

We also offer cadetships to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander job seekers in Queensland and South Australia.

A career in the oil and gas industry may start locally, but could take you all over Australia and ultimately around the world!

To find out more, visit santos.com/careers/pathways/

CAREER IN CARS CALLS ABOUT 100,000 job openings have been forecast for Australia’s automotive industry, proving that immense opportunities remain in sectors that official records suggest may be in decline.

Jobs department research reveals there are not enough skilled workers available to replace the natural attrition of the industry – so anyone keen to train up will be highly sought-after.

In the years to 2022, Jobs Department data predicts roles will become available for 42,000 motor vehicle and parts salespeople, 27,000 motor mechanics, 10,000 vehicle parts and accessories fitters, 9000 panel beaters, 8000 vehicle painters, 2000 vehicle body builders and trimmers, and 2000 automotive electricians.

Vacant jobs for automotive tradespeople attracted an average of 0.8 suitable applicants for each vacancy.

Panel beater vacancies attracted the least candidates (three applicants), as well as the

A career in cars is calling all interested parties.

lowest portion of suitable candidates (0.6).

Meanwhile, vacancies for automotive electricians were the most difficult to fill, with less than a third (30 per cent) of jobs being matched with a worker.

Motor Trades Association of Australia chief executive Richard Dudley says it is “absolutely” a good time to start a career working with cars.

“We are facing historically high skill shortages across the automotive sector … in just about every state and territory,” he says.

“With the array of technology now found in motor vehicles, it should be attracting people to explore these careers. The work can be quite satisfying.”

Dudley says there still are perceptions that automotive jobs are dirty and greasy but this is no longer the case. He says workers in automotive trades also have the opportunity to establish their own businesses.

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Experts say getting your resume right is a crucial step as it is often the first point of contact with a potential employer.

GETTING HIRED STARTS WITH GOOD CV IF YOU dread the thought of writing your resume, keep in mind a killer CV can make all the difference in landing that job interview.

Experts say getting your resume right is a crucial step as it is often the first point of contact with a potential employer.

Darren Buchanan, Queensland director of recruiting firm Hays, said a poorly written CV could limit a job seeker’s chances of getting to the next stage.

“This is their first opportunity to project an image or persona of themselves to the employer and so it has to be as well written and as well presented as possible,” he said.

Companies are often looking at a lot of applications so a CV should be no longer than three pages, maximum, Mr Buchanan said.

“Keep your CV concise.

“It must be tailored to highlight your experience your achievements and your technical skills relat-

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ing to that particular job.”

Another of his top tips for job seekers is to avoid the “scattergun approach”.

“Don’t just fire the same CV out to lots of different companies; this happens a lot.

“Target your CV to specific roles or specific companies.”

Mr Buchanan said spelling errors were “remarkably common” in resumes so it was essential to use spell-check and ask someone to proofread it.

While candidates want to stand out in a competitive job market, he warns against including a photo in your CV or using artistry, coloured paper or graphics unless relevant to the industry.

He said finding a job required a lot of hard work and job seekers could get help from recruitment agencies and ask for feedback.

“Try not to get despondent and, where possible, try and get feedback about your CV and how it was perceived.”

FIND THE RIGHT FIT FOR YOUR FUTURE THE thought of choosing a course and career path can be overwhelming.

For thousands of hopeful Year 12 students looking to do further study next year, this is one of the big life changes they are grappling with at the moment.

It’s soon that time of year when prospective high school graduates are contemplating their options and having to lodge an application for tertiary courses that begin next year.

Schools give students a free copy of the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre Guide which provides information for more than 1600 courses and details about the application process.

Some schools even host an information evening for students and parents interested in gaining more insight into what QTAC is all about.

However it’s still a daunting task.

Unless you have a clear understanding of your skills, interests and career goals, the choices are immense.

Thankfully there’s an opportunity to attend study expos and institution open days to find out more about courses, institutions and study pathways.

But if you live in remote areas it may not be that easy to get to them.

And if you’re from a regional or rural area it may mean living away from home to study, for the first time.

Another thing to take into consideration is the QTAC website (www.qtac.edu.au) is very helpful and gives plenty of hints and tips.

Come January next year the first round of tertiary offers will be released and the whole process will seem a distant memory.

Preferences can be changed after the applications have been submitted and applications can still be made after the closing date, but you will face an extra processing fee.

Don’t let the overwhelming nature of planning for your future get the better of you, if you take your time, the right decision will be made.

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Qantas is recognised for having some of the world’s best pilots and they are committed to that continuing.

GET ON THE FLIGHT PATH TO SUCCESS WITH QANTAS The world needs a lot more pilots.

About 790,000 of them over the next 20 years, Boeing estimates, with one-third of them needed in the Asia-Pacific region.

And to meet that demand we’re going to need a lot more female pilots, too.

Across the globe, only three per cent of pilots are women.

While that figure is higher at Qantas, there’s still much room to grow.

This is why we announced our Nancy-Bird Walton initiative in 2017. Named after the pioneering aviator, the initiative’s goal is to attract and train more women into technical aviation related careers and improve female representation across the industry.

We’ve also recently opened the doors at the Qantas Group Pilot Academy in Toowoomba.

Qantas has created the Academy in order to help meet the industry’s demand for pilots and increase the number of women in the skies. The inaugural class of 12 students began their studies at the end of September and once the Academy is fully established, we aim to train up to 250 students a year.

There are other ways of becoming a Qantas pilot

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too. For example, the Qantas Group Future Pilot Program offers aviation students from a range of universities the opportunity to be mentored by experienced Qantas Group pilots while they are studying.

Currently, the Qantas Group sources pilots from a mix of new graduates from existing flying schools, pilots from general aviation, the military, and from other commercial airlines. This is expected to continue in order to provide the different levels of experience needed by the national carrier.

Qantas is recognised for having some of the world’s best pilots and we’re committed to that continuing.

From our earliest days, people have been our priority; both the people who work for us, and the people who travel with us. Every member of the Qantas Group enjoys the opportunity and support to follow their dreams, face new challenges and aim for the impossible.

To find out more about the Qantas Group Pilot Academy visitqantas.com/pilotacademy You can also discover more about careers with the Qantas Group at qantas.com/careers orJetstar.com/careers

Year 11 Agricultural Science students on a recent site visit with Melissa Barnett, owner of Taabinga Station Winery at Kingaroy.

Senior students at Our Lady of the Southern Cross College are being prepared for a world not yet imagined through our dedicated careers program and diverse curriculum offerings.

The College has a dedicated Senior Years sectors which is focused on the provision of targeted teaching and learning, support and opportunities for students in Years 9-12. Students learn in a dedicated learning environment and have access to specialist Senior Years teachers.

Changes in our offerings as part of the new Queensland Certificate of Education has allowed students to access a broad array of subjects.

Additionally, our focus is on flexible pathways for all students. Obtaining your ATAR is just as important to getting your trade. The College Leadership Team and teachers work hard at ensuring that all students obtain academic success, no matter their pathway.

The College offers several initiatives to support students in their career journey: ■ Multiple academic success meetings with members of the College’s Leadership Team to discuss progress, challenges and goals.

■ Access to the College’s Careers Advisor

■ 24/7 access to learning resources through the College’s Learning Management System ■ Dedicated careers lessons throughout the year.

Our staff know how to guide students in deciding what might suit them, while ensuring subject choices allow for flexibility. An example of this flexibility is the high number of Agricultural Science students also obtaining Certificate III’s in Agriculture prior to the end of their Year 11 studies. A highlight of the year is the College’s Careers in Action Day which provides opportunities on campus for students to gain insight into life in the workforce or University.

Through the dedicated work of the College’s Careers Advisor, students have a variety of opportunities to undertake school-based traineeships and apprenticeships, complete certificate courses through TAFE and other registered providers. These opportunities begin as early as Year 10. The College focused on the dignity of work and the necessary skills to be successful in the workforce. This has been exemplified through the success of multiple students in obtaining awards for their dedication to their school based apprenticeships.

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A CAREER PATHWAY FOR ALL STUDENTS

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A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A MASTER PLUMBER Meet Mark Dunne, the plumber who has only ever unblocked one toilet!

Mark is a fourth generation plumber, however he did not initially want to become a plumber, even though the trade ran through his family line.

He instead enrolled into university and completed a Bachelor Degree in Commerce.

He then later did some work experience with his father on the tools and found that he was actually a natural at plumbing and thoroughly enjoyed the work.

Mark now operates his own business, Dunne Rite Plumbing in Cairns with help from his brother, Paul, on the tools.

They mainly do full installations in new houses and solar hot water.

Walking in Mark’s Shoes – As told by Lupe Paea, Master Plumbers’ Association of Queensland (MPAQ) Events Coordinator I had the opportunity to spend a day with Mark and Paul in Cairns, going out on site to some new residential homes.

Watching Mark and Paul, doing fit outs on new houses was a great opportunity for me to be able to come in to a blank canvas and see it all come together from the very beginning.

I didn’t realise that plumbers used so many tools.

Honestly, I (like many others) thought a plunger was on top of the tool list, but obviously not, as Mark told me he had only ever unblocked one toilet in his whole career, and it was on a construction site.

After spending time with the guys from Dunne Rite out on site, my perception for plumbers has definitely changed.

GETTING IT DONE: Paul and Mark from Dunne Rite Plumbing with Lupe Paea from MPAQ.

I used to think plumbers predominantly only dealt with toilets, and I expected them to just “get in and get the job done”; however, they’re so much more than that.

There are so many different specialties in plumbing and gas, hot water and even roofing, just to name a few.

Plumbers play such a vital role in our health system and listening to Mark speak so passionately about wanting to make a difference and share his knowledge about the industry left me feeling inspired.

Being able to do this experience, spending a day in the life of a Master Plumber has made me appreciate plumbers and just how important they are in our day to day life.

I have a greater understanding of our members and have more passion for the industry, and if the opportunity ever presented itself, I would definitely consider a career in plumbing.

Consider a career where you can help protect the health and safety of the community – become a plumber!

For assistance on what you need to do to find an apprenticeship, call the MPAQ office on 07 3273 0800 or email info@mpaq.com.au.

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Family FRiendly caloundRa holiday apaRtmentS Winner of multiple trip advisor awards

SailS ReSoRt on Golden Beach

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P 07 5492 7888 | E stay@sailsresort.com

W www.sailsresort.com

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Apprenticeship Support Providers BUSY at Work | www.busyatwork.com.au | 132879 MEGT (Australia) Ltd | www.megt.com.au | 136 348 MRAEL Limited | www.mrael.com.au | 1300 467 235 Chambers Apprenticeship Support Australia Pty Ltd | www.apprenticeshipsupport.com.au | 1300 363 831

Get in touch with an apprenticeship support provider today to get your plumbing career started!

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