Vocational Education and Training (V.E.T) plays a central role in preparing young people for work, developing skills, and responding to the labour-market needs of the economy.

As the V.E.T Co-Ordinator at Toowoomba Grammar School, I have an immediate and positive influence on our young men’s skills, employability, and career development. I engage with the most amazing young men to guide their career journeys throughout Years 10, 11 and 12. I also have the privilege to work closely with their parents.

I get to know the boys and commence career pathway conversations during the Career Plan Interviews in Year 10. The boys have already had the opportunity to engage in work experience, a very valuable program that provides an opportunity to engage with businesses and work in a real-life scenario. This gives the boys a good idea if they wish to pursue a career in that chosen industry. University and academia are not for every boy, and if they are interested in vocational study for Years 11 and 12, we are fortunate at TGS to be able to enhance their career pathway through many different registered training organisations. I provide ongoing support so our boys gain extra skills and knowledge to give them the competitive edge when the time is right to engage in a school-based traineeship or an apprenticeships.

I have been the V.E.T Co-Ordinator for several years which has enabled me to connect and develop positive relationships with many businesses and organisations. These connections enable TGS to offer a vast array of work experience options, traineeships, and apprenticeships with extremely successful outcomes. Added to that, we offer a huge variety of short courses through our TGS Careers Program to enhance the employability of our boys, everything from Certificates in Chemical Management or Aviation (flying drones) to First-Aid or White Cards. Employers recognise that TGS boys are equipped with an excellent skill set and sound values, including being well-mannered and hard-working young men. Our boys are highly regarded, and I have many employers contacting me regularly looking specifically for TGS boys to engage in work experience in the hope of signing them into apprenticeships.

Thanks to the support of the fantastic TGS Careers Department team, I have been involved in many success stories during my time here. That is the beauty of my role, I have the best job in the world! I still, after all these years, get goosebumps when a boy has achieved success in his chosen career path. It is a job that is truly rewarding and keeps giving positive outcomes. I have been blessed to witness the success of many Old Boys who have set up their own businesses and those who have become qualified apprentices.

The connection with the TGS Old Boy network is also a precious gift. Our Old Boys are fantastic role models for our current young men. Many are so giving of their time and provide opportunities for work experience, traineeships and apprenticeship or they come to the School to share their stories and advice.

I continue to look forward to working with our young men; supporting and guiding them to have enjoyment and success on their vocational pathway and career journeys.

This is what some of our boys have to say about the TGS V.E.T. Pathways...

"University was never going to be for me, so it was good to have the backing of Toowoomba Grammar School’s VET pathway to get into the workforce and start my apprenticeship earlier. It’s important to offer programs like this so that students like me can experience different trades to see what suits them for their future. Mrs Rathie has been a massive help and she can’t be thanked enough for the huge amount of work she does for not only me, but all the VET boys at TGS." – Henry Ford, TGS graduate 2022

"I am doing my school-based apprenticeship in carpentry. I really enjoy the trade as it has always been a passion of mine to build houses. The VET pathway has really helped me through school as I have never been a very academic person, always wanting to be outside instead. I like being hands-on and learning a trade." – Sam Kirkby, TGS graduate 2022

"I’m involved with the VET program at TGS doing my Certificate III in Carpentry. I’ve enjoyed starting an apprenticeship while finishing the last two years of school as I get a taste of the real word and a head start on other school leavers. I would strongly recommend this program to other students looking to potentially start their apprenticeship when they leave school as it could potentially set you up for life." - Joe Johnston, TGS graduate 2022

"The VET pathway is helping to achieve my goals of getting a trade and to be prepared to get a job when I finish school. I am getting a head start on my apprenticeship while still being able to finish my schooling. Not everyone wants to go to university and the VET pathway gives you a head start and ultimately a great chance of getting a job as soon as you finish school." – Will Holley, Year 12 2023