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  • Flourishing students
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  • Pathways
10 Jun 2026
Students at St Columban’s College, Caboolture are being empowered to pursue a wide range of post-school pathways through broad subject offerings, strong vocational education and training (VET) programs, and a clear focus on aligning learning with industry and workforce needs. 

With subjects spanning general, applied and vocational pathways, Assistant Principal Learning and Teaching Amanda Schimke said the College’s approach ensured students could tailor their learning to match their aspirations beyond school. 

“Offering these types of pathways at school allows us to provide a safe space for students to be able to explore their options and work out if that is really what they want to do post-school,” she said.  

“There is incredible dignity in offering a vocational pathway to a student who can gain a nationally recognised qualification and real opportunities for future work.” 

Around half of St Columban’s graduates transition into university study, with the remaining students moving into apprenticeships or full-time employment after Year 12.  

Ms Schimke said having such breadth in subject offerings allowed students to combine qualifications in ways that best suit their future plans. 

From certificates in hair, beauty and make-up within the College’s salon facilities, to construction and engineering programs delivered through the Celtic Centre, students are given authentic, hands-on learning experiences in real-world settings. Health, in particular, has emerged as one of the College’s fastest-growing and most in-demand areas. 

“In the last few years, we’ve seen an absolute boom in Health, and it’s now one of the biggest qualifications offered at the College,” Ms Schimke said. 

“Each year, around 90 students complete Health at a Year 10 level, which gives them the opportunity to explore whether it’s the pathway they want to pursue in Years 11 and 12.” 

For Year 12 student Archie Herron, enrolling in Certificate II Engineering helped turn a long-standing interest into a clear post-school plan. 

“In previous years I’d see older students building boats or race cars, and it really sparked an interest,” Archie said. 

“As soon as I did my SET plan in Year 11, I knew exactly what I wanted to do.” 

Through the course, Archie has developed practical skills in welding, problem-solving, and teamwork, while gaining a realistic understanding of what an apprenticeship entails. 

“You don’t leave school knowing nothing,” he said. 

“It really gives you a sense of what it’s going to be like when you start your apprenticeship.” 

For Year 11 student Amelia Mitchell, the College’s hair and beauty pathway has been equally transformative. Beginning with certificates in hair in Year 10, Amelia is now working towards a Certificate III in Make-up, gaining both creative and business-ready skills. 

“Make-up became a really beautiful space for me to explore who I am,” Amelia said. 

“You learn so much, not just about beauty and make-up, but about people, empathy and how to communicate.” 

Principal Michael Connolly said St Columban’s College deliberately designed its offerings around industry trends, labour market data and future workforce needs. 

“Some of the big areas we focus on are aviation, health, fitness and hospitality, all areas of significant need in Australia.” 

“The reality is that by the time today’s students reach Year 12, many jobs will look very different or may not even exist yet.  

“So, it’s about helping them build the skills they’ll need to adapt, grow and be the best they can be.” 

 Image caption: ©Brisbane Catholic Education (2026).

 

 

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