BCE graduates get an early start on career dreams

For Brisbane Catholic Education’s (BCE) graduates of 2026, the next chapter is already taking shape, with hundreds of early university offers already accepted and exciting pathways ahead in forensics, mining, teaching, and the Air Force.

BCE Senior Manager – Learning, Teaching and Curriculum Brent Johnston said it is rewarding to see our young people leave school with a clear sense of where they want to go next and the skills and confidence to pursue it.

“Across BCE, we want students to start thinking about their future well before they reach Year 12,” he said.

“Our schools support students to explore their interests, recognise their strengths and understand the many pathways available to them, whether that is university, vocational education and training, apprenticeships, employment or another pathway.”

At San Damiano College, Yarrabilba, soon to be graduates Alivia, Privilege, and Tazmyn are among those celebrating early university offers.

Alivia has received an early offer to study a Bachelor of Psychological Science at Griffith University.

Alivia said her senior pathway has combined academic studies with opportunities to experience both university and vocational education. Griffith University has also invited Alivia to join their Student Academy of Excellence in 2027.
 
“Through Griffith University’s Head Start Program, I experienced university-level study while still at school,” she said.

Alivia also completed a Certificate II in Animal Studies online, including practicum placements, while studying subjects as part of her ATAR pathway.

For Privilege, the journey towards university began several years before graduation.

“I completed work experience at Terry White Chemist in Year 9,” Privilege said.

Privilege has now received an early offer to study a Bachelor of Forensic Science/Bachelor of Criminology double degree at Griffith University.

Fellow Year 12 student Tazmyn has received an early offer to study a Bachelor of Social Work at Griffith University.

As part of her pathway plan, Tazmyn completed a Certificate IV in Justice Studies while in Year 11, completing the qualification within a single semester.

“It was an important step towards my goal of pursuing a career that would support others,” Tazmyn said. 

Tennessee also began building his future careers while in Year 11, completing a Certificate II in Electrotechnology before securing school-based apprenticeships with Reid Switchboards. In 2027, he will continue their journey with the company as full-time apprentices.

For Lily-Jo, a school-based traineeship in Certificate III in Early Childhood Education has created a pathway into full-time employment at Harmony Childcare Centre.

At Emmaus College, Jimboomba the class of 2026 are also experiencing this same success.

Student Caleb has received an early offer to study a Bachelor of Arts/Master of Teaching double degree at Australian Catholic University, while Alicia has received an offer to study a Bachelor of Equine Science at Charles Sturt University.

Leearna is also preparing to take the next step in her studies, receiving an offer to study a Bachelor of Nursing at the University of Southern Queensland.

Other Emmaus College students are getting a head start on their careers through vocational education and training. Cheyanne is pursuing a Certificate III in Hairdressing with Eden Hair & Beauty, while another Caleb is pursuing a Certificate III in Carpentry with Hayward Built.

Brent adds these achievements reflect the breadth of opportunities available to BCE’s 4000 graduates. 

“Every young person’s pathway looks different, and that is something we celebrate here at BCE,” he said.

“What matters is that our students have opportunities to discover where their strengths and interests can take them and leave school ready to take that next step.”

Learn more about the pathways available at San Damiano College

San Damiano College offers hands-on pathways that connect learning with real-world skills and future careers. Students can complete Certificate II and III in Hospitality, gaining practical experience in a new commercial kitchen, while construction and engineering students learn in a purpose-built space equipped with industry tools.

Other opportunities include Automotive, where students work on real mechanical projects with links to community organisations such as 5Fold.

Aviation subjects are also available for students looking to launch a career in the industry, with opportunities to gain their drone licence. 

Through a partnership with UNIQ You, female students can also connect with women working in science and technology.

For more information about the pathways on offer at San Damiano College, Yarrabilba click here.

For more information about careers and pathways on offer at Emmaus College, Jimboomba click here.

Pathways at BCE schools

BCE schools support every student to explore their interests, build their strengths, and shape their future through personalised learning pathways. From early learning through to senior years, students are guided with opportunities that promote excellence and inspire confidence, purpose, and aspiration, empowering them to discover who they are, and how they can make a meaningful contribution to the world.

Main image caption: Hands-on learning in action at San Damiano College, Yarrabilba! Charlie and Joey put their skills to the test during mechanics class, learning the tools of the trade, and gaining valuable practical experience. @Brisbane Catholic Education (2025).

Image caption: A head start on their future! Congratulations to our San Damiano College students proudly showing off their Griffith University Head Start certificates. From left to right: William, Maia, Akuac, Alivia, Nishi, Chand, and Paul. @Brisbane Catholic Education, San Damiano College, Yarrabilba (2026).