FEET First Program
Further Education Employment and Training
Established in 2001, the FEET First Program provides senior students with information, programs and events to assist their transition into Full Education, Employment or Training once they complete their schooling.
FEET First staff are available to help students who are seeking casual employment outside of school hours, school-based apprenticeships or traineeships, Vocational Education and Training in Schools (VETiS) courses, as well as those seeking to transition into full-time employment or training. This can include assisting students with the preparation of resumes, cover letters and applications for employment, as well as how to prepare for job interviews.
The staff in the FEET First Program source work experience and vocational training opportunities. Students wishing to access resources can find the FEET First staff in the Senior Learning Centre. Parents and carers are also encouraged to contact the FEET First office to discuss their child's options.
The FEET First Program also provides a jobs vacant list, which is updated on a weekly basis. Some opportunities are also advertised through the student notices, emails, posters and brochures. Students and parents are also encouraged to 'like' the Rockhampton State High School – FEET First Facebook page for up-to-date opportunities.
A list of significant events and programs have been published below. Further opportunities will be advertised through the student notices and newsletters.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Year 10
Students are offered the opportunity to participate in work experience in year 10. This is done in a week-long block in Week 10 of Term 3. These dates are communicated throughout the year to promote and encourage all year 10 students to participate. Work experience allows students to gain experience or knowledge in a variety or work situations to help them in future career choices.
Please note that due to high demand and the number of students engaged in work experience at the same time, there may be limited opportunities within some industries for placement. To increase these opportunities for students, we ask that parents speak with family or friends who may have businesses that would be suitable for a work experience placement.
Year 11 and 12 – ATAR eligible
Students are able to participate in work experience for a week-long block during a school holiday break to avoid impact on their studies.
Year 11 and 12 – ATAR ineligible
Students are able to participate in work experience for a week-long block as negotiated with FEET First staff and the students' current teachers.
Students will need to complete a work experience application form available from the FEET First office or via the link.
SCHOOL-BASED APPRENTICESHIPS AND TRAINEESHIPS
Rockhampton State High School offers students in Years 10, 11 and 12 the unique opportunity to make an early start on their chosen careers. The FEET First staff help students with information about opportunities as well as assisting with applications for these positions.
Traineeships and apprenticeships involve paid work as well as off-the-job training towards a recognised qualification that will contribute to the Queensland Certificate of Education and appear on their Senior Statement. In many cases school-based traineeships and apprenticeships have led to post-school employment.
Previous students have successfully completed school-based apprenticeships/traineeships in the areas of automotive, engineering, hairdressing, allied health, aged care, early childhood, disability services, electrical, business administration, retail, horticulture, track riding and veterinary nursing. Students interested in a school-based apprenticeship/traineeship are encouraged to see the staff in the FEET First office.
Position's vacant are advertised via student emails and the Rockhampton State High School FEET First Facebook page.
COMMUNITY CAREER EVENTS
Our FEET First Program allows students to participate in a number of off campus career programs such as:
Capricorn Careers Expo
Students in Year 10, 11 and 12 may attend the Capricorn Careers Expo each year. The Careers Expo gives students the chance to engage with universities and employers to learn more about future pathways.
Rockhampton Try'a Trade
Try'a Trade is a one-day program that gives year 10 students the opportunity to participate in some hands-on activities within the trade and operator career pathways. They also have the opportunity to speak with industry personnel who are currently working in the industry.
CQU - University Experience
University Experience allows Year 12 students to spend one day on the CQU North Rockhampton campus to explore their post-high school options, including both higher education degrees and TAFE courses.
- Explore study options of interest through an on-campus event
- Attend sessions run by university lecturers in preferred study areas and participate in hands-on activities
- Get a taste for student life - tour the campus and talk to current students and university staff
JCU – Heroes in Health
Held twice yearly, this program is about taking students behind-the-scenes so they can see what it's really like to work in healthcare. Students learn about hygiene and gowning, and experience simulations such as CPR and wound dressing. They also have the opportunity to speak directly with health professionals to be inspired about their career journey and open their eyes to other career ideas they previously didn't know about.
JCU – Heroes in Business
Students gain unique insights into the professions that funnel into a business, commerce and law career. Expert academics guide through the process of creating, exploring and pitching a business opportunity, including the financial and legal implications.
JCU – Heroes in Science
Students gain unique insights into a career in science, from the lab to in-field where they will experience how science informs decisions on conservation, climate change, urban growth and many other areas that affect not only global issues, but our everyday lives.
JCU – Heroes in Sport
Held in Townsville, students gain unique insights into a career in sport by going behind the scenes at JCU and Cowboys Community, Training and High Performance Centre. They will learn from industry experts in Physiotherapy, Biomechanics and Sports and Exercise Science before hitting the field for a high performance training session. To help with career goals, JCU Advisors will be on hand to provide information about JCU courses.
JCU – UniX
Students interested in further study at JCU Townsville, can experience what the campus has to offer on a partially funded road trip.
JCU – UniX Roadshow
The JCU mobile centre visits the school featuring interactive activities for students to participate in. Take a virtual reality tour and be transported to JCU's Cairns and Townsville campuses. Future Student Advisors along with current JCU students will be on hand to answer questions about what uni life is like.
Students interested in any of these programs should contact the FEET First program staff on 49 204 391 or edall32@eq.edu.au for further information.
Ellinah Dallow
FEET First Co-ordinator