Career Tasters

​​Career Tasters can help Year 10 school students explore different career options to inform their decisions around training, apprenticeships or traineeships. It helps students try careers before formal training.

The program gives students a short, hands-on experience in an industry so they can better understand the types of jobs that are available and decide what training and qualifications might suit them.

​Career Tasters are delivered by TAFE Queensland and CQUniversity and designed to inform students about vocational education and training (VET) pathways while still at school.

Eligibility

To be eligible to participate, students must be 15 to 17 years old and one of the following:

  • a Year 10 student currently enrolled in a mainstream Queensland school
  • enrolled in a Special Assistance School
  • disengaged from school
  • in youth detention or a Youth Justice school.

Who featured industry sessions are for

​Career Tasters are intended for students who have expressed interest in a vocational pathway and wish to start their study while at school through VET.

​With limited places available, schools are encouraged to nominate students who have a genuine interest in the featured industry and who will benefit most from the hands-on experience.

​Career Tasters are best suited to students who:

  • have a genuine interest in the featured industry
  • ​want to learn more about a career in that industry before making decisions about their future
  • ​are considering vocational education, training or employment after school in the industry, not a university pathway
  • may be interested in completing a Certificate II or III qualification, an apprenticeship or traineeship while at school
  • ​are keen to participate in practical, hands-on learning activities
  • ​are willing to actively participate throughout the session.

How it works

Career Tasters give students a chance to try out different industry career options, through practical activities.

Career Tasters:

  • take place in training or industry-style environments
  • are not accredited courses
  • do not count towards Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) credits
  • provide practical experience to understand job and study pathways
  • help students to understand what a career in their chosen field would be like, before enrolling in formal training.

Participating in Career Tasters will not impact a student’s eligibility for future government funding. Students may access up to 2 Career Tasters in 2026.

Industries on offer

Career Tasters focus on a range of industries to help students explore their interests and develop skills in areas where there is strong workforce demand.

The industries available include:

  • automotive
  • building and construction
  • electrical (including engineering)
  • manufacturing (including machinery and fabrication)
  • health and community services (including early years education)
  • IT and business
  • agriculture
  • hospitality and tourism
  • personal and beauty services
  • Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and related opportunities.

Please note: The industries offered will depend on the location and delivery capability during the pilot. For more details, visit the TAFE Queensland and CQUniversity websites.

What does it cost?

Career Tasters are fully funded as part of a joint initiative of the Australian and Queensland Governments. Please note participants may be required to fund their own transport costs.

The pilot period

In 2026, Career Tasters will start in selected regions to ensure a focused and effective rollout. The pilot will explore different delivery models, including options designed to support access for regional students. During the pilot, Career Tasters will be reviewed to help shape future delivery and expand access.

Related information

Career Tasters is an initiative under Vocational Education and Training in schools' program (VETiS). The initiative includes Gateway to Industry Schools program, School based apprenticeships and traineeships and the general training pathways certificate I and II qualifications.