CQU opens up a world of opportunity at TAFE Careers Expos

By Greg Chapman

Central Queenslanders in search of a new path converged on CQUniversity’s Gladstone, Mackay and Rockhampton campuses for the CQU TAFE Careers Expos to learn about courses available in 2025.

Attendees at the events had the chance to talk directly with CQU’s teaching staff about study areas and the subsidies available.

The CQU TAFE Careers expo was the busiest it's been since Covid-19 and the number of registrations and attendance numbers were up from previous events. 

Attendee Lucas Barry said he was interested in studying hospitality.

“It seems the most interesting to me. I love cooking for myself and I love enjoying food,” he said.

“Yeah I would love to (study hospitality). Learning more about how to cook for myself sounds like the dream – I’ll get to enjoy some nice food and experience new flavours and things like that. 

“It’ll be great (to study in Rockhampton). I’ll still get to see my friends and family and enjoy the beaches here; it’ll be amazing and that’s why I love the option of CQU.

He said he saw himself owning his own café, or as a head chef in a restaurant.

"CQU can help me go the distance I reckon.”

CQU’s Deputy Vice-President (VET and Business Development) Mr Peter Heilbuth said the high number of attendees proved the strength of demand for job-ready vocational education and training.

“The CQU TAFE Career Expos are about opening the doors to opportunity. Whether you are a school leaver or someone looking to upskill, or rejoin the workforce, CQU’s vocational education and training has a great deal to offer,” he said.

“I’ve always said that CQU – as Queensland’s only dual sector university – is a ‘one-stop shop’ for vocational and tertiary education in our region.”

For more information about vocational education and subsidised training, visit CQUniversity’s Study at TAFE page.