Caleb’s journey to the frontline
When CQUniversity paramedicine graduate Caleb Pigliafiori crossed the stage at Townsville earlier this week, it marked more than the end of a degree.
Wearing a cultural sash as he received his Bachelor of Paramedic Science, the moment represented a journey he once never thought possible.
“I never thought I’d be able to achieve a bachelor’s degree, let alone go to university or be successful at it,” Caleb said.
“To cross the stage, shake the hand of the Chancellor and get my paper, it’s a feeling of accomplishment for myself, my family and my friends who believed in me.”
Caleb’s path into paramedicine was shaped by both family influence and a leap of faith. Inspired by his mother and grandmother, who both worked in nursing and encouraged by a friend already in the program, he decided to give it a go.
That decision led him to the Queensland Ambulance Service’s Indigenous Paramedicine Pathway (IPP) Cadet Program, delivered in partnership with Queensland Ambulance Service and CQUniversity.
For Caleb, the program was a turning point.
“My experience with QAS has been awesome,” he said.
“Like any job, it came with challenges, but the people I connected with were incredibly supportive and never gave up on me along the way.”
Designed to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, many based in regional and remote Queensland, the cadet program combines university study with real-world, on-road experience.
For Caleb, that hands-on learning made all the difference.
“The cadet program supported my learning style. I was able to study and then put that same knowledge into practice out in the field,” he said.
“It helped me cement what I was learning and really set me up for my career.”
Working alongside experienced paramedics, Caleb said he was challenged to grow, think differently and build confidence in his abilities.
“They shaped me as a paramedic. They guided me, but they didn’t hand-hold. I was given the tools to do this job the best I can.”
That practical experience also reinforced one of the most important lessons he will carry into his career.
“Be kind to people,” he said.
“They might not understand the clinical side of things, but they’ll always remember the kindness shown and how they were treated.”
Throughout his studies, Caleb found a strong sense of belonging at CQUniversity, particularly during residential schools where he connected with peers and learned from industry professionals.
“I really enjoyed coming to campus, seeing my mates and getting through those stressful practicals together,” he said.
“Having QAS paramedics as lecturers brought a sense of calm. It reminded me to trust myself and what I’d learnt on the road.”
Now a graduate, Caleb is focused not only on building his own career, but on giving back.
“I’ve always had my eyes set on helping other cadets through their journey and shaping them as clinicians,” he said.
Looking ahead, he is also considering further developing his skills, with an interest in critical care down the track.
His story highlights the impact of partnerships between universities and industry, and the role they play in creating pathways for Indigenous students into meaningful careers, particularly in regional and remote communities where they are needed most.
For Caleb, the journey is just beginning but he’s already determined to make a difference.
“I want to be the person supporting cadets the way I was supported,” he said.
“And to keep learning, growing and helping people every day.”
