Curiosity for science helped Madison find her career path

By Greg Chapman

Madison Hillier is putting her future under the microscope, with CQUniversity’s Start TAFE Now program and dedication earning her recognition at the recent Central Queensland Regional Training Awards.

The 17-year-old Biloela high school student, who was a finalist in the Awards’ Vocational Student of the Year category, said an interest in science was bolstered when she heard about Start TAFE Now through CQU.

“I chose this industry as I have always been fascinated by the world of science, and knew I wanted a career in that field, although I didn’t specifically know what at the time,” she said.

Madison quickly discovered CQU’s Certificate III in Laboratory Skills, but when she found out that the Certificate II was funded through Fee-Free TAFE, she enrolled in that first.

“I chose to do the Certificate II first as it was VET funded and would reduce the cost of my Laboratory Skills studies,” she said.

Madison said Start TAFE Now made it easy for her to undertake vocational studies while still at school.

“I completed my courses during flexible study classes, which were essentially free periods at school, where I had a meeting with my teachers once a week,” she said.

“During the meetings, I would be assisted with quizzes and assessments. In my free time, I worked through those assignments when I was caught up with schoolwork.”

The flexibility of the courses meant Madison could do her studies from home and travel to Rockhampton for practicaI assessments. 

“I quite enjoyed my courses and didn’t find them too difficult. I enjoyed my practical component of my Certificate III the most as we used microscopes a lot, looking at bacteria and blood samples,” she said.

The studies also provided opportunities for work experience which she undertook in her home town area.

“I participated in two science-related work experiences. During my Certificate II in Sampling and Measurement in 2024, I completed an Environmental Science work experience at Batchfire’s Callide Mine in Biloela. This involved completing environmental surveys of different mine site dams, collecting samples or water from bores, and sending away that information,” she said.

“In 2025, a couple months before completing my Certificate III in Laboratory Skills, I did work experience at Queensland Nitrate Pty Ltd (QNP). I was a laboratory assistant at this ammonium nitrate plant, where I helped analyse acid, cooling water, and prill (ammonium nitrate pellets) samples for quality control.”

She said she was proud to have been a finalist in the CQ Regional Training Awards.

“I am grateful to have been recognised and was not expecting it either. I make a point and effort of taking up opportunities such as the training awards and strive to put myself out there, as a way of networking and creating a name. Because of this, I was pleased to have been a finalist as it shows achievements, even rurally, can be made if you just try,” she said.

Madison plans to study a Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science or Bachelor of Biomedical Science once she finishes high school.

“I hope that with either of these I will be able to work in laboratories that focus on pathology, genetic testing, medical diagnoses or similar. I honestly think I will enjoy anywhere, but will ultimately decide after experiencing them during my university studies,” she said.

Find your pathway like Madison with Start TAFE Now. Applications are open now for 2027.