by Wendy Howard, Work Education Transition Officer
At Park Ridge State High School (PRSHS), our motto “versatile education for a versatile world” comes to life through a robust Vocational Education and Training (VET) program that sets students up for success in the real world.
Students have the opportunity to complete nationally recognised qualifications including:
- Certificate III in Business
- Certificate III in Fitness
- Certificate III in Hospitality
- Certificate II in Health Support Services
- Certificate III in Individual Support (Aged and Disability Care)
- Certificate II in Automotive
- Certificate II in Horticulture
These programs are delivered one day a week by on-site Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). On their “hub days,” students wear industry-standard uniforms, follow separate break times, and engage in a full-day, hands-on learning experience that simulates real workplace environments.
Our four industry Hubs—Health, Hospitality, Horticulture, and Automotive—are purpose-built to deliver authentic training. Whether students are caring for simulated patients in the Health Hub or diagnosing engine faults in Automotive, the learning is practical, immersive, and inspiring.
PRSHS currently supports around 55 school-based apprenticeships and traineeships, and an additional 35 students attend external TAFE programs—evidence of our strong focus on diverse, individual pathways.
Meet some of our outstanding VET students:
- Euna, a Year 12 student, has already completed her Cert III in Individual Support (Aged and Disability Care) and is working part-time as an Assistant in Nursing at Jimboomba Aged Care. She now applies her classroom learning in real-life situations, providing personal care and companionship to elderly residents, and plans to begin a Bachelor of Nursing in 2027.
- Faris is completing his Cert II in Health Support through the OSMAC Program at Logan Hospital. He assists with non-clinical tasks such as patient transport and bed preparation, and is praised for his caring nature and teamwork—qualities essential to healthcare.
- Andrew is thriving in our Horticulture Hub, where he’s learning to grow, maintain, and harvest fruit, vegetables, and herbs. His favourite part is seeing the produce he helps grow used by fellow students in the Hospitality Hub—a true paddock to plate experience.
- Mia, completing Cert III in Business at Greenbank Services Club, also volunteers in our Hospitality Hub’s café, Mosshies. She’s learning front-of-house service, food prep, and event catering, using fresh school-grown ingredients like tomatoes, basil, and watermelon.
With two Hospitality classes and five Health classes currently running, PRSHS is proud to offer students a meaningful head start—equipping them with real skills, real experience, and real opportunities.
