Rockhampton's Joanne Emmert has plenty to look forward to as she takes on a new career with the Department of Education and Training, thanks to graduating with a Bachelor of Learning Management (Secondary and Vocational Education and Training) from CQUniversity.

She can also look back on what has been a bumpy ride over the past few years.

Joanne Emmert at her recent graduation ceremony

Following divorce, Joanne has been a single mother to two children, now aged 18 and 12, and they have helped her through a tough time.

"I suffered a number of traumatic events throughout my studies including a major car accident with ongoing health issues, difficult stressful family court dealings, a son having a major workplace injury, cutting his finger off with a drop saw, my own father experiencing heart attacks, strokes, and needing dialysis and diabetic treatment, and my brother undergoing triple bypass emergency surgery," she said.

"There were a number of incidents where I had to travel to Sydney to be near family and CQUniversity staff supported my needs; this I will be forever grateful for."

Joanne said her 12-year-old encouraged her throughout her studies.

"When I was working through the night she pushed me to continue, even when I wanted to give up. She encouraged me to continue even when it was her who was suffering as I did not have time to spend with her or money to spend on her or the family.

Joanne Emmert crosses the stage at graduation

"This degree is not only for me but also for my kids and staff of CQUni who assisted me throughout my studies. Above and beyond."

Joanne says he has had a 'lovely outcome' from all her hard work, being appointed to work as the S2J (SCHOOLS TO JOBS) VET Facilitator for the Rockhampton Cluster of five schools. She will provide operational and strategic support to ensure the intent of VET programs is understood and implemented to meet the needs of students in the senior phase of learning.