The Engage Education program launch at Theodore State School was a real heart-starter for students in Years 8-10 recently.  Students were able to get up close to view paramedic equipment and hear about Paramedic Science and other university programs and professions.

Facilitated by the Student Support Centre Widening Participation team, Annette Thompson, an Outreach Program Officer from Bundaberg campus, arranged three career presentations at Theodore.

Paramedic Science lecturer Daryl Holley and first-year student Rebecca Howard conducted the paramedic session

The sessions on Paramedic Science, Engineering and Veterinary Science were conducted by a variety of guest speakers, including academics, career professionals and current university students. The day concluded with a delicious barbecue lunch for the students.

Stage two of this program, scheduled for October, will involve the students in Years 9 and 10 travelling to CQUniversity Rockhampton, where they will take part in both a university and TAFE experience.

This excursion will give students the chance to familiarise themselves with a university and TAFE campus and to explore their post-school options.

Paramedic Science lecturer Daryl Holley and first-year student Rebecca Howard conducted the paramedic session.  Daryl, who was an Intensive Care Paramedic for many years, discussed this exciting career path, entry requirements and the variety of study options available for the CQUniversity Bachelor of Paramedic Science program.  He and Rebecca also performed a simulated patient care assessment, with assistance from some student volunteers.

"The delivery of education is paramount, especially when it is delivered to our future students to assist and guide them into an exciting career," Mr Holley said.

Civil Engineering Co-op student Cortney Scotney explains her own experiences

"The most rewarding aspect of the day was watching the engagement of the students during the simulated patient care assessment, using the technical components of the defibrillator...the patient fully recovered due to the excellent patient care provided!"

Rebecca Howard's insight into her learning journey at university was extremely beneficial and relevant for the students, as she currently lives in Theodore and is studying via distance education.  Rebecca highlighted how she balances her study and leisure activities to achieve the best possible results.

Cortney Scotney, a fourth-year Civil Engineering Co-op student, delivered the Engineering session, discussing the profession with students and outlining the various engineering programs offered at CQUniversity.  Cortney also has a strong affiliation with Theodore, as she attended Theodore State School during her primary school years and still has family living in the district.

The third guest speaker for this program was veterinarian Tim Wright, co-owner of the Taroom Vet Surgery, who spoke with the students about the profession, the variety of work involved and the education requirements associated with a career in veterinary science.

Veterinarian Tim Wright was among the speakers

Comments from participating pupils included:

"Paramedic Science sounds and looks fun.  I might have to rethink my career plan."

"The Engineering session was interesting - it gave me the idea that girls can do anything!"

"It was really interesting to find out all the different things Tim does as a vet.  I learnt lots about veterinary science and what I would have to do to become a vet."

Theodore State School Principal Ken Treasure said the launch talks were insightful and motivating for the students.

"It was interesting to note that all of the speakers were from small country communities who went away to study but have made the choice to return and serve in their chosen field in small communities," he said.

Outreach Coordinator Stacey Doyle said the presentations "not only highlighted career possibilities and university opportunities but also demonstrated that growing up in a regional community gives the students unique experiences that they can draw on to transition to and succeed at university".

Engage Education programs, facilitated by the Student Support Centre Widening Participation team, aim to encourage students from under-represented groups (low socio-economic, regional and remote, and Indigenous) to consider higher education.