Indigenous

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children—from pre-Prep through to school leavers—can benefit from education programs and services. These are designed to help communities work together to help Indigenous young people reach their education and career goals.

School-based traineeships and VET qualifications

If you are an Indigenous student in Year 10, 11 or 12, you can try a traineeship in areas like business administration or information technology. You can do it while you are at school so you get an OP score and a Certificate II qualification towards a career.

To find out if you are eligible, phone 1800 554 650 or email the diversity team with your name, address and phone number, with the words 'School-based Trainee' in the subject line.

Senior students can participate in a Deadly Science; Connecting to Country program. Combine a Certificate III in Land Care Management with practical science skills in a program that emphasises the traditions of bush knowledge.

Foundations for success—pre-Prep program

Twenty-nine Cape York and Torres Strait communities and 6 other Indigenous communities are running pre-Prep programs designed to help prepare their children for school.

See which communities are involved and find out more by contacting the pre-Prep professional support teacher—phone (07) 4044 5600.

Scholarships and grants

The Pearl Duncan Teaching Scholarships are for students who want to study teaching at a Queensland university.

Read more about Indigenous scholarships and funding opportunities.

Funding is also provided to schools so they can run programs locally, and offer opportunities to their Indigenous students.

Indigenous Schooling Support Units

Indigenous Schooling Support Units work with schools, families and communities to improve educational outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. These units focus on:

• professional development for teachers
• providing services for Indigenous children and young people
• ensuring Indigenous culture is understood, reflected and valued in school curriculums and teaching practices.

Units develop and run programs for schools in their regions—like the I-DREAM competition, where 400 Year 4­–7 students compete in teams to submit video responses to challenges with an Indigenous perspective.

There are 2 units:

• Central Southern Queensland—supporting schools in the Metropolitan, South East, North Coast, Darling Downs and South West, and Central Queensland regions.
  • Brisbane—phone (07) 3381 6400
  • Rockhampton—phone (07) 4938 6740
  • Caloundra—phone (07) 5436 8408
• Far North Queensland—supporting schools in Far North Queensland and North Queensland regions, which includes the Torres Strait Islands.
  • Cairns—phone (07) 4044 5600