Diploma of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education

RTO: TAFE Queensland

Employer: PCYC Cairns West

Jessica was inspired to pursue a career in education after getting involved in her young daughter’s learning. Having left school in year 10, Jessica first completed a Certificate III in Business as a trainee, after her daughter started childcare. Jessica has now completed a Certificate IV and Diploma in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education through TAFE Queensland’s Remote Area Teacher Education Program.  

Jessica’s qualifications have led to a job as a Police Community Youth Club outside of school hours care service manager. Jessica is now studying for her Bachelor of Education, after securing a 2023 Pearl Duncan Teaching Scholarship. 

With connections to Cairns, Yarrabah, Mornington Island in the Gulf of Carpentaria and Badu Island in the Torres Strait, Jessica aims to work in remote schools to make a positive change wherever she can.  

“I’m a living, breathing example of what vocational education and training (VET) can achieve,” Jessica says, adding that the opportunities she’s received through her VET journey have positively impacted several areas of her life.