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Witness where a career in justice can take you
TAFE Queensland students can balance the scales of justice and study to kickstart a career in government.
Overview
Eligible TAFE Queensland students enrolled in:
- Certificate III in Legal Services (BSB30320)
- Certificate IV in Justice Studies (10971NAT)
- Diploma of Government (PSP50122)
- Diploma of Justice Studies (10972NAT)
- Diploma of Paralegal Services (BSB50720)
Enrolled students can apply for the Student Volunteer Program - with the Department of Justice and Attorney-General - Justices of the Peace Branch.
Successful completion of the program can provide a streamlined entry-level recruitment process to various service areas within the Queensland Government, including the Department of Justice and Attorney-General.
Other service areas within the Department of Justice and Attorney-General have begun to offer similar opportunities to TAFE Queensland students - including the Queensland Courts Services, and Legal Aid Queensland.
The Customer
Department of Justice and Attorney-General Women's Safety, and Victims and Community Support division Community Justice Services, Justice of the Peace Branch.
Opportunity
In 2017 TAFE Queensland commenced delivery of:
- Community Justice Services (Justice of the Peace) [Qualified]
- Community Justice Services (Commissioner of Declarations)
TAFE Queensland educators and content developers and Justices of the Peace Branch (JPB) employees worked closely to ensure the courses were fit for purpose. JPB representatives participated in Industry Sector Panel events and reaccreditation committees for the qualifications.
the JPB identified TAFE Queensland's student cohort as a 'trusted' pool to which they could begin offering a voluntary opportunity to, for the purpose of identifying future talent for employment.
Solution
The JPB has developed a volunteer program that when completed successfully, the student could be recruited for entry-level positions within various service areas of the Department of Justice and Attorney-General.
The volunteer program sees the student study up to three days each week and attend the JPB for 2-half days over a 6 week period.
During the program, students will rotate roles to see firsthand how each team of the JPB delivers services. Students will have the opportunity to observe and learn the essential entry level skills required for employment within the Queensland Government.
Results
Since 2020, more than 80 TAFE Queensland Certificate IV and Diploma of Justice students have engaged in a voluntary arrangement with the JPB.
At the time of publishing an estimated 25% of Justices of the Peace branch employees are previous TAFE Queensland students.
Future plans
Due to the success of the program, the arrangement between TAFE Queensland and the JPB will continue, with plans to further enhance the program's experience through the development and promotion of more diverse experiences.
"The TAFE work experience program has undoubtedly changed my path in life. I had a labouring job lined up for when I finished TAFE, setting up and packing down events - I am now a proud public servant and going on to commence studying law next year."
"As an 18-year old fresh out of school without a university degree, an entry-level position seemed like a perfect opportunity to get my foot in the door and grow within the department, the student volunteer program gave me just that opportunity."
"I began my journey with the placement program at TAFE, which led to being offered a full-time administrative officer. Shortly after, I was promoted and undertook numerous higher duties. The experience and skills I gained in the JP Branch played a crucial role in securing my current position with Victims Assist Queensland."
"I look forward to hopefully a long career serving the people of Queensland, an opportunity I will be forever grateful for."
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TAFE Queensland legal and justice studies students are undertaking work experience with the Justices of the Peace Branch (JPB), getting vital insights into the real-world application of their study topics.