​​​​Creating meaningful and practical Pathways,

to direct career opportunities is behind the introduction of the popular Cert III Early Childhood Education and Care course currently running within St Mary's. Students from various schools in the region have enrolled, taking advantage of the benefits this unique work-ready program presents. The advantages of completing such a program whilst still attending secondary schooling is clearly a deciding factor for the students enrolled. Many have expressed a sense of security knowing they will have the qualifications to gain quality employment once completing the Cert III course.

Working together with the other high schools of the region St Mary's is working to develop trade ready training in Certificate courses, practical opportunities for career development across a varied spectrum of practices and real life qualifications for those who have decided on their future direction.

As the only High school in the region offering Cert III Early Childhood Education and Care students enrolled from St Mary’s, St James Lutheran College, Maryborough SHS, Aldridge SHS and Riverside Christian College are taking advantage of such an opportunity on our campus.

With supportive face to face classes delivered by a fully qualified teacher once a week, the students' progress at their own pace working on the modules in free time. The support balanced with the opportunity to set individual study goals is reflective of a tertiary style education and well received by the students.

As part of the Cert III course each will also take part in structured work placement in local Childcare centres (thanks to participating centres) gaining onsite, relevant experiences and a true understanding of the career they are studying towards.

Adding to the options available the College has increasingly committed to its own dedicated Senior Pathways Centre which works to assist students in their future life choices. Bringing the best further education connections directly to our students the Senior Pathways Centre encourages and guides each one to utilise the College's close partnerships with Queensland University of Technology (QUT) University of Technology (UT), University of Queensland (UQ), Australian Catholic University (ACU) and University of the Sunshine Coast (USC), enabling students to gain access to participate in various programs and courses as well as visits and early offer degree opportunities.

Building better directions for each student and a focus on tailoring that path for each individual will continue to be the focus of the Senior Pathways Centre, the Youth Support Coordinator Mrs Jones and Senior Schooling and Pathways Leader Mr Mark Sealey are strengthening these connections daily for the St Mary's College students benefit.​