Tag: Ipswich State High School

Ipswich State HS Talent Baxter Best Lands Big Break with Brisbane Broncos

Ipswich State High School student Baxter Best has signed a four-year deal with the Brisbane Broncos, setting the stage for a promising NRL career—following in the footsteps of his older brother and NSW Origin star, Bradman Best.

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The sixteen-year-old outside back, who has been making waves in Queensland’s junior ranks, chose the Broncos despite interest from several NRL clubs. His decision marks a major win for Brisbane’s development programme.

Baxter Best, a Future Origin Star?

Despite his brother’s NSW allegiance, Baxter qualifies for Queensland due to his family’s relocation. The talented teenager has already impressed at the representative level, starring in Queensland’s under-15s schoolboys team and excelling in the Cyril Connell Cup.

With Baxter now in Maroon territory, the prospect of a Best versus Best Origin clash looms. While Bradman remains a proud Blue, he acknowledges the unique family dynamic.

Path to Professional Rugby

Baxter will continue his development with the Souths Logan Magpies under-17s this season, competing against players a year his senior.

Ipswich State HS continues its legacy of developing NRL talent, adding Baxter to a list of alumni that includes several professional players. His rise through the school’s system, coupled with interest from NRL talent scouts, reinforces the institution’s reputation as a breeding ground for Queensland’s next generation of rugby league stars.

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With his brother’s rapid rise to Origin football serving as inspiration, Baxter Best’s journey from Ipswich to the Broncos’ system is just beginning. If his trajectory mirrors Bradman’s, the Broncos may have secured their next big star.

Published 30-January-2025

Queensland’s Top 2 Schools with Students Enrolled in Vocational Education and Training is at Ipswich

Did you know that the top two schools with the highest number of enrolments for the Vocational Education and Training in Schools program is found in Ipswich?

Ipswich State High School continues to be Queensland’s top provider of Vocational Education and Training in Schools (VETiS) program. In fact, according to Principal Simon Riley, the Ipswich State High School offered about 30 certificate courses to its 840 students (Years 10-12) and to those from other schools.

In 2018, the Bremer State High School garnered Queensland’s second-highest number of enrolments for their VETiS courses. Hence, this makes Ipswich home to the top 2 schools in Queensland with the highest number of students enrolled in a VET qualification program.

Bremer State High School
Photo credit: https://bremershs.eq.edu.au/

Both Members for Ipswich Jim Madden and Jennifer Howard see this fantastic turnout to be beneficial for the future of Ipswich and its locals.

“This is a great achievement and it will mean students will have a bright future ahead of them,” Mr Madden said.

“We need more skilled workers in the growing industries such as healthcare and trades, and I encourage Ipswich students to consider TAFE once they graduate.”

“This means more young people in Ipswich are gaining a valuable qualification before they even finish school,” Ms Howard said.

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About Vocational Education and Training

Vocational Education and Training (VET) is a learning course that is directly related to work or getting a job. It provides pathways for all young people who are seeking further education, training, or employment-specific skills.

Whether you are a student, a job seeker or already employed, there is a range of training options available at VET accredited schools and organisations to help you achieve your career goals.

Accredited training courses are provided by registered training organisations (RTOs), such as TAFE, private training providers and some universities.

Ipswich State High School
Photo credit: https://ipswichshs.eq.edu.au/

Government Support

Last 9 October 2019, Minister for Training and Skills Development Shannon Fentiman visited Ipswich State High School to speak with students about the many opportunities that lie ahead of them once they graduate by the end of the year.

“We know nine out of 10 jobs expected to grow in the next five years will require a VET qualification,” Ms Fentiman said.

“And as students near graduation it’s important they consider their career options once they walk out of the classroom.”

Minister Fentiman also discussed the government’s free apprenticeship initiative⁠— its importance, benefits, and how much the government wants more young Queenslanders to take this course.

Bremer State High School
Photo credit: https://bremershs.eq.edu.au/

“In August the Premier and I announced free apprenticeships for under 21s which builds on our free tafe for year 12 graduates initiative,” Ms Fentiman said.

“All of these free qualifications on offer are in the industries where we know there will be jobs.”

The fully subsidised traineeships are in industries that show a high demand for workers including:

  • Electrical
  • Plumbing
  • Engineering
  • Healthcare
  • Hospitality
  • Early childhood

“The Palaszczuk Government’s new $32 million free apprenticeship initiative is tipped to help 60,000 young people into an apprenticeship or traineeship,” she said.

“So far more than 12,000 young Queenslanders are taking advantage of free training under these two initiatives.”

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