YMCA Brisbane has officially opened a new $5+ million vocational school campus in Ipswich, offering secondary students in the area with an alternative to mainstream schooling.

YMCA Vocational School Ipswich Campus promotes a flexible, supportive learning environment for young people who may not thrive in conventional classrooms. An adjusted education program – with a mix of typical high school subjects, certificate courses, wellbeing and life skill sessions – also provides students with an opportunity to obtain a Queensland Certificate of Education and gain vocational certificates.

Will Sambrook, Acting YMCA Social Impact Group Manager, said the new Ipswich campus is already empowering more than 100 students in years 10 – 12 on their journey to employment.

“The YMCA Vocational School focuses on the wellbeing of students and offers them a unique supportive learning environment that focus on their individual needs,” Mr Sambrook said.

“At Ipswich, we swap structured rows of desks and a strict curriculum with more flexible and youthful learning spaces that encourage participation and engagement in class.

“With a mix of typical high school subjects, certificate courses and other supportive programs like counselling, art therapy and emotional development lessons, our students are able to thrive and find a career pathway they want to pursue.”

Students enrolled will have the opportunity to select a vocational pathway to follow, with options like hairdressing, automotive, hospitality, engineering and more.

“The fantastic part about our Ipswich school is that the Y also runs a Community Centre, offering modern spaces for hire spaces and events that locals can enjoy outside of school hours.”

More than $5 million has been invested into building the new Vocational School campus, with $1,570,000 of funding received from the Australian Government under the Capital Grants Program (CGP). The new Ipswich campus is the eighth YMCA Vocational School in South East Queensland.

The YMCA also operates Vocational Schools in Acacia Ridge, Kingston, Mango Hill, North Lakes and Redlands. Enrolments for these schools are open all year round.