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Katie Fairbanks

from working at my parents Newsagency to Head of Department - Industry Liaison
I support students' education through meaningful industry opportunities.
School
Corinda State High School
Job Level
Senior

Ask me about

  • Turning your interests into a career pathway you'll love
  • Work experience, apprenticeships and traineeships
  • Balancing study, work, family and career ambitions
  • Making informed decisions about university, training, or employment

About me

  • Regional Background

With over 20 years’ experience in the education sector, I began my career as a Physical Education teacher before moving into Senior Schooling and career development. Throughout my career, I have enjoyed helping students discover and achieve their desired pathways during and beyond school. As both an educator and business owner, I have always seen the importance of exposing students to industry while they are still at school.

First-hand experiences and meaningful connections help students gain a better understanding of the opportunities available and make more informed decisions about their future. I am passionate about working with students, schools and industry to create authentic opportunities that enhance learning, build confidence, and support informed decisions about future education, training and career pathways.

About my role

  • Creative
  • Perfectionist
  • Personable
  • Practical
  • Reliable
  • Resourceful

I work with students to connect them with meaningful industry opportunities that enhance their current learning and support informed decisions about their future education, training, and career goals. I am passionate about connecting students with authentic industry opportunities that enrich their learning, build employability skills, and support their transition to further education, training, and rewarding careers.

In my role, I coordinate a wide range of career development and industry engagement initiatives, including the Careers program, school-based apprenticeships and traineeships, work experience placements, industry immersion days, career expos, Lunch and Learn sessions, industry guest speakers, and our flagship Future Agent Day. These experiences provide students with valuable insights into the world of work while helping them make informed decisions about their future pathways. I also support students with Senior Schooling matters, such as including SET planning, pathway advice and much more. In addition to this I empower teachers within the school to involve industry in their practice. I am committed to building strong partnerships between schools and industry and creating meaningful opportunities that empower young people to thrive in further education, training, and the workforce.

Education

  • Bachelor of Education (Secondary)
  • Certificate 4 in Design

Subjects

  • Accounting
  • Biology
  • Drama
  • English
  • General Mathematics (Maths A)
  • Geography
  • Physical Education

Hobbies

  • Art
  • Beach adventures
  • Cooking
  • Gym
  • Interior design
  • Pilates
  • Reading
  • Renovating
  • Seeing family and friends

My career journey

Curious to know how I got here? Here’s a snapshot of my career pathway.
  1. Worked while studying at university
  2. Began teaching as a Physical Education teacher
  3. Advanced to Head of Department positions
  4. Transitioned into Senior Schooling and career guidance
  5. Connecting students with industry opportunities and future pathways

My typical day

My school

Corinda State High School is a leading Brisbane secondary school dedicated to helping students exceed their expectations through academic excellence, innovation, and diverse pathway opportunities. With a strong focus on future-focused learning, student wellbeing, and career readiness, the school supports young people to thrive both during and beyond their school years.