You Can Make It: sparking big dreams in young Queenslanders

Dalby South State School buzzed with excitement as more than 300 students from Years 3–6 stepped into the world of manufacturing during a special event celebrating Manufacturing Skills Queensland’s You Can Make It career book.

Students were treated to engaging sessions with career book stars Nicole Brunner, Stephanie Bofinger, and Stephanie Piper, whose real-life stories brought manufacturing careers to life. The immersive VR experiences added another layer of excitement, allowing students to explore the industry in a hands-on, futuristic way.

Manufacturing Skills Queensland chief executive Rebecca Andrews said the book was a powerful tool for inspiring young minds.

“Giving students the chance to meet real people working in manufacturing helps them see that these careers are not only possible, but exciting. This book is opening doors to new opportunities and showing young Queenslanders they can make it too.”

Manufacturing Skills Queensland’s Industry Engagement Manager for Diversity, Su Kulk, said the students’ enthusiasm was remarkable.

“It was brilliant to see the students so engaged—asking thoughtful questions about how things are made and connecting with the real people behind the careers. This book is sparking big dreams in young minds.”

Teachers at Dalby South State School are now integrating the You Can Make It book into classroom activities to spark career conversations and gather feedback to help MSQ further develop the initiative. The school’s impressive STEAM room, led by Renitta Flynn, also provided a glimpse into the hands-on learning environment where students are already exploring innovation and creativity.

The impact of the event was immediate and heartfelt. Students were seen reading the book in waiting areas after school, and their feedback was overwhelmingly positive.

One Year 5 student shared, “Listening to and meeting the book stars was fascinating… they inspired me to want to be like them.” Another student remarked, “You Can Make It has shown me that girls can do everything the boys can do, which is inspiring.”

With students already dreaming big and connecting their learning to real-world possibilities, the future of manufacturing in Queensland is looking brighter than ever. As one Year 3 student put it, “I think the Maker Squad has made me think about what I am. I talked to Mum when I showed her the book, and I think I am the creator — so I might do more creating now.”

Find out more about how the You Can Make It career book is inspiring the next generation to imagine, explore, and build their futures in manufacturing, at https://msq.nousuat.com.au/you-can-make-it-career-book/ .