A graduate of the Scarborough-based Australian Trade College North Brisbane has shifted her career direction after discovering a passion for teaching while volunteering in rural Cambodia, showing how a trade pathway can lead to unexpected opportunities beyond the salon.
Georgia Creevey joined an eight-day volunteer placement in Cambodian village schools through the yLead Alternative Schoolies program in November. The experience formed part of the college’s leadership and service partnership with the youth organisation.
From Hairdressing Apprentice to Aspiring Teacher
Creevey completed her hairdressing training at the Scarborough campus and received the college’s Year 12 Commendation Award for Hairdressing. While she had been preparing for a career in the salon industry, the volunteer program introduced her to a different kind of work.
During the placement, she spent time helping primary school students practise English and interacting with children eager to learn about life outside their village. The experience revealed that many of the communication skills developed during her apprenticeship could apply in a classroom setting.
The people skills required in hairdressing — listening closely to clients, understanding their needs and helping them feel comfortable — translated well into supporting young learners who were navigating language barriers.
Program leaders with yLead encouraged Creevey to consider teaching as a future career after observing how she connected with students during classroom activities and group discussions.
A Program Linking Scarborough Students to Global Experiences
The volunteer placement was part of the Alternative Schoolies initiative run by yLead, which offers young Australians the chance to take part in service-focused travel instead of traditional end-of-school celebrations.
Each year, students connected to the Australian Trade College North Brisbane take part in these programs in destinations, including Cambodia, New Zealand, Kokoda and Tanzania.
The college says the partnership aims to give trade students leadership and community engagement opportunities alongside their vocational training. According to ATCNB acting principal Megan Moore, these experiences help students build perspective, maturity and confidence that can carry into different industries.
Creevey travelled to Cambodia with fellow graduates Jorja Butler and Emily McLucas. Butler had earlier received the Year 12 Excellence Award for Hairdressing and progressed quickly through her apprenticeship, while McLucas served as a student ambassador during her time at the college.
After the Cambodia Experience
After returning to Australia, Creevey decided to pursue teaching. She has enrolled in a bridging course at the University of the Sunshine Coast and plans to begin a Bachelor of Primary Education in mid-2026.
She has also been selected as a mentor for yLead in 2026, where she will support students attending leadership conferences and may return to Cambodia with a future program group.
The college said Creevey’s story reflects how vocational education can provide pathways that extend beyond the original trade, with real-world experiences helping students recognise new strengths and interests.
Published 17-March-2026
Featured Image Credit: TradeCollege.com.au
