For Year 11 student Saskia, a love of animals has always been part of everyday life. Growing up on a property in Biloela and surrounded by animals of all shapes and sizes, it didn’t take long for her passion to turn into a dream: one day becoming a veterinarian.
Now, that dream is already starting to take shape.
Saskia, a student at Redeemer Lutheran College, will begin a school-based traineeship in Certificate III in Animal Care Services with Moura Vet Clinic, giving her the chance to gain hands-on experience in the industry she hopes to build a career in.
The opportunity came after Saskia completed work experience at the clinic during the Christmas break. Her enthusiasm, dedication and natural care for animals quickly stood out to the team, and she was offered a school-based traineeship soon after.
Securing the opportunity wasn’t easy. The local vet clinic in Biloela already has a school-based student and had reached capacity. But Saskia and her mum Veronica were determined to make it work. Each week they will travel the 45-minute journey to Moura so Saskia can continue learning and building her skills.
For Saskia, the effort is more than worth it.
“I love animals, big or small,” she shared. “This traineeship will help me learn more about disease prevention and animal care management while I’m still at school.”
The experience will also support her long-term goal of studying Veterinary Science at university. By completing the traineeship before graduating, Saskia will gain valuable industry experience and ATAR points that will support her pathway into further study.
At Moura Vet Clinic, Saskia will join a team of five qualified vets and will primarily work alongside Kylie, who relocated to the region after completing a university placement at the clinic and falling in love with the community.
Kylie is already focused on helping Saskia build strong foundations in animal care and assessment, ensuring she develops the confidence and practical knowledge needed to work safely and effectively with animals and clients.
Outside of work, Saskia’s learning will continue at home. With horses on the family property, she’ll have plenty of opportunities to practise the skills she develops during her traineeship.
And while Saskia will be supported by the clinic’s experienced veterinary team, there’s one team member who might take the role of supervisor a little more seriously than the others.
Dora — the clinic’s resident ginger cat.
Friendly, affectionate and known by staff for “running a tight ship,” Dora is already an important part of the Moura Vet Clinic team and is sure to keep a close eye on Saskia as she begins her journey.
Saskia already feels incredibly grateful for the opportunity and is eager to make the most of every moment. In fact, she’s hoping to work full-time at the clinic over the Christmas holidays if the team will have her.
For now, she’s simply excited to get started — learning, growing and taking the first real steps toward her dream career.
Sometimes the path to a big future starts with a small town, a lot of determination, and a deep love for animals.
And for Saskia, that journey is only just beginning.