Preparing students for the future world of work is an important component of secondary schooling. The college collaborates with industry and future employers to facilitate pathways into further study or the workplace from school. 

The school-based programs connect students with traineeships, apprenticeships, and work experience programs with training organisations, employers, and local and national businesses such as:

• Brisbane Showground.
• AFL Queensland.
• National Rugby League.
• NRL.
• Struddys.
• The College of Health and Fitness.
• Snap Fitness.
• University of Southern Queensland.
• Griffith University.
• TAFE Queensland.

Recognition of Best Practice

Awarded gold in the School Pathways to VET category in 2023 at the Australian Training Awards, the college has been on a journey of excellence vocational education and training driven by a clear vision of the leadership team: “education is liberation.”  This achievement is not just a testament to the college's commitment to vocational education and training (VET) but also a celebration of its students' exceptional talents and the school's innovative approach to education.

Further, the college was a national finalist in the School Pathways to VET (vocational and educational training) Award in the 2019 Australian Training Awards, and state finalists at the Queensland Training Awards Queensland over the last five years across many categories including Equity VET Student of the Year, Indigenous Student of the Year, and VET Teacher or Trainer of the Year. These state and national peak awards showcase and acknowledge best practice and outcomes in VET.

Gateway to Industry Schools program 

St James College is in partnership with the Queensland Government in the Gateway to Industry Schools program in hospitality, tourism, manufacturing, health, and hydrogen. This program allows students to finetune their skills in relevant and current learning environments and build relationships with future employers.