AT just 16, Stacey Fitzpatrick has mapped out the next six years of her life.

The Bayview Heights teen will join the Royal Australian Navy as an electronics technician next year, enlisting until 2019.

"Originally I wanted to become a chef in the navy but then I decided to become an electronics technician to give myself more of a challenge,'' she said.

"My mum is ex-navy, my dad is ex-police and both my older sister and brother are in the navy so I have a good idea of what to expect.''

Stacey started planning her career before she enrolled in Year 11, choosing to study through the MarineTech program  a partnership through Tropical North Queensland TAFE, Woree State High School and the Great Barrier Reef International Marine College.

After turning 17 in February, Stacey will begin 11 weeks of recruit training before a 38-week program studying a certificate four in electronics communication in Melbourne.

"For the first 11 weeks of recruit school it will probably be the longest time I've spent away from my parents,'' she said.

"But they will visit and send parcels of lollies and pictures.''

TNQT Institute director Joann Pyne said the MarineTech program gave students a headstart in the marine industry while completing senior schooling and qualifying for a Queensland Certificate of Education.

"We are very proud of Stacey's achievements and look forward to hearing of her future successes in the Royal Australian Navy,'' Ms Pyne said.

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