They are a school student who is completing their HSC as well as the first year of their apprenticeship through a part time apprenticeship pathway. Typically the apprenticeship is commenced at the end of year 10 or at the beginning of year 11 and is converted to a full time apprenticeship once the student has completed their HSC. This means that the apprenticeship will be for a term of five years. As with any apprenticeship the student is paid while they are at work as they, like a full time apprentice, are employed with a business and indentured into an apprenticeship. Generally, an Australian School-based Apprenticeship involves a minimum of 100 days at work as part of years 11 & 12 as well as the student participating in their apprenticeship training.
Australian School-based Apprenticeships are strikingly similar to school based traineeships, the difference is that school based trainees completes a lower level certificate II qualification at the end of year 12 whereas school based apprenticeships continue for another three years post school to gain the full certificate III level trade qualification. A school based apprenticealso easily transitions into the remaining three years of their apprenticeship at the end of school.
The federal Department of Education Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) define an Australian School-based Apprenticeship as a mix of academic, vocational and technical education and training and paid employment where a student’s school studies, training and work all fit together. Young people can get a senior secondary certificate and credits towards a vocational qualification. It gives them a head-start on their career path and an important link to the world of work.
From 2007 Australian School-based Apprenticeships have been available in NSW. This is also the year that MTA NSW commenced its delivery of Australian School-based Apprenticeships in light vehicle mechanics in conjunction with the Australian Technical College - Western Sydney.At the Australian Technical College - Western Sydney trade qualifications are fast tracked by integrating year 11 and 12 HSC syllabuses with on-the-job apprenticeship training, where students can earn while they learn. The Australian Technical College - Western Sydney is an Australian Government initiative, and is working with forward-thinking industry groups, such as MTA NSW and highly qualified teachers and trainers to provide answers to today’s critical shortage of skilled tradespeople.
Australian School-based Apprenticeships through the Australian Technical College – Western Sydney allow students in Years 11 and 12 to:
- Start an apprenticeship while still at school;
- Participate in a combination of school, paid work and on and off site training;
- Progress towards gaining a nationally recognised qualification;
- Work towards completing their Year 12 Certificate;
- Develop business skills; and
- Keep open the option of further education and training.
Students at the Australian Technical College – Western Sydney spend their time alternating between work and school blocks of approximately 5 weeks. Whilst at school students study English, Mathematics and Business Studies. These subjects underpin each student’s success in completing their apprenticeship and becoming successful tradespeople. MTA NSW sits on the Board of the Australian Technical College – Western Sydney and is happy to indicate that thus far the College is meeting its aim and that the first students of the College will graduate at the end of this year.
One of the 2008 graduating automotive students has already been deemed the recipient of the 2008 Southern Sydney School-based Apprentice of the Year. This is a fantastic achievement for Phillip Fernandas, and in receiving the award Phillip acknowledged the support of the College, his employer MTA Plus and his host employer Paul Wakling Motors as well as his MTA NSW Trainer Matthew Frame. All parties were represented at the awards ceremony and hope to see Phillip nominated for the 2008 NSW Training Awards for School-based Apprentice of the Year.
If your business is in Western Sydney and you would like to know more about Australian School-based Apprentices through the Australian Technical College – Western Sydney please contact:
Caroline Wilson
Marketing Apprenticeship Manager
Australian Technical College- Western Sydney
1 Bowman's Rd, King's Park, NSW, 2148
ph: 8814 5636
mob: 0405584220
fax: 8814 5615
email: cwilson@atcws.com.au
