“So how does this work?”
The trade training program is a different way of learning and earning. You might spend three days a week studying toward your HSC at a school, one day a week learning technical skills relating to your trade and one day on the job with your employer. During school holidays, you could work full time with your employer.

If your employer needs you for more time, you can agree to work a block of time or on weekends. Think about the extra cash, not to mention experience working on your trade.

“What do I get out of it?”
There are lots of pluses to completing Year 12 and trade training. On top of the financial incentives like a wage and money towards tools and other gear you'll need, you'll be treated like an adult and have your whole experience geared towards learning things that will help you in your trade. Because we don't do anything else but teach students working towards their HSC and trade, class times are set up to fit in with the other parts of your schedule like being on the job. For more details on the financial incentives, follow the ‘INCENTIVES’ link.

“Can I choose my own subjects?”
The subjects you study are decided mainly by what trade you choose. The HSC subjects you will study may include English, Maths, Business Studies and Work Studies. You will also study special subjects to help you when you're on the job like OH&S and First Aid.

“How much does it cost?”
Fees for students are $400 per year. This includes your uniform and work gear (hi-viz shirt, pants and work boots or chefs gear) and your Senior First Aid Certificate. However some additional charges may apply, depending on your course (eg you may want to complete the RSA and RCG courses to gain employment in hospitality). Remember that you also get financial incentives including money towards your equipment from the Government. Check with us - click ‘Contact us’ for our phone or email.

“What’s the entry criteria?”
You have to be between 15 and 17 and have completed the School Certificate in the last 12-24 months. You also have to have to provide written evidence that you are someone who is committed to working hard - a letter from a previous employer should do the trick. You will need to prove you have a positive attitude toward learning, so we'll need to look at your school reports. You also need to pass our entry tests (don't worry if you've got your School Certificate, you'll most likely do fine) and show us that you have a real interest in your chosen trade by telling us what you've done to find out more about it and the names of any employers you have tried to get an apprenticeship through already.

“What happens when I leave the College?”
You can complete your apprenticeship/traineeship with your employer, having already done a year of it, while getting your HSC and learning valuable, practical on the job skills that will make you a great find for employers.

“So how do I get in?”

"So how do I get in?"
You can become a student in the trade training program in two ways:

• get hired as a part-time apprentice or trainee and then get the school to organise your training and pathway to the HSC.
• Enrol in Year 11 in a trade training program and we will then help you find an employer in your chosen trade to take you on.

To apply for a trade training program, make sure you meet the entry criteria and then put in an Expression of Interest or see your Careers Adviser.

You'll need to return the form to us and then we will contact you to discuss possibilities. At that time you will need to bring:

• Copy of Birth Certificate (original to be shown at enrolment interview)
• Evidence of your entry or your results in the School Certificate (original to be shown at enrolment interview; however, current Year 10 students will not have their school certificate until December 2009).
• Copies of Years 9 and 10 school reports
• Reports or references (if any) from work experience employer, part time or voluntary work employer.