The Federal Government is investing more than $112 million to equip young Australians to pursue careers in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) industries.
According to the PwC STEM Report, 'A smart move', an estimated 75 per cent of jobs in the fastest-growing industries require workers skilled in STEM.
In response TAFE Queensland SkillsTech has reduced fees across all trade areas for pre-apprenticeship courses to assist young people to pursue careers in these industries.
TAFE Queensland SkillsTech director for educational delivery John Tucker said it is crucial for today’s youth to prepare for a future in STEM industries.
“We made the decision to reduce fees for our pre-apprenticeship courses to help students with their problem solving and critical reasoning skills which are essential for STEM industries, including the trade areas of electrical, engineering, construction and automotive,” Tucker said. “These courses include a work placement component with employers and ensure that students are work-ready from day one when they move into formal employment.”
Hembrow’s electrical service manager James Caldwell said students who have completed a pre-apprenticeship course with a work experience placement make excellent apprentices. “It's a try before you buy for both the apprentice and the employer,” he said.
“By signing on and completing one of these courses the student has shown a commitment to his or her career pathway which is highly valued.
“The pre-apprenticeship course ensures that the student is significantly better prepared to successfully complete both the workplace and off-the-job training of a full apprenticeship.”
OSMAC Group Training field manager Ahmed Saloojee has been working in the Group Training Organisation (GTO) sector for six years and believes finding the right student is key to a successful apprenticeship.
“I have worked closely with TAFE Queensland SkillsTech and found that their pre-apprenticeship courses gave us the best opportunity to determine an applicant’s suitability, it also helps potential employers see the value in employing an apprentice,” Saloojee said.
Here is link to page listing all of our pre-app courses available:
http://tafeskillstech.edu.au/course-search/search.php?q=&co%5B%5D=Certificate+I&co%5B%5D=Certificate+II&t=1