Students & Parents
What is an Australian School-based Apprenticeship?
An Australian School-based Apprenticeship is 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 and an important link to the world of work.
Australian School-based Apprenticeships at the Australian Technical College - Darwin allow students in Years 11 and 12 to:
- undertake 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 Northern Territory Certificate of Education (NTCE); and
- keep open the option of further formal education and training.
- Gives you a head start towards your career and a competitive edge when leaving school;
- You earn an income and move towards a nationally recognised qualification while still at school;
- Provides you with important hands on skills and valuable industry experience;
- Improves your confidence and communication skills, while building a strong work ethic;
- Provide you with the opportunity to go on to further education after completing your qualification;
- You will develop the skills and business knowledge to help you become your own boss, by starting your own business; and
- You can undertake the type of training that suits your learning needs, including training delivered on-the-job, off-the-job, or a combination of both.
The Australian Technical College – Darwin offers students much more that just a pathway towards nationally recognised trade qualifications. Students study relevant academic subjects while gaining hands-on skills in a real workplace environment. You can acquire skills and knowledge that will boost your confidence and make you a more attractive employee for potential organisations.
Mentoring & support
One of the features of The Australian Technical College - Darwin is the level of guidance and support we offer our students. We have a full time Careers Counsellor to mentor and support students from pre-enrolment and career choice through to day-to-day training and schooling. We’ve built our training program around offering strong leadership combined with high level individual care to each and every student to help ensure the best and most positive outcomes are achieved for all stakeholders.
How the program works
As an Australian School-based Apprentice, depending on the trade, you will:
- work part-time for wages with an employer (vocational preparation);
- study NTCE subjects contextualized to your trade;
- receive trade training with a registered training organisation towards a Certificate III (trade specific skills);
- undertake study with The Australian Technical College - Darwin, that will help you develop as a skilled tradesperson
Each students program will be Individually tailored to your needs and the trade that you enter.
Students will graduate from The Australian Technical College - Darwin and their partner school with their Northern Territory Certificate of Education and substantial progress towards a full trade qualification.
It is expected that all students will have the opportunity to take up an Australian School-based Apprenticeship at Certificate III level in one of the trade lines offered at The Technical College. Trade training takes longer than two years part - time to complete so it is expected that students will finish their training as a full-time apprentice after they have finished their secondary studies. The Australian Technical College - Darwin provides strong support for the smooth transition of students to the next stage of their education, training and employment.
Academic courses offered at The Australian Technical College - Darwin are accredited by relevant school authorities. All vocational and technical education and training courses will be against the relevant national industry-endorsed training package qualifications.
The College offers vocational training that leads to a national qualification from an industry based Training Package. Students will commence an Australian School-based Apprenticeship in a trade while attending The Australian Technical College - Darwin. Under this arrangement, students are able to undertake their Northern Territory Certificate of Education while being in paid part-time employment and undertaking nationally recognised vocational and technical education.
In addition, the teaching of small business and employability skills is part of The Australian Technical College – Darwin curriculum so that students acquire the skills and knowledge they will need to succeed in a competitive business and industry environment. Our qualified Counsellor will work with students to develop an individually structured career development program.
To ensure the region’s pressing trade skill needs are widely addressed, The Australian Technical College - Darwin offers trades from five priority industries including:
- metal and engineering (mechanical engineering tradeperson, boilermaker welder, machinists, fabricators, toolmakers, welders, sheet metal workers);
- automotive (light vehicle mechanic, heavy vehicle mechanic, light engine mechanic, diesel fitter, mechanics, auto electricians, mechanical fitter, panel beaters, vehicle painters, diesel mechanics);
- building and construction (builder, cabinet maker, bricklayers, plumbers, carpenters);
- electrotechnology (refrigeration, airconditioning and electricians); and
- commercial cookery (chefs)
- Metal & Engineering
At the completion of this course, the successful fitting and machining tradesperson can expect to work in metal machining, maintenance and diagnostics, or machinery installation and commissioning roles. At The Australian Technical College - Darwin students will complete Stage 1 of their apprenticeship gaining competency in the use of mechanical engineering hand and power tools, engineering drawing interpretation, basic metal machining using lathes and other machine tools as well as basic welding and metal fabrication along with workshop safety practices.
- Automotive
This course covers vehicle mechanics including the service, repair and overhaul of the parts of motor vehicles such as the engine, transmission and suspension system. Light vehicle mechanics work mainly in workshop situations but may specialise in areas such as breakdown service patrol. With changes in automotive technology, there are now more electronic controls and computers fitted to vehicles. As a result, light vehicle mechanics are becoming more specialised in their area of work.
- Building & Construction
At the completion of this course, the successful construction tradesperson can expect to work in the housing and construction industry in new housing construction, maintenance and repair, additions, alterations and renovations. Students will complete Stage 1 of their apprenticeship gaining competency in the use of building and construction hand and power tools, construction drawing interpretation, basic site setting out, along with workplace safety practices.
- Electrotechnology
At the completion of this course, you can expect to work in installation, fault finding and maintenance of electrical and electronic components, wiring, equipment and systems roles. Electricians install, maintain, repair, test and commission electrical and electronic equipment and systems for industrial, commercial and domestic purposes. Students will complete Stage 1 of their apprenticeship gaining competency in the use of electrical engineering hand and power tools, electrical drawing interpretation, basic electrical wiring and installation techniques along with workplace safety practices.
- Commercial Cookery
This course is for students who want to become qualified chefs. You will acquire the skills and knowledge to operate as an apprentice chef in a commercial kitchen environment. You will learn about communication, occupational health and safety procedures and workplace hygiene. You will learn how to produce quality foods, plan menus, control costs and work as part of a team in a kitchen/hospitality environment. Practice skills will be developed for the hygienic preparation and service of a range of meals in a professional manner.
You will need to complete an ‘Application for Admission’ form and forward it to The Australian Technical College - Darwin. Interviews and assessments will be conducted and an offer of enrolment made to successful applicants.
Application forms are available from your Careers Advisor, as well as by contacting The Australian Technical College - Darwin on the numbers provided. For more information contact us.
What are the fees to attend The Australian Technical College - Darwin?
There are no additional fees for attendance at The Australian Technical College - Darwin. Students and parents will still be responsible for the existing fees charged by secondary schools and the Registered Training Organisations.
Students will also be responsible for purchasing appropriate work wear and safety equipment.
Apprentices may also be eligible for NT Government and Australian Government incentives to help purchase text books, tools, safety equipment and specialist clothing.
How does the selection process work?
In selecting students, aspiring apprentices will be screened by an assessment process that identifies skills and academic ability and takes into consideration attitude and aptitude. This will be supported by an interview with a panel of key people including from industry.
Aspiring students should have successfully completed Year 10 or its equivalent and demonstrate an aptitude for and an interest in a trade. For students wishing to enrol directly into Year 12, successful participation in an approved VET course, or its equivalent, is desirable.