Welcome to the website of the Australian Trades College Western Australia, formerly the Australian Technical College - Perth South
ATC WA - Australian Trades College Western Australia
So you want to enrol in a trade, get your year 12 certificate and learn on the job?
Get an apprenticeship, go to work and earn while you learn, all while you are still in year 11 and 12. Sound great?
The Australian Trades College Western Australia (formally the Australian Technical College – Perth South) is a senior secondary college and Registered Training Organisation that focuses on delivering trade training to young Western Australians. We also have a subsidiary company, ATC Group Training, which employs apprentices.
The Australian Trades College Western Australia (ATC WA) provides academic and trade training under one roof giving young people the opportunity to complete their secondary studies (year 11 and 12) and commence an apprenticeship on a part-time basis.
Trades on offer
Students can choose to specialise in one of the following trades:
- Boilermaking/ Welding
- Light Vehicle Automotive
- Cabinet Making
- Carpentry and Joinery
- Electrical
The College is still accepting 2010 enrolments but places are limited.
Contact the College further information.
School-based Apprenticeships
A School-based Apprenticeship (SbA) is a mix of academic, vocational and technical education and paid employment where a student’s school studies, training and work all fit together. Young people can achieve their Western Australian Certificate of Education (Year 12 Graduation) and commence an apprenticeship on a part-time basis.
School-based Apprenticeships are available to students aged 15 years and over who have successfully completed Year 10 or 11.
A School-based Apprenticeship allows an individual to fast track their trade career and provides an important link to the world of work.
Benefits of a School-based Apprenticeship include:
- Students are given a head start in their trade career and gain a competitive edge when searching for future employment.
- Students earn an income and move towards achieving a nationally recognised trade qualification – while still at school!
- Students are provided with important hands on skills and valuable industry experience.
- The option for future study remains open. Once fully qualified, students can further their education to enhance qualifications or progress their career.
- Students are taught valuable business knowledge and skills so they can go on to own their own business.
Program Structure
Student/apprentices attend the campus full time for the first semester of Year 11 where they will be enrolled in a Certificate II level pre-apprenticeship. The purpose of this is to ensure that they gain vital employability and work readiness skills before they are exposed to a workplace. Each student is front end loaded with the skills and knowledge they need to meet prospective employer’s requirements.
During first semester students spend half of their day studying academic subjects (e.g. Mathematics, Business and English), and the other half of their day in a workshop learning the technical skills of their chosen trade from qualified and experienced trade facilitators.
Once the College has identified that the student/apprentice is work ready they will work with the College’s Employment and Training Coordinator to secure unpaid work experience that can last up to 4-weeks (towards the end of first semester).
In second semester, a student/apprentice will work closely with the staff from ATC Group Training to secure a School-based apprenticeship with an employer. If successful, the student/apprentice will progress into a Certificate III (Trade Level) and become an indentured School-based apprentice. They will commence a five-week block rotation where they will alternate their time between the College and the workplace. This rotation will continue for the remainder of the program until the student/apprentice has successfully completed their Western Australian Certificate of Education (Year 12 Graduation). During workplace rotations the student/apprentice will be paid an apprentice wage for the hours he/she works.
College Hours
College hours are 8:30am – 4:30pm Monday – Friday.
College Fees
The SbA course at the Australian Trades College WA currently has an annual fee of $1,100. Students are required to purchase their uniforms, books and any relevant safety equipment.
Scholarships
There are a limited number of community and industry scholarships available to student/ apprentices enrolled at the Australian Trades College WA. Student/apprentices have the opportunity to apply for a scholarship once they have been at the College for a period of 3-months and their performance in the classroom and work shop can be assessed.
Need more information? Send us a message or call 1300 303 677
