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Frequently Asked Questions
 How are Australian Technical Colleges different from other schools and registered training organisations including TAFEs'
How old do I have to be'
How much does it cost'
When do I take my holidays'
What time do classes start in the mornings'
What do I wear'
Do I need to buy tools'
Can girls apply'
Will there be other courses in the future'
Do I need my parents’ permission to change schools'
What happens if I don’t like it'
How are Australian Technical Colleges different from other schools and registered training organisations including TAFEs'
Australian Technical Colleges are specialist schools with high quality facilities providing tuition for Years 11 and 12 students where all students will undertake academic studies relevant to a career in the trades and trades-related vocational courses, as well as developing employability and entrepreneurial skills. This combination, together with employment as School-based Apprentices, makes it essential that the delivery of services to the students is through flexible delivery arrangements and timetables.
Industry play a pivotal role in both leading and supporting the Colleges, particularly through the governance and the employment of the students as an Australian School-based Apprentice.
The Colleges differ from current schools and TAFEs in that they provide students with the opportunity to pursue trades training, leading to a nationally accredited qualification, as well as complete their senior secondary education. Students at the Colleges will have the opportunity to commence an Australian School-based Apprenticeship. The Australian Technical Colleges operate autonomously, with a governing body chaired by a local business or industry representative and involving local communities.
The Colleges work with, rather than duplicate, existing institutions at the school and TAFE level.
How old do I have to be'
The learning programs are designed for year 11 and 12 students. You have to be a minimum of 15 years old, most likely turning 16 in the first year in the College.
How much does it cost'
The ATC Perth South operates as a non-government, independent senior secondary college, on a not-for profit basis. There will be 3 components to the annual fees: an enrolment fee, a tuition fee and a resource fee. Students may be granted up to 50% concession if they are from a low income family (based on Health Care Card and their capacity to pay). It is anticipated the maximum fee will be $1550 per student, per annum, dependent on the trade undertaken (this may effect the final Resource fee).
ATC Perth South will be able to accommodate payment plans for the duration of the first semester (5 monthly payments).
Enrolment fee
An anticipated enrolment fee of $100 per new enrolment per annum will be charged to cover part of the administration cost of enrolments and to confirm a prospective student’s intentions.
Tuition fee and scholarships
A tuition fee of $1,250 per student per annum will be charged to cover part of the costs of tuition. This is well below the average school fee for independent schools in the Perth area. The average tuition fee in Perth is $3,000 p.a.
Up to 50% of students may receive industry scholarships of up to 100% of their tuition fee (with most remissions at lower amounts), through arrangements with our Industry Partners. This arrangement will provide additional opportunities for businesses to sponsor the work of the College through a focus on individual trade students.
These industry scholarships will be allocated on 2 bases:
- The student’s employer can contribute the fee, or a proportion of the fee, as a sponsor of the ATC - Perth South; or
- Some students will be granted a scholarship if they are from a low income family (based on Health Care Card and their capacity to pay).
A supported application process where parents/carers, students, youth counsellors and the student’s employer will develop a scholarship application based on the student’s Individual Career Plan (coordinated by our Youth Support staff). The ATC Governing Board will approve scholarships in partnership with the individual sponsor organisation, and will be administered by the ATC - Perth South.
Resource fee
A Resource fee of $200 p.a. per student will be charged dependent on the trade and specific projects undertake. We will seek Industry sponsorships of $100 per student. This provides a sponsorship opportunity for a wide range of employers.
When do I take my holidays'
Because we want to simulate the workplace there will not be traditional term breaks from the College. We will have one break of two weeks in July and one four week break in December-January each year.
What time do classes start in the mornings'
We will be operating under a 38 hour week to reflect normal work practice and prepare students for the realities of work. Our operating hours for staff and students while in the College will be 8.30am to 4.30pm. When on work-release start times may vary and will be determined by the employer.
What do I wear'
At all times, in the College and in the work place you will be required to a wear a workplace appropriate uniform. This will need to be maintained in good order and worn in accordance with the College Code of Conduct.
Do I need to buy tools'
You may be entitled to a tool kit worth up to $800 for undertaking an Australian Apprenticeship in an area of particular skills need.
A Tools For Your Trade (TFYT) Employer Verification Form will be provided to your employer when you’ve completed your first three months. This form will determine whether you are eligible to receive a Tools For Your Trade tool Kit. You will be asked to sign this form which will then be returned to TFYT.
Your employer will then be provided with a voucher that can be used to purchase the tool kit. You will also be asked to sign the back of this voucher.
Your employer will purchase the tool kit using the voucher and make it available for you to use. When you have completed a further six months of your Apprenticeship, you will be entitled to keep the tool kit.
Can girls apply'
Absolutely, we welcome and encourage young women to take up Australian School-based Apprenticeships in traditional trade areas. There are more and more women getting involved in the trades and we want to continue that trend. The ATC - Perth South is a co-educational college and is designed to cater for both men and women.
Will there be other courses in the future'
Our focus is on the Year 11 and 12 Learning Program. But down the track there may be other courses that might suit your learning needs.
Do I need my parents’ permission to change schools'
Yes, as a 15-17 year old you must discuss any changes with your parents/guardians before making a change.
What happens if I don’t like it'
We’re sure you will, but if in the unlikely event that it isn’t for you, we will work with other schools in your area to ensure a smooth transition back into the traditional school environment. We will also be doing all that we can to ensure that you have the right aptitude and commitment before you start.
If you could not find the answer you were looking for above, please feel free to call or email us.
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