About ATC WA
Welding Courses at the ATC WA

Trade Course Programs

The Australian Trades College WA is like no other senior secondary College in Western Australia!

Our College provides academic and trade training under one roof giving you the chance to complete your year 11 and 12 studies and commence a School-based Apprenticeship at the same time!

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.

Undertaking a School-based Apprenticeship at the Australian Trades College WA means:

  • You will have the opportunity to earn an income while still at school!
  • You could complete up to 1300 hours of on-the-job trade training with an employer!
  • You will only study academic subjects relevant to your trade including - Mathematics, English, Business, Management and Enterprise, Physics (if you want to be an Electrician) and Workplace Learning. Where possible course work will be integrated with your trade projects in the workshop
  • You will keep the door open for future study which means that you can further your education or enhance your trade qualifications in the future
  • You will learn valuable business skills and knowledge so you can go on to run your own business in the future
  • You will be encouraged to behave like an employee and NOT a school student
  • You will be mentored by Trade Facilitators who have years of experience in their chosen industry

Who can apply?

You don't have to have any trade experience to apply to the College. Any person who is over 15 years of age and has successfully completed year 10 or 11 is eligible! The only thing you need to do before you apply is work out what type of tradesperson you want to be!

You can choose from:

  • Boilermaking/ Welding
  • Light vehicle Automotive
  • Cabinet Making
  • Carpentry and Joinery
  • Electrical
  • Bricklaying

How does the academic program, trade training and work all fit together?

You will attend the campus full time for the first semester of Year 11. The purpose of this is to ensure that you learn vital employability and work readiness skills before you are exposed to the challenges of a workplace.

A typical day during your first Semester of year 11 will look something like this:

  • Period 1 - Mathematics
  • Period 2 - English
  • Morning Tea - 10:30 am
  • Period 3 - Business
  • Period 4 - Workshop (Trade training)
  • Lunch - 12:50 pm
  • Period 5 - Workshop (Trade Training)
  • Period 6 - Workshop (Trade Training)

Towards the end of first Semester, once you have proven you are 'work ready', you will be sent out on unpaid work experience that can last up to 4-weeks. This is a chance for you to put all the skills you've learned at the College into practice!

If feedback from your work experience employer is positive, you will work closely with our Employment and Training Team at the start of second semester with the aim of securing a School-based Apprenticeship. Once you have successfully secured an employer (and therefore a School-based Apprenticeship) you commence a five-week block rotation where you alternate your time between the College and your workplace.

When you are at the College you will complete your academic and trade training studies but when you are on workplace rotations you will work as requested by your employer and EARN AN APPRENTICE WAGE for the hours you work each day.

This 5-week block rotation will continue until you successfully complete your Western Australian Certificate of Education and achieve your year 12 graduation. If you have tracked through the program on schedule, you may also graduate with up-to ONE YEAR of your formal trade qualification COMPLETED!

How do I apply?

  1. Download and complete application of entry form
  2. Sit a scheduled aptitude assessment at the College - This assessment measures numeracy, literacy and mechanical reasoning abilities. This is NOT a pass/ fails assessment, it exists so we can ensure that your academic abilities are suited to the trade you wish you apply for.
  3. Attend an interview with an ATC WA staff member - This part of the application process exists to simulate applying for a job and helps us determine your motivation and commitment to your chosen trade
  4. Letter will be sent notifying you of the outcome
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Australian Trades College Perth