Pre-apprenticeship Skilling Pathway
To assist prospective apprentices secure an apprenticeship during the current economic climate, the Queensland Government has developed a Pre-apprenticeship Skilling Pathway model.
A pre-apprenticeship is generally used to describe a pathway that is a stepping stone into the trades. It involves training and assessment in a particular industry area and is undertaken entirely off-the-job, and sometimes with a component of work experience.
The new Pre-apprenticeship Skilling Pathway provides preparatory training to accelerate through an apprenticeship in existing trades.
Training will involve an induction component, as well as intensive, preparatory, trade-specific training, 'green' and employability ancillary skills development, and workplace simulation and vocational placement. These skills will be a necessary first step in preparing participants for the world of work in the industry area of their choice.
How is it different from existing pre-apprenticeship and pre-vocational training?
The global financial crisis requires a re-think of all skilling strategies. The new pathway builds on existing pre-vocational and pre-apprenticeship programs by maximising front-end training delivery, work specific placements, the involvement of employers in the program as well as instilling employability and "green" skills.
Additionally, within the broad framework, customised industry models based on the unique needs of industry are being developed. This will mean that many industry and occupation areas that do not already have pre-vocational and pre-apprenticeship programs may be able to develop their own models for the first time
This customisation, along with the use of more relevant generic skills such as "green" and employability skills, will result in job ready graduates from the pathway and better employment prospects.
Funding for Registered Training Organisations
The Pre-apprenticeship Skilling Pathway is a formal preparatory training program designed to skill prospective apprentices in a range of trade-related areas. The pathway aims to improve the skills base and employability of young people entering the trades.
Delivery of the pre-apprenticeship skilling pathway is open to both public and private registered training organisations (RTOs) through an application process. Eligible RTOs can make application to the department after approval from the relevant centre of excellence or skills alliance.
Training to be delivered under the pre-apprenticeship skilling pathway is to commence in early 2010, following the establishment of contracts with successful RTOs.
Guidelines for funding - Registered training organisations [PDF 38kB]
2010 Application for funding - Registered training organisations [DOC 309kB]
Information about industry models
Proposed Model for the Electrotechnology Industry
The proposed model for the Electrotechnology Industry is based on delivery of Certificate II qualifications from the Electrotechnology Training Package. The Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start) qualification from the Electrotechnology Training Package will form the basis of the program. As an enhancement to this qualification participants will be provided with training incorporating Sustainable Energy units from the Certificate II in Sustainable Energy (Career Start).
For more information on this model download the Pre-apprenticeship Skilling Pathway Electrotechnology Industry Model [PDF 88kB].
How do prospective apprentices get involved in the Pre-apprenticeship Skilling Pathway?
Pre-apprenticeship programs will be delivered be registered training organisations from early 2010. People interested in taking part in a program can register their interest now at www.apprenticeshipsinfo.qld.gov.au or by calling 1800 210 210. The proposed new pathway is being driven by Skills Queensland and its industry partners, including Energy Skills Queensland.
For more information visit the the Pre-apprenticeship Skilling Model page on the Department of Education and Training website.