Pre-apprenticeship courses ticket to career in growth industries

With news that the Federal Government is investing more than $112 million to equip young Australians to pursue careers in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) industries, TAFE Queensland said now is the time to invest in your future.

According to the PwC STEM Report, A smart move, an estimated 75 per cent of jobs in the fastest-growing industries require workers skilled in STEM.

In response to this, TAFE Queensland SkillsTech is offering reduced fees across all trade areas for pre-apprenticeship courses to assist young people to pursue careers in these industries.

TAFE Queensland SkillsTech Director Educational Delivery John Tucker said it is crucial that today’s youth are preparing themselves for their future in STEM industries.

“We made the decision to reduce fees for our pre-apprenticeship courses to help students with their problem solving and critical reasoning skills which are essential for STEM industries, including the trade areas of electrical, engineering, construction and automotive,” Mr Tucker said.

“These courses include a work placement component with employers and ensure that students are work-ready from day one when they move into formal employment.”

Hembrow’s Electrical Service Manager James Caldwell agreed stating that students who have completed a pre-apprenticeship course with a work experience placement with them as an employer make excellent apprentices; a try before you buy for both apprentice and employer.

“By signing on and completing one of these courses the student has shown a commitment to his or her career pathway which is highly valued,” Mr Caldwell said.

“The pre-apprenticeship course ensures that the student is significantly better prepared to successfully complete both the workplace and off-the-job training of a full apprenticeship.”

TAFE Queensland SkillsTech Director Educational Delivery John Tucker said at a time when Australian Industry Group research has indicated that 25 per cent of apprentices are affected by low levels of literacy and numeracy issues, which impacts on their capacity to acquire STEM skills, pre-apprenticeship courses can help.