Cairns trade program a ground-breaking first for region

An innovative program linking senior schooling and trades training to address the region’s skills shortages will take off in far north Queensland from the start of the 2008 school year.

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford said the new Cairns Trade and Industry Program built on the record numbers of high school students undertaking TAFE training in the region.

“The joint initiative by Tropical North Queensland TAFE and Education Queensland is a cooperative approach to education and training in the high demand areas of electrical, construction, metal fabrication and diesel fitting,” Mr Welford said.

“The Cairns Trade and Industry Program will offer 56 places to Year 11 students in 2008, giving the students the chance to combine vocational trades training and senior studies full-time, in the one location, for the first time in the region.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for senior students to get a headstart on a career in the trades, while completing their senior studies.”

Mr Welford said the number of high school students undertaking TAFE training in the region had increased by 105 per cent on 2005 figures.

“Almost 1800 students were training through TAFE in the last semester, with the biggest growth in programs such as construction, engineering, automotive, tourism and hospitality,” he said. “The new Cairns Trade and Industry Program will build on this level of student interest.”

Under the program, students will initially undertake Certificate II level trades training, with scope to progress to school-based apprenticeships. The students will also be eligible for the Queensland Certificate of Education, which replaces the Senior Certificate in 2008.

“Students will be enrolled as senior high school students, however, curriculum will include a strong focus on one of the four training areas,” Mr Welford said.

“Starting in semester one on 30 January the students will attend classes at the Cairns TAFE Campus four days a week, where their timetables will incorporate TAFE training and school subjects including Maths and English taught by Education Queensland teachers.

“Students also will undertake weekly work placement.

“TAFE and Education Queensland will seek to develop partnership arrangements with industry groups and local employers, with the ultimate goal of securing full-time employment for each student after Year 12.”

An information service has been established at TAFE on 1300 656 959 and an application form can be found at www.tnqit.tafe.qld.gov.au. Applications close on 9 January 2008.

Media contact: Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000