Media releases

Federation University Australia and WestVic Staffing Solutions have joined forces to provide a Trade Taster program to secondary school students throughout the Ballarat region.

“The Trade Taster program is an excellent way for participants to experience different occupations to help students choose a career path,” Barry Wright, Executive Director of FedUni TAFE, said.

“The program is aimed at students in years 10 to 12. The two industry streams available are offered are trades and service industries.”

The trade courses include carpentry, plumbing, painting and decorating, engineering and horticulture.

The service industry course include hairdressing, beauty, business & IT, health and community services.

“Programs run one day a week for 10 weeks. Students will experience two days in each trade where they will learn about the tasks and responsibilities associated with each industry,” Mr Wright said.

“Following the program interested students are assisted to find apprenticeships or traineeships by both WestVic Staffing Solutions and FedUni TAFE staff.”

An Australia School-based Apprenticeship (SBAT) is an arrangement which combines paid employment as an apprentice or a trainee, on and off-the-job vocational training and senior Secondary School studies.

Students can apply for the program by contacting their careers teachers.