Have you finished or are you in Year 10 and want to have more options as you move towards your career?

Do you;

• Want to kick off an apprenticeship or traineeship in one of the dozens of industries for which CITE offers in-school trade training, while you get your HSC and earn money?
• Want to set up a HSC that allows you to study courses that will help you in your future?
• Want to be involved in more hands-on learning and develop skills in a range of areas to improve your employability?
• Want access to industry standard facilities?
• Need to meet Government requirements for learning or earning?

Then a Centre for Industry Training Excellence in a central coast public high school is where you want to be!

We can help you become a carpenter, a mechanic, a welder, a chef or many other options and provide you with knowledge and skills that will even help you to run your own business down the track.
When you finish two years in school based trade and vocational training successfully, you may come out with:

1. your HSC
2. a Certificate II or a Statement of Attainment towards a Certificate II
3. access to TAFE opportunities
4. the first year of an apprenticeship/traineeship in your chosen trade (if you are an SBAT)

Not bad, huh?

A Centre for Industry Training Excellence is part of a school near you. Read our FAQs below and if you have any other questions, please give us a call or click on the contact link to register your interest.

"So how does this work?"

The trade training program is a different way of learning and earning, and varies from school to school in how it is structured. The best part is that it is really flexible to meet your needs. It can involve trade or vocational study at school and or TAFE as part of your HSC, or it can be a School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship (SBAT) These are some of the ways it can work;

• If you are an SBAT you might spend three days a week studying toward your HSC at a school, one day a week learning technical skills at TAFE relating to your trade and one day on the job with your employer.
• You might be studying a regular HSC 5 days a week that includes one or two school VET courses.
• You might be studying some HSC subjects at school and a TAFE VET course one afternoon a week.
• You could set up a HSC pattern of study that gets you a HSC, a Certificate II in your chosen trade, and you will have the option not to sit an exam.

Also, if you are an SBAT and your employer needs you for more time, you can agree to work a block of time or on weekends. Think about the extra cash, not to mention experience working in your trade.

"What is an SBAT?"

School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships are more than just part-time jobs - they’re a great way to set yourself up for the career you want whilst you are completing your HSC.

School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships are available to all Year 10, 11 and 12 high school students in NSW. They allow students to commence an apprenticeship or complete a traineeship while at school.

A School Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship combines paid work, training and school; and as well as an industry recognised national qualification you will gain credit towards the HSC.

Some apprenticeships and traineeships can contribute towards the ATAR.

Follow this link for more information; http://www.sbatinnsw.info/

"What do I get out of it?"

There are lots of pluses to completing Year 12 and trade training. You can gain a Preliminary Certificate, a Statement of Attainment, a HSC, a Certificate II in a trade course. On top of these accreditations you will gain a range of employability skills that can transfer to your chosen industry. You will complete work placements that not only give you experience but will give you valuable contacts in the industry.

"Can I choose my own subjects?"

The subjects you study are determined by the curriculum offered at your school, however it is a good idea to choose subjects that will help you in the trade you choose. The HSC subjects you will study may include English, Maths, Business Studies and Work Studies. There will also be a range of School VET courses and Category B courses that may not have a HSC exam that you can choose from. You will also study special courses to help you when you're on the job like OH&S and First Aid.

"How much does it cost?"

Fees for students will depend on the individual school. This includes your uniform and work gear (hi-viz shirt, pants and work boots or chefs gear) and your Senior First Aid Certificate. However some additional charges may apply, depending on your course (eg you may want to complete the RSA and RCG courses to gain employment in hospitality). Check with your careers adviser for details.

"How can I set up my HSC to give me trade training options?"

You have to be between 15 and 17 and have completed the School Certificate. Talk to your Careers Adviser or Transition Adviser to develop a plan around what subjects are best for you. Make sure that you then talk to the teachers of those subjects - at your subject selection evenings would be a good time - to make sure that you are clear on what is involved in each course you are considering.

If you are not currently enrolled at a public high school contact the school to make an appointment to discuss your options and possible enrolment with the Principal.