At the Australian Technical College – Port Macquarie Adam and Luke are among the first students to sign up as an Australian School-based Apprentice with the new College.
Adam and Luke are undertaking Australian School-based Apprenticeship in metal and engineering trades at the Lansdowne Road plant of United Group Rail. Three days a fortnight they go to work at the plant, the remainder of their time is on campus continuing HSC subjects like English and Maths, with off the job training at the College’s specialist engineering workshops.
Both of the boys are very happy being involved in such a dynamic and innovative company.
“I am learning so much in my apprenticeship” Luke said.
Adam sees the link between his Australian School-based Apprenticeships and College.
“I really enjoy coming to school,” Adam said. “I’m learning many of the skills that relate to my work at United Group Rail”.
Campus Manager, Mr Jim Dempsey said, “We are very privileged to be supported by local employers such as United Group Rail. The boys’ acquisition of skills and overall sense of achievement speaks highly for this industry linked model of education.”
Mr Stephen Carmody from United Rail is equally as enthusiastic, “The benefits to employers of taking on, and keeping, an Australian School-based Apprentice, particularly at the Certificate III level, are obvious. When they come to you they are more mature, more productive and more likely to stay on and complete their apprenticeship.”