The Australian Government is funding Australian Technical Colleges across Australia in areas where there are skills needs, a high youth population and a strong industry base. These Colleges cater for Years 11 and 12 students who wish to study for their Year 12 certificate and start an apprenticeship whilst still at school (Australian School-based Apprenticeship). The Colleges support students through both academic and trade training; with mentoring, career advice and business and employability skills. These courses are all developed with industry input to ensure that the training offered will be relevant for local needs.

A new choice for young people

Australian Technical Colleges are for students in Year 11 and 12. Students enter into an Australian School-based Apprenticeship in a trade at the Certificate III level, which leads to a nationally recognised qualification; study academic subjects, leading to a Year 12 certificate; and also gain IT, employability and business skills, enabling them to run their own business if they desire. They can also keep the option to go on to further study at university.

The Colleges provide an incentive for more students to stay on at school and encourage more students to pursue a trade qualification. They expand student choice by providing another pathway to a career involving trades. Facilities and educational services offered by the Colleges are high quality, establishing them as centres of excellence in trade training, thereby raising the profile of vocational and technical education in schools and strengthening the training system as a whole. The Colleges play an important role in expanding Australian School-based Apprenticeships, particularly in the traditional trades areas.