Telarah-based vocational education institution, Hunter Trade College (HTC), has been named a finalist in the Australian Training Awards.
The event is a prestigious national celebration of Australia’s best providers, vocational students, apprentices, trainees and employers.
HTC is acknowledged as one of three finalists in the School Pathways to VET Award category.
As an independent senior school and a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), Hunter Trade College enrols up to 175 students per year into trade-focused Higher School Certificate programs.
The initiatives offer students the ability to obtain a nationally-recognised qualification and extensive work experience placements alongside completing their HSC studies.
HTC CEO Mallory Gleeson said the opportunities were a way for young people to transition from school into employment with real work experience.
“Since 2006, Hunter Trade College has seen more than 2,200 students from across the Hunter, Upper Hunter and Central Coast regions participate in our HSC vocational education and training programs,” she explained.
“Gaining vocational competencies while completing HSC studies allows pupils to develop the foundation knowledge and experience in their chosen trades to help kickstart their careers.
“Our partnerships with local industry and a network of over 400 host employers gives us the ability to provide students with training in a range of industries and experience in a real workplace environment.
“Our infrastructure also includes industry-standard workshops and equipment, with our trainers coming from solid industry backgrounds to ensure pupils receive the most relevant training.
“On average, more than 80% of our students progress into apprenticeships, other employment or training, which is a fantastic representation of the opportunities VET can provide young school leavers.”
Mrs Gleeson also commented on the importance of vocational education and training in the economic recovery of Australia following the pandemic.
“Hunter Trade College is thrilled to have been recognised as a finalist in the Australian Training Awards and hopes to use this as a way to highlight a successful alternative to the traditional school model,” she added.
“The VET industry is essential in the economic recovery of our country post-COVID and contributes to the growth of Australia’s skilled workforce for our future.
“We take this opportunity to encourage other schools to adopt vocational programs into their scope and promote apprenticeship pathways to their students.
“On behalf of all at Hunter Trade College, I thank the Australian Training Awards committee and we look forward to celebrating at this year’s event.
“We also encourage female students considering a trade pathway to pursue their career goals through our programs, with four scholarships currently available through our ‘empowerHER’ initiative.”
If you know someone starting Year 11 or Year 12 in 2022 with an interest in kickstarting their trade career, Hunter Trade College is taking enrolments now.
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