Telarah-based vocational education institution, Hunter Trade College has recently been named a finalist in the Australian Training Awards.
The Australian Training Awards is a prestigious national celebration of Australia’s best training providers, vocational students, apprentices, trainees, and employers.
Hunter Trade College has been recognised as one of three national 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 programs offer students the ability to obtain a nationally recognised qualification and extensive work experience placements alongside completing their HSC studies.
Hunter Trade College CEO, Mallory Gleeson says that these opportunities are a way for young people to transition from school into employment with real work experience.
“Since 2006, Hunter Trade College has seen over 2,200 students from across the Hunter, Upper Hunter, and Central Coast regions participate in our HSC vocational education and training programs,” Mallory said.
“Gaining vocational competencies while completing HSC studies allows students 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 students receive the most relevant training.
“On average, more than 80 per cent of our students progress into apprenticeships, other employment or training, which is a fantastic representation of the opportunities VET can provide young school leavers.”
Mallory 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 opportunity as a way to highlight a successful alternative to the traditional school model,” she said.
“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.
Patron Senator for the Hunter Region, Hollie Hughes said this recognition is a great achievement for the College and that all who are involved should be proud of the work they do to promote local trade.
“I sincerely congratulate Hunter Trade College on their acknowledgement as a finalist amongst their peers on the national stage,” Hollie said.
“The commitment of the College to highlighting the importance of vocational programs is such important support to students who have had their learning interrupted this past two years and I would encourage both schools and industry alike to become involved with the College.”
Hunter Trade College is taking enrolments now for people commencing Year 11 or 12 in 2022 who want to kickstart their trade careers.
IMAGE | Hunter Trade College automotive student.
