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Trade Taster Program
Get a taste for a future trades career while you're still at school.
Our Trade Taster Programs allow eligible high school students to try a course without committing to a full qualification or apprenticeship. This lets them find out if a course is the right option for them or test out a potential career path they are considering following in the future.
How it works
Trade Taster programs deliver training to year 10 students, one day per week for nine weeks.
Students participate in units aligned to a specific area over the course of a school term, gaining a deeper understanding of a qualification that assists them in making an informed decision when choosing a TAFE at School course or continuing with further studies in the future.
The fully funded Trade Taster Programs have been designed to fit around high school subjects, allowing students to get a head start on their learning journey while maintaining studies at school.
Available programs
Students will be able to choose from a selection of areas including: Ag Taster, Community Services Taster, Health Care Taster, Trade Taster, Hairdressing Taster and Cookery Taster*.
During the program students will complete a number of individual competencies from various TAFE Queensland courses, giving them a taste for what that career would be like.
The programs* will offer exposure across a variety of study areas, including:
- agriculture
- hairdressing
- light automotive
- engineering
- plumbing
- carpentry
- flooring technology
- heavy automotive
- health care
- community services
- cookery
*Not all study areas are available in all locations. Please refer to your school for further information.
Outcomes
It is important to note that successfully completing this program will not give you a formal qualification or any Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) credits. However after completing the Trade Taster Program you may want to continue your training with a pre-apprenticeship course or school-based apprenticeship and get a head start on your trade qualifications while you're still at school.
Students who complete a cookery Taster will attain their Responsible Service of Alcohol (SITSS00055) and students who complete a Trade Taster in traditional trades will attain their General Construction Induction Card Skill Set (SSCPC00029)
Eligibility criteria
To take part in the Trade Taster program you must be a year 10 student and be currently studying maths and English at a year 10 level. You must also be able to arrange travel to the relevant TAFE Queensland campus where the program is offered.
In order to apply for the taster program you will also need to have a Unique Student Identifier (USI). Your USI is a reference number that creates a secure online record of your training and qualifications from recognised training providers in Australia. You can quickly and easily create your USI online. To create a USI visit the Australian Government’s Unique Student Identifier website.
What it costs
There is no cost to eligible students. The Trade Taster program is fully funded by the Queensland Government. The cost of completing your General Construction Induction Card is also subsided under this program and will not incur a fee for eligible students. Participation in this program will not exclude you from other government funding and initiatives.
Locations
Taster programs are offered at our campuses, these locations are below.
| Region | Campus |
|---|---|
| Sunshine Coast | Nambour |
| Greater Brisbane | Acacia Ridge |
| Gold Coast | Ashmore |
| Gold Coast | Coomera Marine |
| North Queensland | Bohle Trade Training Centre |
Getting started
If you think you would like to do a trade taster while you’re in year 10, speak with your VET coordinator or teacher.