CQ high schoolers kickstart dreams of working in automotive industry with mixed mode course

CQUniversity's mixed mode delivery of its Automotive Vocational Preparation course means distance isn't an issue for Central Queensland high schoolers Brooke Collcott' Heath Bayles and Nathan McQuillan.

The trio are part of a group of high school students from the Biloela and Moura areas' who have the opportunity to attend CQUniversity's Rockhampton City Campus for hands-on training just like their Rockhampton counterparts – while studying the theory online.

In 2021 the Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation students are engaged in online learning one day each week from their schools. They also participate in three one-week blocks on the Rockhampton City campus' all conducted in the school holiday periods.

Nathan and Heath from Moura State High School said they decided to do the course because of their interest in the automotive industry.

"I hope it can help me get a foot in the door in the industry'" Nathan said.

Heath said: "I've always liked doing stuff with cars and believe getting a qualification would be good."

Brooke' who attends Biloela State High School' has a targeted plan.

"Doing this course will make it easier for me to get an apprenticeship within industry'" she said.

All three found the practical aspect of the course at the Rockhampton City campus very engaging.

"I like the practical side of it – the vehicle servicing'" Brooke said.

Nathan agreed. "I like the hands-on experience and inside tips from people in industry'" he said.

Heath said he liked the practical experience' particularly gaining experience from the teacher.

They each planned on obtaining employment in the industry once they finished high school.

The Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation course is a Start TAFE Now (STN) in schools course.

CQUniversity is a registered training organisation and through the STN program' offers Year 10*' 11 and 12 high school students the opportunity to study a range of vocational education and training (VET) courses as part of their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE).

Students have the option to choose between certificate and diploma level courses in a wide variety of study areas.

The STN program provides high school students the opportunity to gain:

- practical hands-on training;

- valuable skills for greater employability;

- credit towards a Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE);

- real trade skills and qualifications while completing high school;

- a competitive edge in the employment marketplace;

- credit towards further study.

Plus' Year 11 students can include a Certificate III qualification or higher to contribute to the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR).

* Applicants for Year 10 students may also be considered' who meet the eligibility requirements and would like to study a course under the Start TAFE Now program. In this instance' please contact stn@cqu.edu.au prior to completing and submitting an application.

For more information call CQUniversity on 13 27 86.