Cooper Carr is only 16 and not even out of school' but he's already cranking up plans to become an apprentice diesel fitter' thanks to CQUniversity.

Cooper is currently undertaking a Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation while he completes his secondary education.

"I think the training I've been receiving at CQUni TAFE is awesome. I have learned so much through the units I have completed so far'" he said.

"My ultimate aim is to become a fully qualified tradesman and I'm keen to do anything I can to help get an apprenticeship as a diesel fitter."

The Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation allows young people to study a trade while at high school. The course is a Start TAFE Now (STN) in schools course.

CQUniversity is a registered training organisation and through the Start TAFE Now 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 Start TAFE Now 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.