A Construction Training Fund (CTF) initiative
Deciding on a future career pathway can be a difficult decision. North Metropolitan TAFE’s Try-A-Trade program is available to all year 9, 10 11 and 12 students and is a first step for those who have an interest in pursuing a career in the building and construction industry.
The Try-A-Trade program is offered at no cost to students, is fully funded by the Construction Training Fund, and is available to all year 9, 10 11 and 12 students throughout Western Australia.
The program provides students with an opportunity to ‘have a go’ at various trades such as bricklaying, stone masonry, ceramic tiling, solid plastering, wall and ceiling lining, painting and decorating and carpentry in a real trade training environment.
We have many success stories from students who completed a Try-A-Trade program and then went on to become professional tradespeople and even World Skills Competition winners.
Overview
The program seeks to:
- Provide students with practical interactive trade experience through a fun, hands-on experience.
- Raise awareness of construction as a viable career option by giving students a taste of different trade areas.
- Help students make informed choices about available study options in Year 11 and 12 or after school by showcasing the exciting trade and apprenticeship career pathways available.
Duration and time
The program runs for three days starting at 8:30am and finishing at 3:00pm.
Courses are run from our Clarkson or Balga campuses, depending on your location.
Requirements
Minimum of 12 students and a maximum of 16 students are required for the program to run.
Students will need steel-capped boots and clear safety glasses whilst attending the course.
The program is not available to students currently enrolled in a construction VET Delivered to Secondary School (VETDSS) qualification or already enrolled in any construction program for the following calendar year.
Students can only undertake one Try-A-Trade while they are in school.
In accordance with the CTF MOU a school coordinator/teacher must accompany and supervise students on their 3-day course.
Courses available (mix of 3 or 2 trades)
Students will be instructed on:
- OH&S trade related and general building and construction
- Prepare mortar mix
- Use industry tools
- Setting out
- Lay bricks using a level
- Roll brick joints.
Students will be instructed on:
- OH&S trade related and general building and construction
- Prepare mortar mix
- Use industry tools
- Lay limestone wall (group activity)
- Cut and polish granite/marble.
Students will be instructed on:
- OH&S Trade related and general building and construction
- Prepare surfaces
- Mix adhesive
- Basic setting out requirements
- Use tile cutters
- Lay tiles level and straight
- Grout tiles.
Students will be instructed on:
- OH&S trade related and general building and construction
- Mix ratios
- Float coat and ruling off
- Setting (white plaster)
- Sand finish
- Texture coating.
Students will be instructed on:
- OH&S trade related and general building and construction
- Basic setting out
- Cut and fix plasterboard and cornice
- Use angle beads
- Fill and flush joints
- Sand top coat to a smooth finish.
Students will be instructed on:
- Trade related occupational health and safety requirements
- P&D industry sectors/P&D promotional presentation: career in the industry
- Introduction to painter’s tools, ladders and equipment
- Basic surface preparation
- Cutting in project
- Painting of walls and ceilings by brush/rollers
- Cleaning of tools and equipment.
Students will be instructed on:
- Trade related occupational health and safety requirements
- C&J industry sectors/C&J promotional presentation: career in the industry
- Mark and measure framing components
- Use carpentry tools and equipment
- Cut and air nail framing components
- Cleaning of tools and equipment.
Expressions of interest for Try-A-Trade in Semester 2 are now open.
Schools and individual job seekers can complete an expression of interest through the Construction Training Fund (CTF) website(opens in a new tab) .
Additional information
For more information about this course please contact our VET Delivered to Secondary Students team.