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2024 Bring It On! Young Women in the Trades and Technology at NCAT

On the 13th August, NCAT held their annual ‘Bring it On! Young Women in Trades and Technology’ event to encourage young women to consider study and a career in the Trades and Technology.

Students and their families were taken on a tour of our facilities where tradeswomen, employers and union representatives spoke about their experience in various industries as did students from our NCAT Young Women in the Trades and Technology group.

We were very fortunate to have the following organisations participate as industry hosts on the night:

CFMEU
Sutton Tools
Hutchinson Builders
New Plumbing Solutions
A&A Cabinets Impressions Group
QA Electrical
Dysons
Northern Workwear

Young women in Years 9, 10 and 11 from local schools, heard from and met qualified tradeswomen from Building and Construction, Electrotechnology, Plumbing and Furniture Making. They also heard from the local employers, union and employee organisations.

The event helped the students and their parents define their study options for the next few years and to increase their knowledge of pathways after school. Parents of some of the apprentices and pre- apprentice student spoke of their decision making journey and how their daughters were benefiting from the experiences.

NCAT Young Women in the Trades and Technology Stem Pre-Apprenticeship Electro Technology Building Construction Automotive Plumbing Engineering VCE VM

NCAT Young Women in the Trades and Technology Stem Pre-Apprenticeship Electro Technology

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Building & Construction Pre-App Students Develop Basic Paint Application Techniques

Students have been doing a fantastic job demonstrating skills when applying paint by brush and roller.

Students undertaking a Certificate II in Building and Construction (Painting & Decorating) have participated in learning and demonstrating processes to apply paint by brush and roller using correct processes in accordance with technical data information and Australian Standards.

As part of the unit, students build certain skills including, using painting and decorating tools and equipment, applying internal and exterior household paints by brush and roller and apply paint according to paint specifications and plans.

NCAT 2614VIC Certificate II in Building and Construction (Painting & Decorating) Pre-apprenticeship

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Automotive Technology

Get your hands dirty while learning everything that happens under the bonnet of car and makes them run. Work with cars and start your career in the auto industry buy completing the Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation. Explore career options in the auto industry. Learn how to repair or replace key components of the car so you are job ready by the time you finish the course.

You will be doing all these things in a simulated workplace, but you will also learn to write and talk about them when trying to impress a prospective employer to gain an apprenticeship.

Early career starts are available for VCE and VCE VM students seeking a career in automotive technology. Students can integrate a VET certificate in automotive technology within a VCE or VCE VM syllabus. Practical exercises include removing and replacing cylinder head gaskets, carrying out basic electrical repairs, removing and replacing radiators, repairs to cooling systems, repairs and working on brakes, changing the clutch on a car, removing and refitting transmissions, changing front and rear springs, plus learning many basics and fundamentals of motor vehicle repair and service operation.

Automotive Technology enables you to:

Remove, repair, or replace car parts.

Troubleshoot issues and find a solution.

Work with both mechanical and electrical systems.

Change wheels and tyres.

NCAT Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation student

The automotive trade is in high demand nationwide. Recent years have seen a shift in industry demand. NCAT has worked closely with the automotive industry and local employers to meet their training needs. A purpose-built automotive workshop encourages sustainable practices; state-of-the-art equipment and a practical, project-based curriculum simulate real world scenarios for hands-on student learning.

TestimonialsMitchell Seath (Automotive Pre-apprenticeship Student)

“I've grown since I've been here. I’m more confident and career-focused and generally happier because I actually see myself going somewhere.”

TestimonialsMitchell Seath (Automotive Pre-apprenticeship Student)

“I was considering it for a year and a half and now I don't know what took me so long. Don’t look back and just do it; honestly, it's changed my life.”

TestimonialsMitchell Seath (Automotive Pre-apprenticeship Student)

“I have a real passion for cars. We learn basic mechanics including the brakes, head gaskets and engines. We learn how to repair all cars.”

TestimonialsMitchell Seath (Automotive Technology Student)

“We do have work experience coming up of which I’ll be going to a local workshop to spend two weeks there - I'll basically be an apprentice during that time.”

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NCAT Automotive Vocational Preparation workshop

NCAT Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation students

Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation VET in School student

Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation VET in School students

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Course

Level(s)

Qualification(s)

Automotive Technology

VET

Qualification(s):

AUR20720 Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation

Course Structure

The Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation provides students with knowledge, skills and competency to increase their employment prospects and future training pathways in the automotive industry. Students receive a nationally recognised certificate and the course helps them make an informed choice entering the automotive industry. This Pre-apprenticeship level course covers competencies at work entry level including basic safety and basic skills and knowledge for work in the automotive sector.

Activities & Tasks

During the course students perform a large variety of the basic repairs employers ask an auto apprentice to carry out.

The course is very hands on but there is some theory and written work for the knowledge component of the qualification. How to complete various types of workplace documentation and how to apply safe work practices are covered.

Assessment

Practical repairs and maintenance tasks assessed by observation and questioning, and written tasks are all assessed using set criteria. Students are given a fair and adequate assessment process that includes multiple opportunities to demonstrate competency. Students are required to undertake a minimum of 80 hours of Structured Workplace Learning.

Eligibility & Prerequisites

It is recommended students have a minimum achievement level of Year 10 Maths and English or equivalent and an aptitude for practical work. If you have any individual needs please contact the college to discuss.

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Building & Construction

Early career starts are available for VCE and VCE VM students seeking a career in Building and Construction. Students can integrate a VET Certificate II in Building and Construction within a VCE or VCE VM syllabus.

Using a combination of laser levels and electronic tape measures, learn how to survey a block of land to set out an L-shaped house. Develop planning interpretation skills. Construct small-scale subflooring, wall frames, roof trusses and wall cladding. Understand how current OHS regulations are applied to the safe operation of power tools and hand equipment.

Building & Construction enables you to:

Use hand and power tool skills for various carpentry team and individual projects.

Work safely in the construction environments.

Build your skills in concepts, theory and terminology.

The building and construction trade is in high-demand nationwide. Qualified tradesmen are in short supply. Recent years have seen a shift in industry and consumer demand for sustainable building and construction practices, along with advances in Occupational Health and Safety requirements. The Certificate II in Building and Construction Pre-apprenticeship students learn skills that make them great candidates for entry into an apprenticeship.

TestimonialsDaniel Knott (Head of Department, Technology)

“That's our objective, that young people enjoy their education and then they enjoy their occupation afterwards because whatever they enjoy, whatever they love they're going to be successful.”

TestimonialsTamika Brownfield (Building & Construction Student)

“Before we do any sort of work we always just study the type of tool that we're using, including the risk that it can have.”

TestimonialsTamika Brownfield (Building & Construction Student)

“Not many females really do it and I’ve loved building things ever since I was younger.”

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NCAT Building and Construction VET In School Student

NCAT Certificate II In Building and Construction Pre-apprenticeship workshop

Building and Construction Pre-apprenticeship workshop

NCAT Building and Construction Pre-apprenticeship student

NCAT Building and Construction Pre-apprenticeship students

Students at Work in our Building and Construction Workshop

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Course

Level(s)

Qualification(s)

Building & Construction

VET

Qualification(s):

22614VIC Certificate II in Building and Construction (Carpentry) Pre-Apprenticeship

Course Structure

This course is a partial completion of 22338VIC Certificate II in Building and Construction Pre-apprenticeship (Carpentry) with 8 core units related to the building industry and 12 elective units introducing carpentry. It covers basic knowledge in safety and basic carpentry and building skills to prepare students for work in the building trades.

All new first year enrolments for Building and Construction in 2024 will be for the new 22614VIC Certificate II in Building and Construction Pre-apprenticeship (Carpentry) unless we receive advice otherwise from the VCAA.

Activities & Tasks

During the course, students will be able to activities and tasks that may include: basic building concepts, theory and terminology; using hand and power tool skills for various carpentry team and individual projects; timber construction projects eg.saw horses, dog house & small portable or fixed dwelling; working safely in the construction industry; calculations for the building industry; levelling; first aid.

Assessment

Practical project work assessed by observation and questioning, and written tasks are all assessed using set criteria. Students are required to undertake a minimum of 80 hours of Structured Workplace Learning.

Students will be given a fair and adequate assessment process that includes multiple opportunities to demonstrate competency.

Eligibility & Prerequisites

A minimum sound achievement of Year 10 Maths and English or equivalent and an aptitude for practical work is recommended. If you have individual needs please contact the college.

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Electrotechnology

Prepare yourself to gain an apprenticeship or employment by completing a range of project-based tasks. Work in a realistic simulated environment to give you the skills and knowledge, thereby giving you an advantage to get an offer for an apprenticeship; learn to use basic hand and power tools and read circuit diagrams, take electrical measurements and perform electrical calculations. Undertake theoretical and practical tasks linked directly to work done by electricians and technicians.

The electrotechnology trade is in high demand. Recent years have seen a shift in industry and consumer demand for sustainable energy, producing a need for skilled workers across electrical, data communications and similar electrotechnology related fields. NCAT Certificate II in Electrotechnology trainers consult with industry and government reference groups to ensure our curriculum remains consistent with emerging trends. A practical project-based curriculum simulates real world scenarios for hands-on student learning. Students benefit from state-of-the-art equipment and purpose built facilities that demonstrate sustainable practices.

Electrotechnology enables you to:

Put electrical/electronic theory into practice via projects.

Conduct safety testing of electrical cord connected equipment.

Carry out basic network cabling.

Solve problems in ELV single path circuits.

Fix and secure Electrotechnology equipment.

Use a range of hand and power tools.

Practice wiring and basic installation skills.

Learn to read circuit diagrams. Build electrical devices. Explore alternative energy generation and storage. Work with NCAT ’s wind turbines and solar panel farm.

TestimonialsCarina Gauci (Electrotechnology Student)

“I'm studying to be an electrician. A lot of people would think, “Oh you're a girl, you can't do that.” but then when I show them that I can do it, they second-guess themselves.”

TestimonialsDaniel Knott (Head of Department, Technology)

“It’s our objective, that young people enjoy their education. Then they enjoy their occupation afterwards because whatever they enjoy, whatever they love, they're going to be successful.”

TestimonialsCarina Gauci (Electrotechnology Student)

“I'm studying to be an Electrician and then on Wednesdays, I'm doing an art course. It's both things that I’m really passionate about.”

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NCAT Certificate II In Electrotechnology Student

NCAT's Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Pre-vocational) workshop

NCAT Certificate II in Electrotechnology Trainer

NCAT Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Pre-vocational) workshop

NCAT Certificate II In Electrotechnology VET In School Student

Students at Work

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Course

Level(s)

Qualification(s)

Electrotechnology

VET

Qualification(s):

22499VIC Certificate II in Electrotechnology Studies (Pre-vocational)

Course Structure

The 22499VIC Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Pre-vocational) prepares students to gain an apprenticeship or other employment in the electrotechnology industry. It covers the fundamentals of electrical, telecommunication, refrigeration and air conditioning systems as well as workshop experience in fabrication and assembly techniques, wiring, cabling, basic installation skills and use of test equipment. Workplace safety and first aid training are also included.

It provides an overview of the industry, employment opportunities and training pathways. The training is mainly project based and gives industry relevant hands-on experience in a realistic simulated environment. The course gives you the basic skills to make you job ready. You will learn to use basic hand and power tools and equipment an electrician/technician uses and how to read circuit diagrams, take electrical measurements and perform electrical calculations.

Activities & Tasks

The theoretical and practical training is linked directly to the work electrotechnology related technicians undertake. The course includes: basic electrical/electronic theory; renewable energy concepts and projects (solar and wind); electricmotor theory and practice (motor control); data and network cabling; testing instruments; air-conditioning basics.

Assesment

A combination of project based practical tasks and job briefs assessed by observation and questioning and written tasks and theory tests are all assessed using set criteria. Students are given a fair and adequate assessment process that includes multiple opportunities to demonstrate competency. Students are required to undertake a minimum of 80 hours of Structured Workplace Learning.

Eligibility & Prerequisites

It is recommended students have a minimum sound achievement of Year 10 Maths and English or equivalent and an aptitude for practical work. If you have any individual needs, please contact us to discuss these.

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Plumbing

Get the skills you need to set yourself up for a plumbing apprenticeship. Focus on the practical elements of plumbing in course where you develop a range of skills in the plumbing workshop.

Learn about the different plumbing pathway choices such as general, mechanical, domestic, and commercial plumbing. Tackle a range of tasks such as sheet metal work, technical drawings, and levelling. This course covers sustainable plumbing practices.

Early career starts are available for VCE and VCE VM students seeking a career in Plumbing. Students can integrate a VET certificate in Plumbing within a VCE or VCE VM syllabus. Using a combination of maths and technical drawings, learn how to set out a bathroom using plans to position fixtures with accuracy and in line with current regulations. Learn mild steel welding and brazing using Oxy/Acetylene. Understand how current OHS regulations are applied within a simulated plumbing environment. Develop products to scale in line with technical drawing specifications.

Plumbing enables you to:

Enter the industry understanding which area you may like to specialise in.

Learn the basics of plumbing knowledge.

Create connections in the industry through Structured Workplace Learning.

Use basic hand and power tools.

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The College consults with industry and government reference groups to ensure that our plumbing curriculum remains consistent with emerging trends. Purpose-built facilities demonstrate sustainable plumbing practices; state-of-the-art equipment and practical curriculum design simulate real-world scenarios for hands-on student learning.

TestimonialsPaddy Fitzgerald (Certificate II Plumbing Student)

“I started in the arts and I stumbled across plumbing and I think it's stuck. We’ve learned how to do gutters and now starting to do the framework of a hot water system.”

TestimonialsRaffaela Galati-Brown (Principal)

“We value the whole person here. Whether they're coming for a VCE program or for an applied program, what we look at is what can they do, not what they can't do and how can we build their skills.”

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Course

Level(s)

Qualification(s)

Plumbing

VET

Qualification(s):

22569VIC Certificate II in Plumbing (Pre-Apprenticeship)

Course Structure

The Certificate II in Plumbing ( Pre-apprenticeship) covers the knowledge and skills to prepare students for an entry into an apprenticeship. There is a strong practical focus. A range of units introduces students to basic plumbing knowledge and skills and the opportunity to develop skills for the industry in the plumbing workshop. There is a strong emphasis on sustainability and safe plumbing principles.

Activities & Tasks

During the course, Plumbing students will be able to complete projects that include: sheet metalwork; plumbing fixtures and fittings for domestic and commercial applications; technical drawing and plumbing specifications; levelling; water, sanitary and drainage pipes used in plumbing.

Assessment

The completion of written and observed practical tasks and projects for each unit are assessed using set criteria. Students are given a fair and adequate assessment process that includes multiple opportunities to demonstrate competency.

Students are encouraged to do a minimum of 80 hours Structured Workplace Learning.

Eligibility & Prerequisites

It is recommended students have a minimum sound achievement of Year 10 Maths and English or equivalent and an aptitude for practical work. If you have individual needs, please contact the college.