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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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Tim Pallas, Treasurer and Minister for Industrial Relations visits NCAT

On Tuesday October 10th the Victorian State Government Treasurer, the Hon. Tim Pallas and the Member for Preston, Nathan Lambert, visited NCAT. The Treasurer, in his capacity as the Minister for Industrial Relations, had earlier this year signed off on the initial 12-month funding for the Bring It On! Project Worker, Brigitte Reinbold.

The Project supports the NCAT Young Women in Trades and Technology Group who are working with local colleges, companies, unions and employer groups to encourage other young school-age women to consider studies and employment in Trades and Technology.

Bring It On! is the only school-based project of this nature in Victoria and the Treasurer visited NCAT specifically to meet with members of the NCAT Young Women in Trades & Technology Group and their Industry Partners. During his visit the Treasurer listened intently to members of the Young Women in Trades & Technology Group as they explained what they were studying and what industry sector they hoped to work in after they leave school.

The Minister and the College Principal co-signed and presented a Certificate of Appreciation to the Industry Team Members which includes New Plumbing Solutions, QA Electrical, Hutchinsons Builders, A&A Cabinet Impressions, Civil Infrastructure Group, the CFMEU, Women in Plumbing Vic and Northern Workwear and Safety. The Minister also witnessed the sign off on a Code of Respectful Conduct developed by Industry Team Members.

In his closing comments, the Minister congratulated the students, industry and community partners and all involved in the Bring It On! Project saying that women have a right to equality of employment in all industry sectors and that a “Woman’s place is where they want it to be”.

Read the full media release from the Hon. Tim Pallas

Tim Pallas Nathan Lambert Women in Trades New Plumbing Solutions QA Electrical Hutchinsons Builders A&A Cabinet Impressions Civil Infrastructure Group the CFMEU Women in Plumbing Vic Northern Workwear and Safety

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“Education and training are vital, and so are attitudes in the workplace. Every workplace conversation, policy or action can reinforce or challenge the beliefs and norms that drive inequity.”

– Tim Pallas, Minister for Industrial Relations

“NCAT is an outstanding school that constantly looks for new ways to break down barriers and entrenched ways of thinking about education and careers. We’ll keep backing schools that produce amazing results for their students.”

– Ben Carroll, Minister for Education

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2023 Bring It On! Young Women in the Trades and Technology at NCAT

In August we had the incredible pleasure of hosting ‘Bring It On!’. The evening event was organised and hosted by some our female pre- apprenticeship students who are a part of the NCAT Young Women in Trades & Technology group.

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

CFMEU
Hutchinson Builders
New Plumbing Solutions
A&A Cabinets Impressions Group
QA Electrical
Women in Plumbing

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.

TRADES FIT: Young Women In Trades and Tech Expo

The NCAT Young Women in the Trades and Technology Group represented the college in May at the Trades Fit: Young Women in Trades and Tech Expo. It was attended by 2,493 female and non-binary students. Hosted by the Department of Education at the Melbourne Convention Centre, the expo gave female and non-binary students to gain an insight into exciting career opportunities in traditionally male-dominated fields, through practical learning experiences, technology displays, information sessions and panel discussions.

A big thank you each member of the NCAT Young Women in the Trades and Technology Group for their tireless work and enthusiasm throughout the year.

Read more about our Trades & Technology areas.

Northern College of the Arts and Technology (NCAT) is a Year 10 – 12 Government Secondary School specialising in the Arts and Technology. We are a Registered Training Organisation (RTO Number 6736). NCAT is on Murray Road, Preston.

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

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Integrated Technologies VET Student receives Premier’s VCE Award

Premier’s VCE Award

Xavier Cohen, a student undertaking a 22586VIC Certificate II in Integrated Technologies at NCAT has recently won a prestigious Premier’s VCE Award for his studies after achieving a study score of 48 and the highest in the state. This is the second time an NCAT student enrolled in 22586VIC Certificate II in Integrated Technologies has received the Premier’s VCE award after Joshua Redolfi previously won in 2017. In total we have had 12 students achieve a study score of 40 or higher since we started the VET qualification.

Top Designs 2022

Xavier, as well as Natasha Murthy, another student enrolled in VCE VET Integrated Technologies also had their projects displayed in this year’s Top Designs exhibition at the Melbourne Museum.

NCAT celebrates their success and encourages students with an interest in electronics, computer networking, robotics and automation industries to consider enrolling in our 22586VIC Certificate II in Integrated Technologies.

Komatsu Australia visits NCAT

Tim Roberts, Technology Solutions Trainer at Komatsu Australia recently visited NCAT to speak to our Integrated Technologies students about intelligent machine control and automation. Our students learnt about how large earthmoving equipment can now be controlled in the lounge room of your home using Virtual Reality (VR) headsets and hand controllers.

Tim also spoke about careers, industry and training pathways and was impressed with what our students were learning and saw first-hand the progress they’d made on their own automation projects. NCAT and Komatsu have now formed a partnership around the delivery of the Integrated Technologies qualification and this reinforces how closely NCAT works with industry partners to deliver industry relevant training that maxamizes students employability skills.

VCE VET certificate II integrated technologies ncat

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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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Engineering Studies

Immerse yourself in a project based, hands on course in engineering. Start your career in an area which has so many specialties for you to choose from.

Balance the design and planning elements with learning how to use industry standard tools in a purpose-built engineering workshop created for this exact purpose. Manage engineering based projects, undertake processes and learn the industry you are about to enter, inside and out.

Early career starts are available for VCE and VCE VM students seeking a career in engineering. Students can integrate a VET Certificate II in Engineering within a VCE or VCAL syllabus. Develop skills in machining, fabrication and the safe use of power tools. Use computer controlled lathes (CNC), lasers, and computer aided drafting (CAD) to create projects and your own equipment for use in the trade. A major project is completed at the end of the units 3+ 4.

You can read about two NCAT student Certificate II Engineering projects completed here.

Engineering Studies enables you to:

Develop the skills to work with a range of equipment and tools.

Produce engineering components.

Undertake a major product and document the process.

Make vice soft jaws, a sheet metal tool caddy, centre punch, soft face mallet or an engineer’s square.

northern-college-of-the-arts-and-technology-ncat-technology-engineering-2

Recent years have seen a shift in industry demand for fields such as engineering, manufacturing, automation, control technologies, mechatronics, electrotechnology, robotics, and energy management.

TestimonialsAnh (Kitty) Chau (Engineering Student)

“I want to do architecture when I'm older. At the end of the two-year course, we get a certificate saying that we've completed our engineering studies and it's just something else to add to my portfolio for university or entering the workforce.”

TestimonialsMichael Stapmanns (Engineering Student)

“Thanks to my experience at NCAT I was finally able to decide what direction to take and that engineering was what I wanted to do. My results in this course, thanks to the terrific teachers and learning environment at NCAT, gave my ATAR score a big boost…there was a clear link between theory and practice.”

TestimonialsDaniel Knot (Head of Department, Technology)

“A student can come here for three years: years 10, 11 and 12. They can do between four and five different certificates so that by the end of it they will definitely know what they want to do.”

TestimonialsAnh (Kitty) Chau (Engineering Student)

“Our engineering teacher used to help build and design planes for Boeing and when we found out we asked, “What are you doing here”? He replied, “I come here just for you guys.”

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NCAT Certificate II in Engineering student working

NCAT Certificate II in Engineering trainer and student

NCAT Certificate II in Engineering student

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Student working in NCAT Certificate II in Engineering workshop

Course

Level(s)

Qualification(s)

Engineering Studies

VET

Qualification(s):

22632VIC Certificate II in Engineering Studies

Course Structure

NCAT's Certificate II in Engineering is a project-based, hand-on course delivered in a simulated workplace environment in the NCAT Engineering workshop. The course provides students with the skills and knowledge to pursue an apprenticeship in the engineering trades or with a foundation for professional engineering roles. Units 1 & 2 cover areas in computer technology and using hand and power tools.

We deliver a general course including some elective units from fabrication, machining and engineering technical pathways. Units 3 & 4 offers scored assessment and incorporates units such as producing basic engineering sketches and drawings, handling engineering materials, performing computations (for the VCE stream only).

You can read about two NCAT student Certificate II Engineering projects completed here. https://ncat.vic.edu.au/ncat-engineering-studies-student-work/

Activities & Task

Projects made in Engineering Units 1 & 2 include vice soft jaws, sheet metal tool caddy, centre punch, soft face mallet and an engineer’s square. Students doing Engineering Units 3 & 4 are required to construct a major project and document the project in a portfolio.

Assessment

Students wanting a study score for the Certificate II in Engineering can undertake scored assessment. Practical project work is assessed by observation and questioning, written tasks and tests are assessed using set criteria. Students are given a fair and adequate assessment process with multiple opportunities to demonstrate competency. Students must attend 80% of all classes and successfully complete all units of competency to obtain their certificate II qualification.

Students are recommended to undertake a minimum of 80 hours of Structured Workplace Learning.

Eligibility & Prerequisites

Year 9 – 10 basic language, literacy and numeracy levels are desired. If you have any individual needs please contact us to discuss the options available to you.

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Integrated Technologies

Integrated Technology is linked directly to electronics. Learn basic electrical and electronics theory. Understand robotics concepts and create projects. Undertake computer and wireless networking and telecommunications cabling.

Early career starts are available for VCE and VCE VM students seeking a career in integrated technology. Students can include a VET Certificate II in Integrated Technology within a VCE or VCE VM syllabus.

The integrated technology trade is in high demand. Recent years have seen an increase in industry demand for employees skilled across the electrical, data communications, and engineering fields. It provides skills and knowledge in Digital Broadband, IT security systems, Cabling, Information & Communications Technology, and Telecommunications.

Integrated Technologies enables you to:

Learn computer networking theory and practical tasks.

Learning coding, automation and robotics (Arduino, C++, VEX).

Use CAD, programming of microcontrollers, robotics, 3D printing and process automation to develop products from conceptualisation to working prototypes.

Develop an understanding in solar powered energy systems.

The College consults 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. Purpose built facilities demonstrate sustainable practices furnished with state-of-the-art equipment.

TestimonialsXavier (Integrated Technology Student)

“I came to NCAT specifically because they offered integrated technology. We work on a single project for many weeks at a time, for example, we have to make a board that can charge a battery from a solar panel and then we do theory on that such as electricity and renewable energy to back up those practical applications.”

TestimonialsXavier (Integrated Technology Student)

“During our first year we do a lot of networking and we get part of the CCNA CISCO Certificate which can be a good starting point to get a job directly after school.”

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Course

Level(s)

Qualification(s)

Integrated Technologies

VET

Qualification(s):

22586VIC Certificate II in Integrated Technologies (Pre-Vocational))

Course Structure

The 22527VIC Certificate II in Integrated Technologies covers the knowledge and skills to increase job prospects in the Electrotechnology, Information Technology, Telecommunications, Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing Industries. It is an introduction to the electrotechnology, computer networking, automation and advanced manufacturing industries. Students engage with multiple technologies and emerging techniques in the field of 3D printing, CAD, coding, automation and robotics.

Activities & Tasks

The NCAT Integrated Technology program covers theoretical and practical training linked directly to the work of the Integrated Technology industries and includes: computer networking theory and practical tasks; coding, automation and robotics (Arduino, C++, VEX); use of CAD, programming of microcontrollers, robotics, 3D printing and process automation to develop products from conceptualisation to working prototypes and solar powered energy systems.

Assessment

Practical project based tasks and design briefs are assessed by observation and questioning, and theory tests and written assessments using set criteria. Students are given a fair and adequate assessment process that includes multiple opportunities to demonstrate competency.

Eligibility & Prerequisites

It is recommended participants 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 the college.

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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.