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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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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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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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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

NCAT Engineering Students

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Student working NCAT Certificate II in Engineering workshop

Female student working in NCAT Certificate II in Engineering workshop

NCAT Engineering Students

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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.