Trades Education Provider Gets an A+
Robina’s Australian Industry Trade College (AITC) is renowned as one of the most successful trade schools in the country, with more than 90 per cent of every senior class graduating with a full time apprenticeship.
AITC is an independent college which caters for students from years 10 to 12, who are looking to accelerate their trade qualifications while completing their senior certificate.
The school’s high graduate employment rate is credited to its a one-of-a-kind ‘earn while you learn’ system – which sees students spend five weeks per term in a classroom and five weeks working in their chosen field.
AITC CEO Mark Hand says the split education model not only accelerates students’ employment qualifications and earning capacity, but importantly produces ‘work ready’ tradespeople.
“At AITC we focus on providing real world experience, with our students undertaking either work experience or an apprenticeship throughout their schooling, so some pupils are about a third of the way through their trade certificate when they graduate, which gives them and their employers confidence in their capability,” he said.
AITC enjoys a high-exposure, central Robina location on Scottsdale Drive, in Robina Group’s M1 Business Precinct, within walking distance to Varsity Lakes Train Station and on a major bus route.
Mr Hand says AITC’s Robina location was a significant benefit for students.
“Our location in Robina is a contributor to our success, as it is a geographically central and convenient location for students from right across the Gold Coast. It also allows easy access to the wide range of businesses in the sport, health, construction, technology and education fields, to name a few, which are right on our doorstep.
“Local businesses have been very supportive in providing opportunities for our students, who we hope will become the next generation of trade business owners and operators in Robina and surrounding areas.”
AITC student Reece Simpson, year 12, is completing an electrical apprenticeship, and says the school’s innovative approach to education means he will be able to achieve his goals faster.
“I know lots of high school students have a casual or part time job, but not many are able to work towards their future careers while still at school,” he said.
“The teachers here are great – they take the time to work with you individually if you need extra support and they help to prepare you for the workforce so you know what to expect and what is expected of you.
“I feel like I have a head start on a lot of people my age because I am already working towards my career goals, which means I will hopefully be able to start earning a higher salary a lot earlier than if I had started my apprenticeship post graduation.”
For more information, visit http://www.aitc.qld.edu.au/
