Thirteen Townsville Catholic Education students have been given the opportunity to commence a Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start) while completing their secondary school education.

In partnership with Major Training (RTO 6139), students from Ryan Catholic College, St Anthony’s Catholic College and Southern Cross College are all completing the course at the host school, Ryan Catholic College which held its first session last week.

Students will participate in the course one day per week throughout the 2023 school year. Run by a qualified and very experienced electrician, Chris Sargent, the course is designed to introduce students to the various careers available in electrotechnology through project based, hands-on experience in the workshop.

This qualification gives students a head start into the electrical industry - a pre-apprenticeship pathway into the Certificate III in Electrotechnology trade qualification. Once students have completed this course, they will have gained theory knowledge and practical experience in a hands-on training environment.  

This is an amazing opportunity for our students which will give them a great insight into the trade. In particular electrical theory and wiring, safety, solving problems in electrical circuits, electrotechnology materials and tools.

The course qualification counts towards the Queensland Certificate of Education. Students who successfully complete the program will have completed a nationally recognised pre-vocational qualification for careers in this industry. 

Potential career pathways include Electrical, Electronics, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, Renewable Energy and Telecommunications. 

This course will help to fill a skills shortage area. According to Jobs Queensland, Electricians are 8th highest ranking in Queensland for future employment and growth (12.8% increase 2024-2025). Additionally, Master Electricians Australia note that there is a shortage of 25,000 electricians nationwide, with a need to double apprenticeship uptake in the next 5 years.  

We are proud to give our students the opportunity to further develop their interest in this field and open their minds to the future pathways available to them once they graduate.