Townsville Bulletin

Try a trade to get ahead

- Francine Pullman

THE option to pursue a trade career just got a whole lot more appealing to youngsters who are invited to sample a variety of trades before they commit to one.

On July 20 Tec- NQ will be launching its first ever TecPrep program which aims to prepare Year 10 level students aspiring to a trade.

The six- month program was created to cater for demand and overcome the common challenge faced by young people of making the right choice.

School Programs manager Neil Whitley said due to overwhelmi­ng community response, the program had been expanded to allow more students to sample a range of trades while completing year 10 level studies.

“It is very difficult for young students to be clear on what vocation they choose to pursue as a career,’’ he said.

“By the time these students complete Tec- Prep and enter Year 11, they will have a much clearer understand­ing of the trade they have selected.

“They will have the opportunit­y to talk to the trade facilitato­rs and students from different trades and make up their own mind about what suits their skills and career ambitions.’’

Among the keen participan­ts is Year 10 Annandale Christian College student Mickinley Cornell.

“I spoke with a few friends who had already attended TecNQ and they said it was great and then I did some investigat­ing online and discussed it with my family,’’ he said of his decision to change schools to enrol in the program.

“I prefer being hands- on and think that getting a trade will suit me best and Tec- NQ is the best option for me.

“I’m not entirely sure ( which trade I will chose), which is why I’m doing TecPrep, but I have an interest in electrical and I’m really excited to see what it’s like.’’

The Trade Preparatio­n Skills program is aimed at giving all participan­ts an introducti­on into the key trade areas that Tec- NQ specialise­s in: Engineerin­g Mechanical, Engineerin­g Fabricatio­n, Carpentry, Plumbing, Automotive, Electrical and Informatio­n Technology.

The program is run over six months from July to December.

For those interested in participat­ing in this inaugural Tec- Prep Program, applicatio­ns will need to be made by July 10. Visit www. tecnq. com. au for more informatio­n.

“I prefer being hands- on and think that getting a trade will suit me best”

 ?? Picture: EVAN MORGAN ?? TOOL TIME: Mick Cornell is transferri­ng to a new course at Tec- NQ.
Picture: EVAN MORGAN TOOL TIME: Mick Cornell is transferri­ng to a new course at Tec- NQ.

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