Head Start Pilot Program

Head Start Pilot Program Overview

Energy Skills Queensland (ESQ) are proud to facilitate an industry initiative for an Electrical Apprenticeship Pilot Program.  Designed by industry, for industry the pilot program aims to give Year 12 school leavers a ‘Head Start’ in their apprenticeship and employers a highly skilled, confident and safe addition to their team.

The Head Start pilot program seeks to build upon proven measure of pre-screening and mentoring to Year 12 school leavers.  Apprentices are given additional high skills and practical training earlier in their apprenticeship to make them more productive and valuable to their employer.

 

Qualifications

Apprentices on the Head Start Pilot Program at TAFE Queensland will undertake an intensive first year UEE30811 Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician and complete the following qualifications in the first year:

CPC10111 Certificate I in Construction

RIIWHS204D Work Safely at Heights

UETTDRRF06B Perform Rescue from a Live LV Panel

HLTAID001 Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

10279NAT Identification and Awareness of Asbestos Containing Materials

10559NAT Course in Working Safely with Asbestos Containing Materials

MEM05051A Select Welding Processes

MEM05050B Gas Metal Arc Welding

UEENEEP026A Conduct In-Service Safety Testing of Electrical Cord Connected Equipment and Cord Assemblies

 

Delivery:

The Head Start pilot program combines on-the-job learning and an intensive first year of off-the-job training at TAFE Queensland aimed at achieving a nationally recognised qualification.
The first year of the Head Start pilot program apprenticeship consists of five blocks of off-the-job training and with an intensive first year of on-the-job learning in between. Subsequent years of the apprenticeship will revert to the traditional electrotechnology apprenticeship delivery.

 

Block 1

6 Weeks  In-Class Training + 4 Weeks Employer Work

Block 2

6 Weeks  In-Class Training + 4 Weeks Employer Work

Block 3

6 Weeks  In-Class Training + 4 Weeks Employer Work

Block 4

6 Weeks  In-Class Training + 4 Weeks Employer Work

Block 5

4 Weeks  In-Class Training + Ongoing Employer Work

 

Important Information:

Eligibility and entry requirements apply to students wanting to participate on the Head Start pilot program, including:

Australian or New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident

Permanently reside in Queensland

Successfully completed Year 12

17 – 19 years of age

NOT have completed the UEE22011 Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start)

NOT have completed CPC10111 Certificate I in Construction

NOT be currently enrolled in another post-school qualification, apprenticeship or VET program

To study an apprenticeship program, you must be indentured as an apprentice with your employer

Employers need to be able to provide the necessary human and physical resources to qualify for an apprentice.

 

Regional Employment Trials

The Empowering YOUth project in Townsville and Mount Isa is aimed at providing the critical job readiness skills, entry level and additional qualifications, as well as a support network for 14 disadvantaged young people in each project to improve their employability and work ready skills to appeal to employers.

Training will be delivered over 13 weeks, with a focus on experientially based, practical learning at TAFE Queensland’s Townsville and Mount Isa campus. Incorporating job readiness and foundation employment skills that would lead into an electrical apprenticeship. It also includes additional practical hand on skills training providing extra time for participants to learn and practice essential skills that will assist them secure an apprenticeship.

The project’s industry-directed approach is to commence with the vocational stream and desirable high-risk safety workplace skills. The specific elements include the theoretical knowledge needed for the electrical and construction field of practice, but also for higher-level study within the industry. There will also be a technical and procedural knowledge, industry skills and the ability to perform particular roles and tasks that transcend particular workplaces. Finally, the individuals’ attributes which is needed for that occupation or profession which includes ethical practice, effective communication skills, capacity to work autonomously and in teams, time management and other soft skills.

The Certificate I in Construction, that will be contextualised to the electrical sector, and the additional safety and high-risk training, such as Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, Provide First Aid, Work Safely at Heights, Perform Rescue from a Live LV Panel, Course in Identification and Awareness of Asbestos Containing Materials, Course in Working Safely with Asbestos Containing Material, Operate Elevating

Work Platform Under 11 Metres (Yellow Card) and Generic Induction (mandatory for working in the mining industry) will provide entry level and industry transferable skills for participants seeking employment in the electrical industry.

The training will be combined with pre-screening, job readiness training and intensive support strategies, which include post-placement support undertaken in consultation with employers.

Upon completion of the project, the young people who have been preselected and prepared to succeed in the electrical industry can enter an electrical apprenticeship pathway confidently and safely, with the necessary foundational skills needed in an industry which is in high demand.