| Technical college builds on future |
| By News Report
Bendigo’s Australian Technical College expanding
DESPITE reports to the contrary, Bendigo’s Australian Technical College is alive and preparing for expansion.
Fears a Labor government and the lack of interest in the concept from the Bendigo Senior Secondary College could see the end of the city’s ATC have been exaggerated, according to its management.
Principal Michael Langdon said this year there would be 135 students enrolled which is double last year’s intake.
“We have had extremely strong interest from students wishing to enrol,” he said.
“In addition, we are receiving a terrific response from employers and potential employers to employ ATC students.
“With such strong interest, we are expanding our intake to cater for this demand.”
ATC chairman Don Erskine said a recent survey of employers showed support for the concept.
“In this new model, industry has a say in the curriculum and the students enter the workforce with the academic skills that industry requires,” he said.
“This model is not about numbers of students, it is about achieving the best outcome for each of our students and the employer, while at the same time providing the balance across all trades this community will require for its future growth.”
Mr Erskine said Bendigo’s ATC had 41 businesses employing students as young apprentices and that was set to grow.
“This model allows for our students to receive payment while undertaking their VCE of VCAL as a school-based apprentice,” he said.
“They receive technical training via BRIT, CVGT and other providers, and on-the-job experience with an employer.
“In some trades we have more employers willing to put on apprentices than we have students, and this is not just from Bendigo but across our region including Castlemaine, Maryborough and Echuca.”
|
