PRE-TRADE PROGRAM

This is a unique local initiative which is designed to address the local skills shortage. The program was designed in consultation with the Gladstone Group Area Apprentices Ltd (GAGAL), Central Queesnland Institute of TAFE (Gladstone Campus) and GSHS.

What Do the Students Do?

  1. They are primarily a student of GSHS where they study:
    • English Communication
    • Trade and Business Mathematics
    • Multi-Strand Science
  2. They attend TAFE one day per week where they are exposed to a range of skill shortage areas in their first year and where they also complete a number of general competencies relating to the Pre-Trade course
  3. They attend Structured Work Placement one day per week once they have completed their Workplace Health & Safety program at TAFE and have obtained their Industry Blue Card.

Students are put through a stringent process before being placed in the program. It is important to note that although students may be accepted into the program there is no guarantee of an apprenticeship at the completion of the program.


The acceptance process is conducted by the Jobs Pathways Centre (JPC) and consists of:

  • An initial Expression of Interest around the middle of Year 10
  • Attendance at a series of workshops that cover: letters of application, resumes, interview skills and aptitude testing
  • Attendance at a formal interview


In 2004 the program began with 24 students. At the beginning of 2005 there are 11 students remaining in the program with the others having obtained full-time apprenticeships.

At the beginning of 2005 26 new students commenced the program.

This program is an excellent opportunity for students who realistically do not want to be at school full-time but who do not, at present, have the skills to enter the workforce. The Structured Work Placement in combination with the subjects studied at GSHS and TAFE provide a link between education and the workplace and allows the host employee to observe students participating in the workplace before offering employment. It is a win-win situation for all involved.

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