Ai Group is working on an innovative new project to establish degree-level apprenticeships in Queensland. This project will establish a pilot to combine a degree in electrical engineering with a Certificate III electrical trade qualification, all delivered as an apprenticeship. This combination of the two qualifications will provide the individual with the theoretical skills gained through an engineering degree with the practical skills gained through a hands-on Certificate III trade apprenticeship.
Ai Group will work with a university and a vocational education provider, or a dual sector provider, to develop the program. The approach will be to map the knowledge content of the two qualifications (Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician and Bachelor of Electrical Engineering (Honours) or equivalent) and identify commonly taught subjects. A new blended qualification will be developed that ensures detail is only taught once, although assessed separately to meet the requirements of each qualification. This will see some reductions in the amount of class time expected of apprentices.
The intention is to deliver the blended program in a way that more closely resembles apprenticeship training rather than a traditional university model. This might be one or more intensive days of training each week with the rest of the time spent in the workplace. Because apprentices are employed throughout the year, there is scope to attend further classes during the long semester breaks.
The new blended program will be designed to ensure it meets the requirements of accreditation and licencing bodies. Graduates will be expected to be eligible for accreditation as professional engineers by Engineers Australia and will be eligible to apply for an Electrical Mechanic Licence from the Electrical Safety Office. This licence requires achievement of the Certificate III qualification undertaken via an apprenticeship, accompanied by demonstrated relevant on-the-job experience.
Benefits
There are benefits for employers and individuals arising from such a model. For employers, the end result will be a graduate electrical engineer who has the skills to understand and design complex electrical equipment, and is also licenced to instal, repair and commission that equipment. For the individual, they will gain two valuable qualifications plus a nationally recognised electrical mechanic licence, will earn a wage throughout the apprenticeship, and will complete the two programs in less time than if the two qualifications were undertaken consecutively.
Next steps
Ai Group is in discussions with potential education providers to start work on the project. We are also in discussions with key stakeholders to gain their support, and contacting employers who may be interested in employing the apprentices.
The project will aim for an annual commencement intake of degree-level apprentices starting in 2024. The date for the first intake may change depending on when the project commences and how quickly a training provider is selected. Minimum numbers will depend on the requirements of the provider but experience in other states suggests 30 in the first intake is appropriate.
For further information or to register your interest, contact Peter Canavan, Senior Policy Officer at Ai Group Centre for Education and Training at peter.canavan@aigroup.com.au.
Peter contributes to policies developed by the Ai Group Centre for Education & Training (Ai Group CET) as Senior Policy Officer, Education & Training.
He represents Ai Group in a range of committees and forums and manages Ai Group CET projects including state industry skills advisory projects and apprenticeship and traineeship projects that often explore new models.
Peter has many years' experience in the vocational training sector and has also managed projects for the Victorian Government relating to education and training.
