Is the course full time?
All TEC courses except apprenticeships are full-time.
Do all courses go for the whole year?
All VCAL courses go over a full year but pre-apprenticeship and pre-vocational courses are studied over 14 - 16 weeks. Apprenticeships take three - four years with the majority of training on the job.
Do TEC students get school holidays?
All VCAL courses are delivered during usual school terms. Pre-apprenticeship or pre-vocational courses may run over the school holidays.
Can I continue with the TEC and study Year 12 after completing Year 11?
Yes, some students will get an apprenticeship or a job while others will move into further study at Chisholm but we understand that some students want to finish their Year 12.
Do we come during normal school hours?
Typically normal school hours apply to VCAL but trade days may have an earlier start and later finish. In general, pre-apprenticeship or pre-vocational courses start at 8 am and finish at 4:30 pm.
Am I a TAFE student if I come to the TEC?
Yes, Berwick TEC is part of Chisholm Institute of TAFE so you will enrol as a student at Chisholm.
Do all VCAL courses include a pre-apprenticeship?
Not all courses include a pre-apprenticeship. Carpentry, Plumbing, Hair & Beauty, Landscaping and Electrical include a pre-apprenticeship or a similar qualification but other courses such as Children's Services, Nursing and Allied Health include full, higher level certificates as part of a VCAL. In the Trades and Health & Community Careers courses students study modules from a variety of pre-apprenticeship or other certificate courses but do not complete a specific qualification.
Is VCAL the only option at the TEC?
No, the TEC offers a range of pre-apprenticeship and pre-vocational certificates that are the entry point into industry. We also offer an apprenticeship in Bricklaying.
Why would I want to do VCAL?
Perhaps you have only studied to Year 10 and you would like to complete your Year 11 or 12 as well as start your vocational training. Employers often like apprentices to have completed Year 11 or 12. Also it is difficult to get into TAFE to do a pre-apprenticeship so doing it as part of a VCAL makes sense if you know what trade you would like to do.
Are all the trades in together?
Plumbing, Carpentry, Bricklaying and Electrical are in the same location just like a building site. We want you to experience what it will be like on the job where different trades have to work together to get the job done.
Will I have somewhere to go after I finish at the TEC?
All TEC courses have what we call a 'pathway' to an apprenticeship, employment or further study. One great part of coming to the TEC is that we have guaranteed pathways into other Chisholm courses provided you meet the entry requirements. For example, if you complete Children's Services at the TEC you will be guaranteed a place at the next level of study. For those of you who are looking for an apprenticeship we provide all the necessary skills to gain an employer .
What is a Certificate?
A Certificate is given in recognition of achieving a level of study. For example all pre-apprenticeships or pre-vocational certificates are at the Certificate II level while apprenticeships are at the Certificate III level. Usually a student moves from one level to the next level. After Certificate IV you move to Diploma and Advanced Diplomas.
What is a pre-apprenticeship and how does it compare to a pre-vocational certificate?
Both are at the Certificate II level and are entry-level qualifications into industry. Employers often value apprentices who have completed a pre-apprenticeship or pre-vocational training as they already have some on the job skills. It also means they know something about the industry and are more likely to continue as an apprentice. Pre-vocational certificates are similar to pre-apprenticeships but apply to licensed trades. Both pre-apprenticeships and pre-vocational courses reduce the time at trade school.
What qualifications will I have when I finish my studies at the TEC?
This depends upon what course you are studying. If you successfully complete your VCAL at either Year 11 or Year 12 you receive a certificate for that level. In addition, you will gain the relevant vocational certificate when a full pre-apprenticeship or similar qualification was part of the course. Students who study a pre-apprenticeship without VCAL are awarded the appropriate certificate upon successful completion.
How come I need to do Year 12 to study Nursing?
Our VCAL Nursing course includes starting a Certificate IV in Nursing. Certificate IV is the highest certificate level so we must be confident that our students can handle the complexity of the course. You continue and complete your Certificate IV in Nursing at Chisholm after you complete your Year 12 at the TEC.
Are there bells and uniforms at the TEC?
No, the TEC is an adult learning environment. Students are expected to take responsibility for attending classes on time. Certain dress standards apply especially in the trade areas such as steel-toed boots, ear muffs etc. If you don't wear the appropriate clothing you cannot attend the class for safety reasons – just the same as on a normal building site.
What happens if I miss classes?
Like a workplace, if you are going to miss a class you must contact the TEC prior to the class. We take attendance very seriously at the TEC and all non-attendance at any time during the day is followed up. If classes are missed it may stop you from passing your course so it is important we know why you did not attend the class.
Can I leave the Berwick campus during lunchtime?
Yes, you are free to leave the TEC but you need to be back in time for your next class. There are often lunchtime activities at the TEC as we have our own activities officer. Once a week we provide breakfast in our kitchen.
Do I get a chance to do work placement?
All VCAL students do a work placement. At this stage, students studying non-VCAL pre-apprenticeships and pre-vocational certificates do not do a work placement but we encourage our students to find work placement in their industry. This may lead to the opportunity to gain an apprenticeship. At the TEC we focus on 'employability skills' so that you have the skills that employers want.
If I apply, do I get a place at the TEC?
No, putting in an application form means you would like a place in a TEC course but it does not guarantee a place. All prospective students who put in an application will attend an evaluation and an interview. It is important for us to know that you have the skills to handle the course and that you are ready to prepare yourself for a career. Not all applicants will get a place in a TEC course but we always help with other options. If accepted you will complete your enrolment and become a Chisholm student at the Berwick TEC.
How do I know how I am going with my VCAL studies?
At the end of each term you meet with your teachers to check how things are going. Your parents are encouraged to attend these sessions. If things need to improve we'll help you map out how to get back on track. Of course, teachers will regularly talk with you about your progress. At all times parents are encouraged to contact the TEC and request an appointment to talk to subject teachers. Soon each student will have their own space on the Chisholm website which will show how things are going in their course.
Will all our classes be in the new building?
It depends on the course you are studying. Most TEC courses take place entirely in the TEC building but students studying Hairdressing will train in our Hair and Beauty studio near the main TEC building. Students will often be learning and applying their skills through community based projects. The new TEC building on the corner of Kangan Drive and Clyde Rd is the 'home-base' for TEC students both socially and study wise.
How much does it cost to study at Berwick TEC?
TAFE fees and charges, including those for courses at Berwick TEC, are set by the Department of Education and Training. For the latest information on course fees click here
