The Australian Technical Colleges (ATCs) are a $351 million Australian Government initiative to encourage and skill more young Australians into traditional trades. Located in 24 regions, the ATCs will be specialist senior secondary schools where students will combine academic courses and trade training. This will lead to a Year 12 certificate and progress towards a New Apprenticeship trade qualification.
The ATCs initiative is part of a number of new and continuing initiatives to address shortages in skilled occupations. These initiatives include Employer Incentives, the National Skills Shortages Survey, Tool Kits for New Apprentices, and Commonwealth Trade Learning Scholarships.
ATCs will differ from current schools and Registered Training Organisations in that the Colleges will be centres of excellence in trade training, combining academic study with employment-based vocational education and training through School-based New Apprenticeships. Year 11 and 12 students in an ATC will complete their senior secondary education as well as pursue a nationally recognised qualification in a trade.
ATCs will operate autonomously and have a governing body, chaired by a local business or industry representative with members from the regional community including industry and businesses, parents, and education and training providers.
ATCs will be based in 24 regions identified as having reported skills needs, a strong industry base and a significant youth population.
Of the 24 regions selected, the majority are located in regional Australia. The regions are as follows:
New South Wales: The Hunter, The Illawarra, Queanbeyan, Port Macquarie, Lismore/Ballina, Dubbo, Gosford, Western Sydney
Victoria: Geelong, Warrnambool, Bendigo, Sunshine, Bairnsdale/Sale, Eastern Melbourne
Queensland: Townsville, Gladstone, North Brisbane, Gold Coast
South Australia: Adelaide, Whyalla/Port Augusta
Western Australia: Perth South, Pilbara
Tasmania: Northern Tasmania
Northern Territory: Darwin
Successful proponents to establish and operate an ATC will enter into an initial four year Funding Agreement with the Australian Government. The ATC initiative will be evaluated prior to expiry of the first Funding Agreement.