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Construction Careers Scholarship Program

Take the first step towards a career in construction while still at school with our Construction Careers Scholarship Program. The course combines  work experience, training, and education while helping students explore and plan their career options.

The Construction Careers Scholarship Program is an innovative way to get a head start and work towards a building and construction apprenticeship. Suitable for Year 11 and Year 12 students, our program is highly regarded by employers and may provide credits or reduce time spent as an apprentice.

Each year, Construction Training Fund (CTF) awards scholarships to Western Australian students passionate about the building industry.

A Construction Careers Scholarship provides students with the best chance of securing an apprenticeship and career in building and construction.

Pre-Apprenticeship Course Overview

The Construction Careers Scholarship Program involves completing a fully-funded pre-apprenticeship course. Industry trainers, CTF’s Industry Training Advisors, and past trainees provide high school students  with support and advice. Additionally, students receive free job readiness training, uniforms, and personal protective equipment.

Students can apply for a one-year or two-year course, depending on availability. Students will complete theory and practical training, as well as up to 220 hours of work experience.

Course Requirements

Applicants require consent from their school and parents to participate.

Who can Apply

The program is for Year 10 or Year 11 students interested in completing a pre-apprenticeship at school during Years 11 and/or 12.

How to Apply

CTF is currently accepting applications from students for courses commencing in 2024.

If you are ready to start a career in construction, the next step is to apply using the link below.

We will contact you within a week to confirm receiving your application.

Once applications close on 31 July 2023, you will be contacted to advise if you have been successful in gaining an interview. Interviews and selection will take place during August.

CTF will work with the Registered Training Organisations to select students for interviews once applications close. Offers will be made during August and September.

It’s a good idea to keep your VET Coordinator at school informed of your application progress.

If you need assistance with your application or would like more information, please email ita@ctf.wa.gov.au or call us on (08) 9244 0100. We’re here to help.

    Pre-Apprenticeship Course FAQs

    How does the program work?+

    Students can choose to complete a one-year or two-year program at one of our partner training providers.

     

    One-year program

    This option involves attending training and/or work experience two days a week in Year 11 or Year 12.

     

    Two-year program

    The two-year program involves attending training and/or work experience once a week in Year 11 and Year 12.

    Students complete between 110 and 220 hours of hands-on work experience with an employer to apply the skills they have learned in a real workplace environment. This may require students to complete work experience on weekends and school holidays. Completion of the Certificate II qualification through the Construction Careers Scholarship Program can contribute points toward the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE).

    What costs are involved?+

    The Construction Careers Scholarship Program is fully funded by the Construction Training Fund. There is no cost to the student, school, parents or caregivers.

     

    Each scholarship covers the costs of all:

    • Fees, enrolment, and resource costs for courses with a partner Registered Training Organisation
    • Uniforms, including personal protective safety equipment and clothing
    • Work experience placements
    • Regular mentoring by industry experts
    • Skills enrichment workshops, which include subjects to help you get job-ready, such as communication and interview skills, as well as presentations from current and past apprentices
    • Advice about careers and pathways
    • Meetings with industry employers
    • Regular reports to parents and schools
    How does our program differ from others?+

    Our pre-apprenticeship courses are different because they involve additional services not covered in a traditional pre-apprenticeship course.

     

    Most courses are  short-duration post-school programs (average of 10 weeks). However, our pre-apprenticeship course runs for up to two years to provide students with comprehensive training and experience while still completing school.

     

    There is no requirement to complete a pre-apprenticeship course in Perth before starting an apprenticeship. However, our Scholarship Program can offer excellent exposure and experience, as well as increase your chances of a qualified career in construction.

    What is the CTF Scholarship Program?+

    The Construction Careers Scholarship Program is an innovative way for students to get a head start on their careers. Year 11 and Year 12 students can complete a pre-apprenticeship, which results in a Certificate II qualification. This lets them gain valuable trade experience on a construction site and  helps to prepare them for the world of work. The Construction Careers Scholarship Program is highly regarded by employers and may provide credits or reduce time spent as an apprentice.

    Why should students do the Scholarship Program?+

    By completing the program, students will:

    • Gain practical trade experience in a real construction environment to help prepare them for the world of work
    • Complete a Certificate II qualification which can contribute to their WACE
    • Gain credits towards a construction apprenticeship
    • Broaden their prospects for employment 
    • Develop an awareness of construction career options
    How long is the pre-apprenticehip course?+

    There are options to complete a one-year or two-year program.

     

    Students attend training and work experience one or two days during the school week and may be required to participate in additional days of work experience during school holidays or on weekends.

    How much does it cost?+

    CTF fully funds the Scholarship Program so that there is no cost to schools, students, parents or guardians for the course.

     

    Each scholarship covers the costs of all:

    • Fees, enrolment, and resource costs for courses with a partner Registered Training Organisation
    • Uniforms, including personal protective safety equipment and clothing
    • Work experience placements
    • Regular mentoring by industry experts
    • Skills enrichment workshops which include subjects to help you get job-ready, such as communication and interview skills, as well as presentations from current and past apprentices
    • Advice about careers and pathways
    • Meetings with industry employers
    • Regular reports to parents and schools
    Who delivers the training?+

    CTF selects and funds a range of Registered Training Organisations (RTO) across Western Australia to deliver the courses.

     

    We currently offer scholarships at:

    • Motivation Foundation
    • North Metropolitan TAFE
    • Skill Hire
    • South Metropolitan TAFE
    • Yalagan Registered Training

     

    Note: You must apply and be selected to participate through CTF. Do not contact training providers directly to apply.

    What qualifications are available?+
    • Certificate II in Building and Construction (Pathway – Trades) – Brick and Blocklaying, Solid Plastering, Wall and Ceiling Lining, Wall and Floor Tiling, Painting and Decorating, Carpentry, Mortar Trades
    • Certificate II in Building and Construction (Pathway – Paraprofessional)
    • Certificate II in Civil Construction
    • Certificate II in Plumbing
    • Certificate II in Construction Pathways (Building Maintenance Pathway) *This pathway is restricted to students in remote communities, Aboriginal students and disengaged students, which could include youth at risk.

     

    Note: not all trades are available in all locations, and we cannot guarantee that preferences will be met.

    Will students have to complete assessments?+

    Yes. Students complete both theory and practical training and assessment, including real projects on a construction worksite. Students complete their White Card with their training provider before they participate in work experience to ensure they can safely work in a construction environment.

     

    Upon successful completion of all theory and practical assessments, as well as achievement of the required work experience hours, students will receive a Certificate II qualification.

    How many places are available?+

    CTF offers around 200 places per year through a competitive application process.

    Where is the program delivered? +

    The Construction Careers Scholarship Program is delivered at the RTO’s training facility or a Trade Training Centre, with access to quality tools, equipment, and materials for the course, realistic to current construction worksite conditions.

     

    Students will also participate in work experience which can be at various locations. The training providers work with students to try and find work experience in a location that suits the student based on where they live and the transport options available.

    What do schools need to do?+

    We ask for schools to:

    • Assist in promoting construction careers to students and parents as a possible pathway for all, particularly focusing on increased participation from females and diversity groups
    • Assist in educating students on how to apply and supporting them in completing applications
    • Encourage students to attend the CTF Construction Futures Centre and participate in a Try-A-Trade before applying for the program (where possible)
    • Provide us with feedback on the program, the administration processes, and the training providers, so we can continuously improve the program
    How can students apply?+

    By hitting the yellow APPLY NOW button above. It will take them to a form to complete.

    What happens next?+

    Courses are in extremely high demand, so we have revised the process for allocating courses.

     

    • Once you express your interest to be on our mailing list, we will include you in offers for available courses. These are usually released once per semester. You only need to register once – you will remain on the mailing list until you email us to advise that you wish to be removed.
    • When courses become available, priority will be given to schools and groups who have not yet had a Try-A-Trade opportunity. Applicants will be able to select from a list of courses available. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate specific requests for providers, trades and dates.
    • If there are still courses available, we continue to work through the mailing list, considering factors such as number of previous opportunities, the number of students at the school, and feedback from training providers on student conduct. We often have cancellations or places available to top up programs, so we will also continue to offer these to you.
    • Courses negotiated directly with a Training Provider will not be funded by CTF. Schools may make arrangements directly with a training Provider, to secure courses that suit their preferences regarding trades and dates. However, these will be conducted at their own cost. 
    • Schools and groups who have already registered their interest in the last 12 months will be automatically included on the mailing list. Please let us know if you wish your email to be removed or if your contact details for your school have changed and we can update accordingly.

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Acknowledgement of Country

The Construction Training Fund acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land throughout Western Australia and pay our respect to the Elders both past and present. We thank them for their ongoing custodianship of the lands and waters, and celebrate their rich culture of art, song, dance, language, and stories.