South Metropolitan TAFE in Western Australia will begin offering its vehicle body building pre-apprenticeship to students in years 9, 10 and 11.
The Certificate II in Automotive Manufacturing Production – Bus, Truck and Trailer will be offered as part of its vocational education and training program for secondary students.
It’s a nationally recognised qualification and will help to give young people a head-start on their careers in the industry, while completing their secondary schooling.
As part of the course, students attend class approximately three days a week, along with approximately 4 hours of additional study each week outside of class hours, including private study, assignment preparation, and research.
Students also complete 150 hours of work placement as part of the course.
The move to begin offering this pre-apprenticeship to high school students has been labelled a significant win by Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia (HVIA).
HVIA National Manager – Skills, Training and Workforce Development, Michael Rose, said, “This is exactly the kind of forward-thinking training solution our industry needs.
“Building a pipeline of skilled tradespeople in bus, truck and trailer manufacturing is critical — and programs like this are only possible thanks to the combined efforts of South Metropolitan TAFE, the Mining and Automotive Training Council, and industry stakeholders working together across WA.
“This is a great start — but now the focus shifts to ensuring the Certificate III in Automotive Manufacturing Technical Operations – Bus, Truck and Trailer (AUM30218) is included on the ‘Fee-Free and Low-Fee Skills Ready’ training list,” Michael added.
“That next step will require continued collaboration between training providers, industry and government to build a full training pathway that meets workforce demand.”
Applications for the pre-apprenticeship course will open June 30, 2025 and close August 29, 2025.