P-TECH PROGRAM
Cecil Andrews College is the first P-TECH style pilot site in Western Australia.
P-TECH Program
The P-TECH program offers students studying for their WACE an industry supported pathway to a STEM related diploma, advanced diploma or degree.
The nature of work and the types of jobs that will be available in the future is changing. The P-TECH program provides students with the opportunity to engage with industry partners who can provide insight, guidance and support to help students prepare for their future.
Innovation and Technology have morphed traditional trade roles to incorporate modern technology from 3D printers to virtual reality. All aspects of a workplace environment will be engaged with technology at different times and our students need to be at the forefront of that development.
Students at Cecil Andrews College begin their P-TECH journey in Year 9 through the Work Studies curriculum. Over the next four years students will have the opportunity to engage with P-TECH program partners to learn more about their industries and the career opportunities available.
Students have the option to graduate with an approved and industry aligned Vocational Qualification in one of the below:
- Engineering (Technical)
- Information, Digital Media and Technology
- Business
What is P-TECH?
P-TECH Key Elements
The Southern Perth P-TECH Program at Cecil Andrews College is about collaboration – a partnership between education, industry and community – but a partnership with a clear purpose. To provide an industry supported pathway for young people to achieve a qualification that strengthens their employment prospects. To achieve this requires the education, industry and community sectors working together to put in place the key elements of P-TECH, namely:
Innovative curriculum:
A key aspect of designing the learning program includes the way existing Australian Curriculum and Australian Qualification Framework recognised education and training is sequenced (or ordered) to achieve the best outcomes for students.
Innovative approaches to learning:
Partnerships between schools and industry enable innovative approaches to the way learning is delivered; approaches that would not be possible if schools, or industry, acted in isolation. Working together, schools and industry can provide opportunities for students to engage with the world of work and better understand the relevance of their learning to jobs and post-school pathways.
Industry mentoring and support:
The mentor relationship between young people and industry personnel provides continuity of support for students to achieve a post-school qualification. The mentor relationship will ensure the students’ learning stays on track and provides opportunities for guidance to help young people make informed decisions regarding their education, training and employment options.
A post-school qualification:
P-TECH schools partner with other education providers (TAFEs/RTOs or universities) to deliver elements of the P-TECH learning program (either on-site or off-site) and achieve a diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree. A strong relationship between the school, industry and post-school institution(s) will provide a seamless pathway and continuity of support for students as they transition from school to further education to complete their post-school qualification.
Links to employment:
Collaboration between the education and industry sectors strengthens the connection between student learning and the skills that employers need. It improves young people’s prospects of employment, including opportunities for employment with industry partners.