A new Southern Queensland Institute of TAFE (SQIT) program is set to help electrical apprentice ‘bright sparks’ complete their studies at a pace more appropriate to their advanced abilities.

Delivered by Energise Oz, the program will see Certificate III in Electrotechnology students provided with mentors, and high-quality blended learning resources to help them make the most of their studies.

Students will be thoroughly assessed on industry-approved benchmarks and above-average learners will be able to progress more quickly, provided they meet on-and-off-the-job requirements.

SQIT Electrical teacher Jim Loughran says the partnership with Energise Oz was a significant win for the institute and the electrical trade alike.

“This partnership will ensure apprentices are rewarded for their competency, and address the skills shortage by helping employers get qualified staff earlier,” Jim says.

“It also gives us leeway to slow things down a bit for people who are having some trouble with the more difficult parts of the course.”

Energise Oz Mentor-Adviser Stewart Bielby shared Mr Loughran’s positivity about the new program.

“This competency-based apprenticeship program will bring about a great cultural change for the trade – greater employer engagement, and significant support for apprentices – it will benefit everyone involved,” Stewart says.