SAL Programme

School Apprenticeship Link

What is the School Apprenticeship Link ?

The School Apprenticeship Link (SAL) is a fantastic opportunity for students in Years 11 & 12 who are enrolled in the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE), and seeking an apprenticeship when they finish school. It is a school-based training program and provides an introduction into apprenticeship opportunities within various trades. It allows you to try different jobs in the same industry and is ideal if you think you know the industry you'd like to work in but are not sure which trade.

Training commences in Phase I with a taste of a number of trades in a selected industry. During this stage students must attend school, undertake Units of Competency within the SAL program at a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) participating in the program and be linked to a minimum of two employers for work placement. This gives students exposure to employers in the industry.

Upon successful completion of their chosen SAL program students can:

nominate their preferred trade and undertake further specific training as a pre-apprentice or apprentice at the South West Institute of Technology
gain apprenticeships or employment during training.
Have the option to return to school after completing training if applicable depending on the program chosen.

SWIT and SAL:

SWIT has been offering the SAL program since 2005. During that time it has expanded from one program to seven programs and SWIT will continue to grow this successful school based program. SWIT has a dedicated, full time SAL Coordinator to provide a central point of contact between the Institute, schools, industry employers and students, striving towards successful outcomes for all students involved in the program.

SWIT SAL Coordinator can be contacted on (08) 9780 7191.

The industries available in SAL (Bunbury) are:

Carpentry & Joinery (18 month program)
Mortar Trades (18 month program)
Food (cooking, pastry cook, bread baking) (12 month program)
Heavy Fabrication (18 month program)
Fitting & Machining (18 month program)
Hairdressing (salon assistant skills)
Automotive (light automotive/heavy duty) (18 month program)

The above information provides only an indication of the trades to be delivered and will depend upon skill shortages at the time and participating RTO’s ability to deliver program components.


Mortar Trades	Food Trades	Hairdressing

Testimonials

“The SAL program has given me the opportunity to learn so many things that I wouldn't have learnt on any other program. It also exposed me to my current employer where they have given me the opportunity to advance my career and develop my employability skills even further. With the wonderful help, guidance and advice from the co-ordinators and my lecturer I can proudly say they have helped me in so many levels so that I can achieve my life dreams and goals.”

Charne Schuch – 2008 Food Trades

Charne Schuch

Why apply for the School Apprenticeship Link?

Students can undertake a taste of trades within a desired industry whilst still completing their Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE). The SAL program provides subject equivalence towards a students WACE.
SAL Program enables students to make career decisions and provides pathways to an apprenticeship.
Students receive credits for successful completion of Units of Competency undertaken.
A reduction in term may be considered if the student is successful in obtaining an apprenticeship.
Students have the opportunity to determine if a chosen career pathway is the right one for them whilst still at school.

Who can apply?

Applications will be accepted from students who can meet the following criteria:
Students must be commencing Year 11 or 12 in the year they wish to participate in the SAL program
Students must pass or have passed Year 10 with a ‘C’ grade average or with Curriculum Framework Level 3.5 or better (the Year 10 mid-year report can be included for application purposes).
Students must have support from your school including endorsement as 'work ready' where interviews will not be taken.
Students must meet Australian citizenship and visa requirements; and
• Students must not have completed a Certificate I or higher in the qualification they are applying for.
Students must be enrolled in maths at their school

How do students apply?

For SWIT, download an application here or collect one from your school.
complete all questions on the form to the best of your ability.
attach a photocopy of your latest school report.
take it to the Vocational Education and Training (VET) coordinator at your school who will sign the application form and submit it to SWIT.
Your VET coordinator will be able to help you with the application form or you can contact SWIT on 9780 7191.

The selection process

All applications for the SAL Program will be forwarded to the SAL Coordinator SWIT for assessment.
Interviews will then be conducted, from the pool of students applying. These interviews will be arranged by the SWIT and all information regarding an interview will be provided directly to the student.
Students will be advised during Term 4 of the outcome of their application.

Timeline

Applications to be submitted to school VET Coordinators by 6th August 2012.
Aptitude testing to be completed by students at their school.
Applications and aptitude tests to be submitted to the Youth Initiatives Coordinator (YIC), SWIT by 20th August 2012.
Applications short-listed for interview by SWIT - schools and students notified of selection by 10th September 2012.
SAL Interviews to be scheduled and completed by 24th September 2012.
Schools will be notified of successful applicants by 28th September 2012.
Letters of Offer to students issued by 22nd October 2012 and to be signed and returned to the YIC by 29th October 2012.
Students must return their acceptance of offer forms by 29th October 2012 to avoid their placement being offered to another student.

Late applications

Applications received after the 20th August 2012 will be placed on a wait list in order of the date they are received. If a position becomes available in a class, applications will be taken from the waitlist and will go through the assessment process (interviews may be conducted). Applications will be taken from the wait list until all classes/programs are filled (this may well continue into 2013).

Fees and charges

Secondary school students who are Australian citizens or permanent residents undertaking VET courses as part of their secondary education (including the School Apprenticeship Link program) are exempt from tuition, resource and enrolment fees. However, depending on the chosen industry, students will be required to purchase uniforms, personal protective equipment, text books and trade equipment/tools. These details/costs will be provided with Letters of Offer.

Some sub-class visa holders will be required to pay full-fees. Please contact 13 19 54 for further information.

More SAL Information:
Website: http://www.det.wa.edu.au/apprenticentre
Local contact:
Fiona Blackmore
School Apprenticeship Link Coordinator / Youth Initiatives Coordinator (YIC)
South West Institute of Technology
Robertson Drive
P.O.Box 1224, Bunbury WA 6231.
Telephone: (08) 9780 7191 Email: fiona.blackmore@swit.wa.edu.au