New training scheme goes national

BY SARA TEMPLETON

An exciting new program for high school students will start across Australia next year after proving successful in NSW. It combines on-the-job training, TAFE and standard high school studies.

The T3 program was launched this year in New South Wales and is the result of state departments of TAFE, Toyota and Toyota dealers banding together, hence the T3.

Essentially, the T3 training scheme allows senior high school students to study for the normal Higher School Certificate, while at the same time learning new skills in the automotive industry.

Many are hailing the T3 training scheme as a world first, in particular NSW Education Minister John Aquilina. Also, Dr Ken Boston, director general of education and training in NSW, said it was, "an extraordinary partnership, rich in potential".

Indeed, there is plenty of potential for the program, which will allow students to divide their time between school and paid training.

The T3 scheme was initiated by Toyota after in-house research indicated the need for a huge increase in staff by 2005. Something like 1400 jobs, ranging from service technicians to parts interpreters, will need to be filled by this time and Toyota is hopeful that the program will provide like-minded students the chance to work in one of the world's most economically powerful industries.

By 2005, Toyota estimates there will be about 2500 students participating in the program. This year there are 60 NSW high school students enrolled.

A typical week for students in the scheme involves spending three-and-a-half days on their HSC subjects, one day in paid employment/training at a Toyota dealership and half a day at TAFE, studying relevant automotive trade or admin courses.

At the conclusion of the two-year T3 program, those who pass will get their HSC (or equivalent) and a Certificate II in automotive studies. Consider that you'll get paid to study in a Toyota dealership and the T3 scheme makes a lot of sense, no matter which angle you view it from.

The program will see students ready to enter the workplace as soon as they leave school, which is very positive for those who want alternatives to university.

For more information on the scheme head over to Toyota Australia's website.