Trade Taster Program

How it works

Trade Taster programs deliver training to year 10 students, one day per week for nine weeks.

Students participate in units aligned to a specific area over the course of a school term, gaining a deeper understanding of a qualification that assists them in making an informed decision when choosing a TAFE at School program or continuing with further studies in the future.

It has been designed to fit around high school subjects, allowing students to get a head start on their learning journey while maintaining studies at school.

Available programs

You will be able to choose from a selection of areas including; Community Services Taster, Health Care Taster, Trade Taster, Hairdressing Taster and Cookery Taster*. 

During the program you will complete a number of individual competencies from various TAFE Queensland courses, giving you a taste for what that career would be like.

The programs will offer exposure across a variety of study areas, including:

• light automotive
• engineering
• plumbing
• carpentry
• flooring technology
• heavy automotive
• health care
• community services
• cookery

Outcomes

The taster programs are non-accredited.  This means that on completion no formal qualification will be issued nor will any Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) credits be applied. 

As part of the taster program, some students will complete a White Card for the construction industry.  

The biggest benefit of completing a taster program is that you will have a better understanding of what it is like to work in a particular area, and this can help you make a decision in year 11 and 12 (and beyond) about your next steps. You may want to continue your training with a pre-apprenticeship course or school-based apprenticeship, or do another TAFE at School program. 

What it costs

There is no cost to eligible students. The Trade Taster program is fully funded by the Queensland Government. The cost of completing your White Card is also subsided under this program and will not incur a fee for eligible students. Participation in this program will not exclude you from other government funding and initiatives.

Locations

Taster programs are offered at our campuses, these locations are below.

Eligibility criteria

To take part in the Trade Taster program you must be a year 10 student and be currently studying maths and English at a year 10 level. You must also be able to arrange travel to the relevant TAFE Queensland campus where the program is offered. 

In order to apply for the taster program you will also need to have a Unique Student Identifier (USI). Your USI is a reference number that creates a secure online record of your training and qualifications from recognised training providers in Australia. You can quickly and easily create your USI online. To create a USI visit the Australian Government’s Unique Student Identifier website.