The 2024 delivery of the VET Tradies program kicked off last week, with the first term dedicated to automotive studies.

VET Tradies involves educators from SuniTAFE travelling to Robinvale College one day a week to deliver units of a course to secondary students.

It is an adaptation of the Vocational Education and Training Delivered to Secondary Students (VETDSS) program and is aimed specifically at Robinvale College students who are unable to travel to Mildura or Swan Hill to participate in classes. 

The first term of the VET Tradies program is being run by Automotive Teacher Jason Milner with the support of Education Delivery Manager – Automotive, Transport, and Logistics Terry Sparrow. 

Students will be taught three units throughout the term; they will learn how to use tools in an automotive workplace, how to conduct basic services, and how to dismantle and assemble four-stroke engines. 

While participation in the program doesn’t lead to a full qualification, these units form part of Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation (AUR20720). This gives students a head start if they choose to continue with the trade after school. 

SuniTAFE has been running this program for many years now and, as Jason Milner says, it assists in bridging the gap between students and further education. 

“The students are far away, so this is chance to expose them to the course by travelling to them,” Jason said.
“It’s all about giving them an opportunity, especially for those not comfortable or unable to travel. It is about overcoming barriers.” 

Terry Sparrow says that SuniTAFE teachers intend to make the learning experience mirror the environment they would be in if they were on campus. 

“They have a workshop, but we also transport equipment from here to there, such as tools, engines, and specialist equipment,” Terry said. 

“We have this unique chance to expose students to a very small part of a trade, in the hopes that we spark their interest. This is the purpose of all VETDSS classes.” 

Throughout the rest of the year, the engineering, conservation and ecosystem management, and visual arts departments will run sessions as part of the VET Tradies program.  

Click here to learn more about studying an Automotive course at SuniTAFE. 

Or, if you’re interested in the VETDSS program, click here.