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Based on the key elements of the P-TECH model, the P-TECH styled learning program at Cecil Andrews College has been designed by the school’s leadership team and local education, industry and community partners to suit local circumstances. In the P-TECH model, local employers partner with schools, TAFEs/RTOs and universities to strengthen students’ prospects of a successful transition to work by ensuring they develop the technical and personal skills employers are looking for.

In January 2017, Cecil Andrews College introduced an innovative P-TECH styled skills-based program that will focus on Shipbuilding, Defence Industry, Engineering, Advisory, formation Technology and provide an industry supported pathway for students to achieve a post-school qualification in areas of growing local employment demand.

To achieve this goal, the school is working collaboratively with other education and training providers and a number of locally-based employer partners including WA ship builder Austal, Thales Group, Civmec Construction & Engineering, Deloitte Australia and Datacom Australia. HP is involved as an Emerging Technologies partner and more local employers are expected to join the partnership, providing additional resources and practical opportunities to Cecil Andrews College students.

To prepare its students for the world beyond school, all Year 10 students at Cecil Andrews College completed a P-TECH immersion program in 2017, and took part in a range of industry supported learning experiences that will extend their education beyond the classroom. This included opportunities to connect and build relationships with industry partners, and engage in hands-on, project-based activities, both at school and in the workplace. These experiences will help students to better understand the relevance of their learning and how it can be applied in the workplace.

In future years, and with support from industry partners and industry mentors, students will have the opportunity to commence and pursue formal STEM training as part of a nationally recognised VET qualification, while also undertaking their Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE). With ongoing support from their industry mentor, and established connections with the school’s industry partners, P-TECH students will have the opportunity to extend their study beyond secondary school, articulating their studies and transitioning to a post-secondary education institution to achieve a STEM related diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree.

Participating in the P-TECH styled learning program will build student interest and skills in STEM, and raise awareness of the breadth and depth of STEM related training and employment pathways that are locally available. The program will be structured to develop the technical and personal skills students need to succeed at school and make a successful transition to further study and work beyond school.

The P-TECH pilot at Cecil Andrews College is supported by the local community and Western Australian Government. Cecil Andrews College also have an Australian first and world class, brand new STEM centre which launched in 2017.