Technology Cadetships are a fast track start to a career in Manufacturing and they may suit your enterprise.

Employers of Technology Cadets are eligible for Government incentives similar to those paid for Australian Apprenticeships.

The Technology Cadetship is a new initiative developed by the Ai Group (Australian Industry Group) to provide more efficient pathways for school leavers to enter technical occupations in modern Manufacturing.

Technology Cadetships…

• Are a new kind of entry level qualification aimed primarily at school leavers
• Allow the Cadet to 'earn while they learn'
• Are assessed by competency, not time served
• Combine on the job training by supervisors and technicians, and formal training from a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)
• Are a formal agreement between employer and cadet and arrangements are set out in a contract of training and employment similar to Australian Apprenticeships

Technology Cadetships…

• Lead to a nationally recognised qualification
• Are available at Certificate III and IV in Manufacturing Technology
• Generally take 1 to 2 years to complete

Technology Cadetships are flexible enough to develop a tailored package of skills that may suit your business or enterprise needs. The range of pathways includes…

• CAD/Drafting (Detail Draftsperson or Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) Operator)
• Manufacturing Operations (Production Planner, Estimator)
• Laboratory Operations (Junior Scientific Officer or Technician)
• Technical Officer (Quality Control Officer or Non-Destructive Testing Technician)

Technology Cadetships provide the cadet not only specific technical skills but also analytical, problem solving and planning skills and they have a strong focus on flexibility and innovation. Importantly they are a great platform for further career development. It is possible go on to Certificate V and VI (Diploma, Advanced Diploma), and the Cadet may also obtain credit for Engineering Degree entrance.

Year 12 is generally considered a minimum entry requirement and maths, science and design and technology are considered advantageous subjects.

They can apply for recognition of existing skills. This is known as Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or Recognition of Current Competency (RCC). Recognised skills and competency can lead to a Statement of Attainment for Units of Competency or count towards the achievement of a Training Package Qualification.

See Recognition of Skills

Pay and conditions

A Technology Cadet…

• Will be employed under the Manufacturing and Associated Industries – Skills Development – Wages and Conditions Award 2004
• Will be paid a Cadetship wage based upon that Award
• Is entitled to superannuation, workers' compensation and other entitlements which will generally be the same as those of other employees

• DIY - you can employ a Technology Cadet directly into your business. If you decide to directly employ a Technology Cadet the process is very similar to that of an Australian Apprenticeship.

Ai Group has 'Six Steps to Employing an Apprentice or Trainee'

Or visit Recruiting an Apprentice / Trainee at www.training.com.au

• Group Training Organisation – your business can be a 'host' employer of a Technology Cadet who is employed by Ai Group Training Services (AiGTS), which is a group training company. They do the paperwork, are responsible for such things as wages and insurances, and they manage the training. There are a lot of benefits to you the employer.

For more information on Group Training for a Technology Cadet visit What does AiGTS do?

For more general information on Technology Cadetships go to Ai Group Technology Cadetship webpages