TRADES certificate studies offered at Alexandra Hills Tafe - including those for high school-aged students - have helped to boost enrolment numbers at the school by 20 per cent.
A spokesperson for Training Minister Shannon Fentiman said the enrolment spike was attributed to Tafe's relationship with the Australian Industry Trade College and the increase in trades competencies delivered on the campus.
Earlier this year, certificate III and IV studies in carpentry, electrical and plumbing were rolled out to help bayside-based apprentices to train and work in the area.
However, it was the certificates II in plumbing and electrotechnology, and the certificate one in construction, that had so far clocked up the highest enrolment increases, the spokeswoman said.
Those certificates, offered as school-based apprenticeships, could be studied by teenagers completing high school studies who were interested in pursuing trades-based careers.
Training Minister Shannon Fentiman said the strong growth in student enrolments showed that young people were prepared to "break the mould" to do school differently.
"In 2018, student enrolments at the Alexandra Hills campus increased by over 20 per cent and continues to grow in 2019," she said.
The Alexandra Hills Tafe campus also offered senior syllabus studies for young students wanting to complete their Queensland Certificate of Education or gain an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank outside of the traditional high school classroom.
The Alexandra Hills campus offered core studies in English, mathematics and science, which could be accompanied by trades-based certificate studies including in nursing, child care, automotive and electrotechnology.
TAFE Queensland Senior College School Captain Servisha Salonoa said she enrolled in the program after becoming unwell.
The flexible learning environment offered by Tafe had allowed her to continue her high school studies in a relaxed environment as she recuperated, she said.
"I've loved it from the get-go, having just come from a private school where there was a strict structured regime, it was really nice to move to a study environment whereby teachers understood my needs and treated me like an adult," Servisha said.
"I have found a new passion for study and I'm doing really well academically. I'm on track to go to university next year and I can't wait," she said.
For more information about Alexandra Hills Tafe campus, visit online at tafeqld.edu.au.
