2. Information For
  3. Apprentices and Trainees
  4. Learning

Learning at Trade-School

Call-ups for your training

Your call-ups and training with TAFE SA will be either Block Release (1-2 weeks) or Day Release (one day a week) depending on your employment arrangement.  TAFE SA will let your employers know when you are due for your call-up.
At the beginning of your training with TAFE SA you should receive a Training Plan indicating the units (subjects) you need to complete at each year of your apprenticeship.  If you have questions about your Training Plan, you can contact the TAFE SA Customer Support on 1800 882 661 who will connect you with staff who can answer your questions.  Be aware that your Training Plan may change on various occasions due to employment commitments or your block release dates.


What is learning like at Trade School?

Workshops and Tutorials

Attendance at Workshop / Call up sessions is required. This will include theory-based learning activities and practical skills in your trade. Practical assessment can occur at trade-school or on your worksite. 

Practical Assessments may consist of:

  • Real work and real-time activities at your worksite
  • Work-based practical activities at trade-school
  • Verbal questions during work-based practical activities

Theory Assessment may consist of:

  • Written questions
  • Tasks
  • Multiple choice questions

 

Workplace based training

Some apprentices/trainees will be able to complete their learning and assessment programs fully on-the-job, with support from TAFE SA lecturers. There is also the option of attending TAFE SA for training and assessment blocks. Assessment in this situation is by your employer or host employer using a Log book.

Self-Directed Learning

Self-directed learning is about how you approach your learning.  Can you identify your own learning needs; create your own learning goals, gather the information and complete the tasks?

Your lecturers will demonstrate the skills you need and support practical tasks with theory, so you understand how and why procedures are followed.  You may be a hairdresser learning cutting techniques to achieve a specific look or a plumber establishing a surface drainage system.

Self-directed learning is about how you then take this information and use it to produce an industry standard outcome.

Some tips for self-directed learning:

  • Readiness for learning: do you know what is expected; do you know how you learn?
  • Set learning goals: do you need to revisit the information before returning to training the next day or week?
  • Resources: do you know how to use the learning materials and where to find information
  • Reflect on what you have learnt: how does this fit with the next step in the task ahead

Why is self-directed learning important in the workplace? Employers look for apprentices/workers who show initiative, look for ways to assist or learn and accomplish tasks (once known) without supervision.


 

Where can I get learning help for my Trade-School?

Your Employer

Speak with your Field Officer or Employer about on the job exposure to areas of your trade prior to your call-up, so you can be familiar with what you will see and learn at Trade-School.

TAFE SA Study Skills Hubs & Learning Support

Study Skills Hubs are available across many campuses, as well as by video-call to access help with a range of study related skills, including:

  • Managing your time and getting organised for study
  • Note taking and class preparation 
  • Understanding assessment tasks
  • Writing essays and reports
  • Presentations and group work 
  • Online learning, including Learn and general computer use
  • Reading, writing, and understanding assignment questions
  • Referencing and bibliographies
  • Learning how to check your grammar and self-editing 

Learn more and book your appointment:

 

Living with disability, mental health, or medical condition as an Apprentice or Trainee

The ‘Disabled Australian Apprentice Wage Support’ (DAAWS) scheme is a Commonwealth-funded initiative which supports apprentices/trainees to help them reach their potential as skilled workers.
The scheme may provide support for the off-the job component of your apprenticeship/traineeship, including mentoring, tutoring and interpreting. 

 

Need further support?

You can make a time to meet with TAFE SA's Student Counselling and Inclusion team to discuss support options if you are having difficulty with your learning, or are having some problems in life that are impacting on your training.


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