DUBBO builders have convinced TAFE Western that apprentices should spend far more time on construction sites than in its classrooms.
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From next year the institute at Dubbo is set to offer "gap training", the subject of an information session in the city later this month.
TAFE Western's head teacher building industries Dubbo, Matt White, said under the new training model apprentices would only attend class to learn skills not taught by their employers.
He said feedback from builders had indicated their need for apprentices to remain on the job as much as possible, prompting the decision to increase training options.
"This new flexible delivery model allows more options to suit the individual needs of TAFE Western's apprentices and employers," Mr White said.
The head teacher said the gap training was a "point of difference" between TAFE Western and companies offering workplace training.
He said it was a first for the region and could be rolled out to other communities in the future.
TAFE Western announced its industry-driven shift in training this week with Mr White providing details that would be revisited at the information session at the Macquarie Inn from 5pm on November 26.
"The big thing is we're not saying that apprentices won't come to TAFE," he said.
"They will come to TAFE and undertake training for things they don't learn on site.
"For example a builder might be putting up timber frames and timber trusses, which are components of the training course, but they might not be putting down concrete slabs.
"So the apprentice would still come to TAFE to get training in that area."
Mr White said training of apprentices on work sites would be conducted by their employers.
"TAFE teachers will go onto construction sites and do assessments," he said.
"We won't actually train on site."
TAFE Western has reported of gap training being one of three options available to apprentices in 2016.
They can continue to access the majority of their training and assessment through face-to-face block releases at TAFE Western or undertake "all possible" training and assessment on construction sites, dramatically reducing the time spent in class.
The institute is also offering a "mixed blend" of the two options.
An invitation to the free November 26 meeting has been issued to "everyone" in the building and carpentry industries, and particularly tradespeople "considering putting on an apprentice".
For more information contact Mr White on 6883 3440 or at matthew.white@tafensw.edu.au.
