East Coast Apprenticeships has developed and conducts the Defence Trade Program (DTP) offering support to veterans and their families seeking a trade career. DTP also supports non-trade career veterans.
The DTP offers vocational training linked with a sound network of employers and stakeholders, to offer relevant and timely advice and guidance to veterans. Outside of group training there are few other 'hands-on' organisations that can match this level of guidance and support. To date, East Coast Apprenticeships has engaged with almost 350 veterans, with profiles created and developed following a one-on-one interview with Executive Officer Lieutenant Colonel Alan Sparks, AM, BEM (Retired).
East Coast Apprenticeships, working with TAFE Queensland, has developed a new veterans Enhanced Pathways Program for carpentry, shop fitting and cabinet making trades. At present, these programs are offered with flexibility, solely to veterans in Brisbane. The program features a platform of skills and experiences in the selected trade in a concentrated eight week program with virtual one-on-one instruction from TAFE Queensland trainers. The 'trickle feed' entry into this training allows quick engagement for veterans seeking these trades. The extensive network of host employers increases the opportunities for an adult apprenticeship for graduates whose employability skills are heightened through the training.