Foundation Training
We train using the WIA Foundation Manual [4th Edition], this is your textbook and easy-learning entry into Amateur Radio.
A real trainer, in a dedicated training room.
A proven method to take beginners through to their Foundation
Licence.
Train as often as you wish! You may choose an accelerated course or a more leisurely pace. It's quite OK to only train once every couple of weeks. This is meant to be a fun learning process... and the choice is always yours.
Our lead trainer has Certificate 4 in Training and Assessment Qualifications so you can be assured of well structured programs. There is plenty of hands-on practical training to keep your interest level high.
You will learn the theory required to pass the examinations in well-paced sessions geared to each student's learning style. Exams maketh the Ham! We'll ensure you're ready before undertaking them.
Students will have sufficient training sessions to perfect their practical knowledge in setting up an Amateur Radio Station and operating On-Air. We utilize older manual equipment so turning those knobs and dials gives the user an immersive experience.
Amateur Radio is a hobby which allows you to buy or build radios, and communicate locally or worldwide and the only stipulation is... you need a Licence.
Being a Ham is different to CB [Citizens Band] radio in that we don't use Channels, but instead we roam over millions of frequencies, using HF, VHF and UHF Bands. To become licenced you will need to study and pass a Theory Examination and undertake a Practical Assessment to prove you know how to use radio equipment correctly.
Why all the Rules? Because you can use millions of frequencies... and the last thing anyone needs is a radio operator causing interference to others... especially if those "others" are people like Ambos or Firies!! To be sure YOU know what you're doing you have to prove it. The licencing system is designed to ensure you're not a danger to others.
When you complete your exam and assessment you gain an Amateur Operator Certificate of Proficiency, [AOCP] which entitles you to get a licence to transmit.
The Foundation Training Course with the Bundaberg Amateur Radio Club costs $60 and this fee covers up to 10 training sessions although most students complete the course in 5 or 6 sessions. You will also require a WIA Foundation Training Manual (your textbook) and this can be purchased from the club for $30.
Other expenses outside of our control include cost of examination and allocation of Callsign. Both are overseen by the University of Tasmania - Aust. Marine College (AMC). On exam day you pay the college for these services.
A note about Callsigns... in Qld our callsigns are all VK4 - - - and some additional letters. VK is for Australia. The 4 is for Queensland and YOU get choose the following 3 letters, which when put together becomes your unique callsign.
Another cost is the Licence Fee. You're gaining a Federal Government Licence and you renew this licence each year.
AMC Exam Fee $94.50
AMC Callsign recommendation $37 [to choose your own callsign]
ACMA Licence fee, First year $80 and then renewal is $55 each year.
The subjects covered in the Foundation Course include;
The foundation course is intended to be your entry level into the hobby. Once you've mastered these subjects it's time to upgrade to a Standard or Advanced licence. It will require more study which you can undertake at your own pace.
The Bundaberg club does not provide the Standard or Advanced classes, instead we direct interested people to the Radio and Electronics School [ RES ]. You can enroll with the RES and work with a facilitator to upgrade your licence.
Just wanted to thank you for the training provided over these past
couple of weeks.
It filled in an awful lot of holes on the amateur side of things and
refreshed my memory on a lot of things. The pace was very good and
the real world experiences you provided were great.
We train at SES HQ Bundaberg
Our trainers are Volunteers Available Mon-Fri Daytime only Small Groups welcome Weekend courses by arrangement