Scouts Australia, Victorian Branch - Scout Radio and Electronics Service Unit

Foundation Licence Training

For anyone interested in dipping his or her toe in the wonderful hobby of Amateur Radio, the Foundation Licence is the ideal place to start.

The Foundation Course run by the SRESU is conducted by scouting people primarily for Scouts, Venturers, Rovers and Leaders. Scouting Parents and Friends are welcomed to apply; acceptance of applications is subject to course number limitations.

The Foundation Course offered, follows the new syllabus laid down by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) in March 2008. Our training material has been updated to match the new syllabus.

The Training and Assessment leads to the Amateur Operators Certificate of Proficiency (Foundation).

A flier on the SRESU Foundation Course is available to download here: SRESU Foundation Course Flier

Training Dates for 2010

Foundation Courses:

30th, 31th July and 1st Aug – Bendigo (Residential).
Download Bendigo 2010 Flyer
20th 21st November – Wattle Glen (T.B.C.)

Foundation to Standard Upgrade:

27th 28th 29th Aug – Cram and Exam Weekend (Foundation Upgrade to Standard).

Foundation Course Fees: (Subject to changes from external bodies)

Current Metropolitan Foundation Training Schedule	SRESU
Date Effective as of 1st June 2010	Scout Member		Non-Scout Member
	Under 18	Over 18	Under 18	Over 18
Training Book (Inc P&P)	$24.00	$24.00	$24.00	$24.00
Light Lunches & Drinks	$15.00	$15.00	$15.00	$15.00
Training Course (Administration)	$10.00	$10.00	$15.00	$15.00
Donation for Hall Hire	$10.00	$10.00	$10.00	$10.00
Individual (Metro) Training Cost	$59.00	$59.00	$64.00	$64.00

Foundation Exam (Written and Practical)	$35.00	$67.00	$35.00	$67.00
Call sign (First available Note *1)	$5.00	$5.00	$5.00	$5.00
WIA Assessment Costs	$40.00	$72.00	$40.00	$72.00

Total Training and Assessment	$99.00	$131.00	$104.00	$136.00

*ACMA License (Annual) Note 2**	$65.00	$65.00	$65.00	$65.00

SRESU Membership	Invitation	Invitation	N/A	N/A
Note *1 Call sign (Your choice option) in lieu of first available call sign.	$20.60	$20.60	$20.60	$20.60
Note *2 ACMA Licence increased to $65 on the 5/April/2010

Regional Courses: If you feel you could get 8-12 interested people together in your region, please talk to our Training Officer so we may schedule a course in your region. Regional Course fees subject to quotation.

What happens if I can’t attend the SRESU course? The SRESU is associated with a large group of Amateur Radio Clubs, Trainers and Assessors via the WIA. We normally can assist you find a Training Course and Assessment near you.

Do I really need to do the course? If you have a Radio and Electronics background or you are just really good at self-study, then you may chose to purchase the Training Manual and arrange an Assessment. Feel free to discuss with our Training Officer.

I really don’t have time to study; can I just turn up to the course? Yes, but all things worthwhile normally require some work. It is our experience that applicants who don’t have a grasp of the subject material will struggle in the training and assessment.

What training material do we use? Our primary training material is contained in the book “Your Entry Into Amateur Radio - Version 2” pictured. We recommend that you obtain and read this book prior to attending the course. It is available from the SRESU for $24 including packing and Postage with in Australia. It is well presented and easy to read.

I was found competent in some of the subjects at a recent course; do I need to do the whole course again? It depends on how much you remember, please discuss with our Training Officer.

If I do the training, do I need to apply for a licence? While you do need a licence to operate a station in your own right, you are entitled to wear the Amateur Radio Badge if you hold the Certificate. Please discuss with our Training Officer.

How do I apply for one of your courses? Obtain and complete a TR1 Form. Application (TR1) and Course fee to be received Three Weeks prior to course. The TR1 form can be downloaded here: TR1 Form.

Please mail your application and fee to:
SRESU Victoria, PO Box 269, Box Hill, Victoria, 3128.
This is to ensure mail out of training materials prior to the course.
All other fees payable prior (or over the weekend by arrangement).

Any Questions? .... Please contact Philip, the Training Officer via the Contact SRESU page.

Last Update – 30 May 2010 – PF.