What makes a P-Tech school

WHAT MAKES A P-TECH SCHOOL

* P-TECH stands for Pathways in Technology Early Career High school

HOW IT WORKS IN THE US

* Public and private money is used to fund high schools which also give university degrees

* They are placed in low socio-economic areas

* The aim is to get students "job ready"

* Students stay on for two years beyond the US year 12 equivalent

WHAT STUDENTS GET IN THE US

Prime Minister Tony Abbott visited a P-Tech school in New York in 2014 where students get:

* Mentoring during their study

* An associate degree in technology

* A job interview with IBM

HOW IT WILL WORK IN AUSTRALIA

* Students will graduate with a year 12 qualification

* Designed to support disadvantaged young people

* There will be industry supported pathways to science, technology, engineering or mathematics diplomas

* Partnerships between education, industry and community

* The government is spending $500,000 on the P-Tech trial