Over the past few weeks, 21 students from Airds High School and Campbelltown Performing Arts High have been gaining hands-on construction experience by building a bike shed and carport at their respective schools.
The Build the Future program is a collaborative construction focused careers initiative that is providing wrap around experience for the students.
Learning included how to use hand and power tools like drills, levels and saws, evacuate and prepare a site, read and implement plans, work as a team and communicate, present themselves in job interviews, and compile a resume.
The program aims to address construction skills shortages by creating vocational education training pathways for students.
It is a joint project under the Educational Pathways Program and Regional Industry Education Partnerships.
The students, who were mentored by a local builder, did an impressive job, constructing a carport and bike shed so quickly that they also built a platform.
“Build the Future has been an incredible collaboration, giving our Airds High School and Campbelltown Performing Arts High School students real industry exposure at a time when the construction sector is facing major skills shortages,’’ says Kate Rowe, Educational Pathways Program head teacher.
“This hands-on learning takes our students out of the traditional classroom and places them alongside industry experts who share invaluable insights.
“It’s about building job-readiness, broadening their opportunities, and showing them that there is more than one way to complete the HSC.
“Our students are gaining practical skills while contributing something meaningful back to their school communities.’’
Zain, A Year 12 student at Campbelltown Performing Arts High, said he found the experience to be more challenging than he had expected.
“We built a carport and learning platform, and I think it’s a good learning experience that will be useful in life.
“I’ve learnt from this that I don’t really like carpentry, but I like doing construction work and it’s very useful for me.”
Rhonda Stone, a Regional Industry Education Partnerships officer said the partnership on projects like Build the Future was rewarding.
“These experiences open doors whether it’s work experience, school-based apprenticeships, or full-time trades, giving students the chance to meet industry leaders and explore the future career paths they may want to pursue,’’ Ms Stone said.
“This project proved the strength of collaboration. Bringing department teams and industry partners together, Build the Future demonstrated just how much we can achieve when we work as one.’’
The Department of Education also thanked local businesses Australian Steel Institute and Ranbuild for donating resources used for the project.