2022 Try-A-Trade

In Week 5, eleven students from Years 9 to 11 participated in three consecutive days of Try-A-Trade with MPA Skills at the John Forrest Trade Training Centre.  The program is funded by the Construction Training Fund and allows students to experience industry-based training in plumbing and painting in a professional training environment.

Students were fortunate to have MPA Skills’ trainers work with students, supporting their development of new skills. This unique opportunity for students to learn outside of the classroom has helped inform potential pathways and recognise the aptitude, skills and ability to pursue a career in the building and construction industry.  Students worked on a range of activities over the three days.  They participated in strenuous and physically demanding work digging trenches and laying pipe work to simulate a domestic plumbing environment.  They measured, cut and created a water sprinkler from PVC pipe checking for leaks in their design and adhesion.  Students also designed and created stencils to experiment with a variety of painting techniques.

Students worked very well individually and in small teams, each with a student leader.  Those students who already knew they wanted to work in the industry were even more convinced of this pathway.  Others who participated, learned new skills and now have an appreciation for how they might transfer these skills into other careers such as visual art, carpentry and electrotechnology.  As with any work experience opportunity, some students are more certain that this industry is not for them; this is not a wasted opportunity, rather one that has supported the growth and development towards future career development for our students.

Thanks again to MPA Skills and the Construction Training Fund for supporting out students.

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