Year 9s Try-A-Trade 2022

In Week 8, fourteen Year 9 students participated in three consecutive days of Try-A-Trade at Skillhire  in Forrestfield. The program is funded by The Construction Training Fund and allows students to experience industry-based training in Brick and Block laying and Carpentry.

Students caught the bus to and from Skillhire Wednesday/Thursday with Ms Tracey Walsh and on Friday with Mr Aaron Davies, who supervised and supported students while there. This was a unique opportunity for students to learn outside of the classroom and to experience what life might be like on a construction worksite. Mr Davies and Ms Walsh were impressed by the way students worked together and by their bricklaying and carpentry skills in such a short time.

Skillhire trainer, Blair, was also impressed by our group of students, especially with the way they worked as a team and didn’t complain when it came to the hard job of cleaning up each day. Students worked towards the creation of a small courtyard surrounded by brick pillars with picket fencing in-between each pillar. A central paved path provided access into the courtyard from either side.

Although the temperature on Wednesday was extreme inside the shed, students participated in the strenuous and physically demanding work completing all brickwork and paving by the end of day two. On day three, they began the carpentry work and measured, cut, and created small picket fences which they later installed to finalise their work. This was achieved because students listened carefully to all of Blair’s instructions, proving themselves to be fast learners.

Students who already knew they wanted to work in construction were even more convinced that this is the career for them. Others who participated, learned new skills, and now have an idea of how they could transfer these skills into other careers such as electricians and plumbers. 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.

Year 9 student Kai Kabugua said the following about his experience at Try-A-Trade: “One thing I learnt from the try a trade program was if you want to have something you can look at and admire, you will need to put the hard work in to get there. That is what happened with our construction”.

Thanks again to Mr Davies, Ms Walsh, Skillhire, Trainer Blair and the Construction Training Fund for supporting our students.

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