Learning by renovating

More than 60 school-based construction students strapped on their tool belts, to help renovate a quintessential Queenslander in North Ipswich this year, as part of Apprenticeships Queensland’s Building Futures Program.

This work-ready program designed for high school students, and delivered in conjunction with TAFE Queensland, saw participants enrolled in Certificate I in Construction (CPC10120) learn on a live construction site.

The initiative was introduced to provide school students with the real-life work experience construction employers look for when recruiting, explained Apprenticeships Queensland General Manager, Paul Hillberg.

“The Building Futures program opens the door for high school students to get on the tools and experience a career in construction, first-hand,” said Mr Hillberg.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to be involved in a house renovation from start to finish, which looks great on students resumes and can certainly help them secure employment, but it also gives them valuable insight into the variety of trade careers available in construction.” he said.

Construction trades such as carpentry, painting, plumbing, tiling, cabinetmaking and plastering are all included on the 2022 Australian Apprenticeships Priority List and are occupations identified by the National Skills Commission as being in shortage.

The Building Futures program employed two qualified trainers to supervise the participants, eight school-based carpentry apprentices, three school-based painting and decorating apprentices, one qualified painting and decorating supervisor, in addition to the 60 school-based Certificate I in Construction students involved in the project throughout the year.

Students from Bundamba State Secondary College, Ipswich State High School, Laidley State High School, St Edmunds College, Springfield State High School, Centenary State High School, Kenmore State High School, Redbank Plains State High School, Boonah State High School, Hymba Yumba, Ripley State High School, YMCA and Australian Industry Trade College (AITC) participated.

Transformed from a dilapidated cottage to a contemporary, character filled residence, 10 Flint Street is for sale, with the listing available to view on realestate.com.au.

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