Supporting Skills for the Future was an 8-week pilot program that explored the in-demand trades across the construction industry in a bid to address local skills shortages.
The Supporting Skills for the Future project incorporated class and face to face delivery including accredited and non-accredited units in the suite of trades called Wet Trades
The skills-based program was designed to provide exposure to different trades in the Construction industry that were experiencing significant skills shortages. Bricklaying, Plastering, Painting and Tiling are “wet trades” that are critical in every sector of the construction industry that young people may not have been aware of or considered.
Students attended one day per week completing practical based activities with trainers across the Construction streams. Students hung plasterboard and learnt the fundamentals of tiling through laying and grouting subway tiles. They prepared surfaces for painting, learnt line designs, brush work, cutting in and rolling. Whilst building a brick pier, students learnt troweling and levelling techniques. The program incorporated key skill sets including the ‘Prepare to work safely in the construction industry/CI – White Card’ and industry presentations and tours. Students visited building sites to explore and see construction firsthand and to hear from professionals working in these trades.
The graduation ceremony was well attended by students, trainers, and local industry. Post program, students have expressed interest in pursuing work placement/work trial opportunities.
The program was a collaboration between Bendigo TAFE, Campaspe Cohuna LLEN and Industry Training Hub Shepparton and was funded by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.
Follow