Building a Balanced Workforce with Try a Trade

Students keen to explore the construction industry had the chance to get a steel-capped foot in the door at Alder’s Try a Trade event, held at Hillcrest Christian College on May 29.

Partnering with Alder, who was recently awarded the $20 million Hillcrest Christian College project, the initiative offered grades 10 to 12 students a firsthand experience on an active construction site. Under the expert guidance of Alder’s Construction Manager, Megan Mitchell, students gained valuable insights, stepping beyond classroom learning into real-world application.

Alder has been appointed to deliver Hillcrest’s four-storey Innovation Learning Building, designed to enhance educational spaces with specialty classrooms, a sunken gallery, flexible learning areas, and technology hubs. The project also includes the redevelopment of key campus facilities, including part of the Resource Building, the canteen, and outdoor amphitheatre. A new balcony deck and landscaping will further enrich the learning environment for students.

Try a Trade isn’t just about picking up the tools—it’s about discovering the full breadth of career opportunities within the construction sector. Students participated in an environmental science activity, illustrating how industry roles extend beyond traditional trades. They also tried their hand at plastering before touring the construction site.

Wilson Environmental Compliance has been actively involved throughout the project, offering comprehensive environmental management and advisory services. Their scope includes preparing detailed Environmental Management Plans and conducting rigorous water quality monitoring to ensure regulatory compliance and environmental stewardship.

22-year-old Environmental Scientist at Wilson Environmental Compliance, Abbey James, attended the event to showcase the diversity of opportunities available within the construction industry.

Rosalyn Wilson, Director and Principal Environmental Scientist at Wilson Environmental Compliance is passionate about nurturing young talent and forging a pathway for young women in particular, who are studying environmental science to apply their skills and knowledge in a safe environment.

“Initiatives like Try a Trade are invaluable to the construction industry, as they strive to spark interest and inspire the next generation to pursue careers in the field. We want to showcase environmental science and engineering as rewarding and impactful career paths for students,” Ms Wilson said

“We want to show young women that they can belong in science and construction just as much as anyone else and that they have something really valuable to contribute to the industry. If we can encourage young girls early on and show them firsthand that there is opportunity to get into this role, we can build a workforce that embraces young women and can be adaptable to change, and programs like Try a Trade are an amazing platform to do so.”

Ms Mitchell, who has two daughters who attend the school, believes that by encouraging more school aged students to participate in construction, the industry will become increasingly resilient while addressing the shortfall of some 105,000 additional construction workers needed to deliver Australia’s pipeline.

“Grassroots programs like Try a Trade are essential for the continual development of our industry,” Ms Mitchell said.

“Manual labour is not for everybody, so we need to support and inspire young people who are considering construction for a future career to look beyond the traditional trades to find the huge range of career opportunities on offer like environmental science and engineering.”

CSQ Career Pathways Manager Tony Martin says CSQ works closely with schools across the state to promote the 70 careers in construction.

“Students don’t realise the wide range of careers available and it’s through our proactive industry partners like Alder, that we can increase student awareness and help make construction a career of choice.”

With over 7,500 students attending CSQ Career Pathway events across Queensland in 2024 and female participation reaching 37.25 percent, initiatives like Try a Trade are making a tangible impact. As the construction industry continues to evolve, events like these are paving the way for the next generation and ultimately helping to future proof the industry.