Laying the building blocks for a career in construction
Students considering a career in the construction industry can now take advantage of real-life experience and on the job training opportunities thanks to Building Blocks, a new career pathways initiative established by Alder Constructions.
Supported by Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ), the program has been created to introduce students to construction and to facilitate defined pathways for the next generation to pursue a career in construction via trade or para-professional avenues.
Signposted by hands-on experiences gained through group observation activities and work experience days with trade contractors, the program focuses on connecting interested talent with a tried and trusted pathway to a career in the construction industry.
The program is being rolled out at Alder’s active education projects across South-east Queensland including Coombabah State High School, Bracken Ridge State High School, and Cleveland District State High School with students from Grade 10 invited to participate.
Alder Constructions General Manager Dean Cheffers says the program offers a real-life educational experience that showcases what is available in the industry for the next generation of trades, engineers, and professionals.
“Alder is working closely with Industry Liaison Officers to connect with students showing an interest in the construction industry, generally appealing to students who are considering or are enrolled in school-based certificate courses,” Mr Cheffers said.
“The construction industry is facing unprecedented labour and skills shortages, which highlights the fact that more apprentices are needed now to cope with future demand. The Building Blocks Program aims to give interested students a practical understanding of what career paths are available in the construction industry and to influence an informed decision to choose construction as a great career option rather than the often-perceived last resort.”
Alder Constructions is collaborating with a number of key organisations with the capacity to further connect the students with pathways to additional placements and education opportunities including CSQ, TAFE Queensland and Awesome Women in Construction (AWIC).
“The collaboration with these organisations has opened up additional avenues for students to gain invaluable on-the-job practical work experience,” Mr Cheffers said.
“We are working collaboratively with CSQ to integrate with its tried and tested Try’a Trade program that it delivers in partnership with WorldSkills Australia across the state.
“Try’a Trade allows high school students to try their hand at various skills and trade areas such as carpentry, tiling and plumbing. Traditionally, Try’a Trade has been delivered on a TAFE campus, however, this year CSQ will be delivering a series of on-site Try’a Trade events on active construction sites giving them valuable insight into what it’s like on the other side of the construction fence.
“What better way to show students what is available to them in the construction industry than to get them out on the job to experience first-hand what is involved and giving them the practical experience and education to help them succeed.”
Alder hosted its first Try’a Trade Day at Bracken Ridge State High School last week with the first Gold Coast event to be hosted at Coombabah State High School later this year.
