The future of construction bolstered by Try’a Trade event
Alder was proud to contribute to the Try’a Trade program giving future construction workers an opportunity to step onto an active construction site at Coombabah State High School.
This valuable industry initiative, delivered by Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ) introduces young Queenslanders to a variety of building and construction trades, and allows students to speak with various industry professionals.
Try’a Trade is aimed at students in Year 10 before subject selection and a known stepping stone for school-based apprenticeships. Thanks to local construction company Alder Constructions, Gold Coast students had the opportunity step onto an active construction site at this event at Coombabah State High School.
Alder Constructions has recently completed the General Learning Centre at Coombabah State High School (CSHS). The $12 million project includes a multi-story learning facility complete with future general learning areas, seven new classrooms, amenities, kitchenette, communications room, breakout spaces, a kinesiology lab, a hospital wardroom, and an undercroft with 12 car parking bays.
Alder Constructions General Manager Dean Cheffers says Try’a Trade is a great opportunity to fuel interest in a future career in a trade with the long-term goal of bolstering the industry as a whole.
“Initiatives like Try’aTrade are invaluable for the construction industry as they work hard to ignite interest and inspire the next generation of trades and ultimately futureproof the construction industry workforce,” says Mr Cheffers.
“Such a program is essential for the continual development of our industry and we at Alder are proud to be doing our bit by showing students at this particular event the dynamic environment that is a live worksite so they can be inspired to perhaps take the path of developing a career in the industry.”
Students will have the opportunity to view a range of trades firsthand at the event including bricklaying, carpentry and painting with experienced trades professionals on hand while CSQ and TAFE representatives will also be available to offer practical advice on potential career pathways for students.
CSQ CEO Brett Schimming said the Try’a Trade program had proven a popular and useful vehicle to trigger thinking about careers in construction with students who may not otherwise consider the path for themselves.
“Some students are surprised at how much they enjoy some of the activities that they try out on the day. Many may find that the physical experience is quite different to what they imagined,” Mr Schimming said.
“The program is all about giving it a go and taking the opportunity to try construction on for size as well as providing the key information to help start discussions at home.”
In line with Alder’s commitment to fostering the next generation of construction workers, the company has developed an on-the-job training program called Building Blocks. Supported by CSQ, the program has been designed 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 Building Blocks Program is being rolled out across Alder’s active education projects including Bracken Ridge State High School, Sandgate District State High School, Cleveland District State High School, and Coombabah State High School.
For more information on CSQ’s Construction Pathways program click here.
