Students build new career skills

WITH career choices often a bewildering decision for young people, a Southern Queensland Institute of TAFE (SQIT) program is helping eliminate some of that uncertainty.

Years 10 to 12 students from Warwick State High School are part of SQIT’s Construction Pathways program which introduces students to the building and construction trades.

Program co-ordinator and SQIT teacher Carl Dwyer said the program was designed as a “taster” for students who may be considering a career in one of the building trades.

Mr Dwyer said one of its strengths was its flexibility and that participants could exit the course and move into paid employment, allowing others to readily enter the program.

Students are learning the basics of trades that include paving, carpentry, painting, bricklaying, ceramic tiling and concreting.

“The program also benefits the schools, as it involves real construction projects,” Mr Dwyer said.

“In Warwick, students are building a gazebo to be installed at SQIT’s local campus.

“In the first stages we build up the students’ hand skills and from there they go out and do some work experience in their area of choice with employers.”

Mr Dwyer said to receive a Certificate II in Construction Pathways, participants complete six mandatory units such as Plan and Organise Work and Apply Occupational Health and Safety Requirements and six elective units.

He invited schools wishing to participate in the ongoing program to contact SQIT on 4694 1600 or email sqit.enquiries@deta.qld.gov.au