Two budding tradies and students at The BUSY School’s newly opened Ipswich campus, Zac and Tyler have been given an opportunity to start their career path into construction, thanks to the Apprenticeships QLD (AQ) Building Futures Project. The BUSY Group is a proud supporter of Apprenticeships QLD and the Building Futures Program offers our BUSY School students practical learning on a construction site that involves renovation of a property.
Working on the seventh house renovation project that The Building Futures Project has initiated in the Ipswich shire, both Zac and Tyler will complete a Certificate I in Construction (CPC10111), which becomes part of their school curriculum. Under the watchful gaze of qualified tradesmen and volunteers from the Ipswich Men’s Shed, the learning opportunity will give them a great taste of the construction industry and further their learning in the industry.
Candice Ferrier, Employment Pathways Officer at The BUSY School campus in Ipswich, said, “Apprenticeships QLD Building Futures Project is a very successful program that has run for many years. In my role supporting young people into their career of choice, it has always been the place to go for young people interested in this area of residential construction.
“Students learn about the importance of safety, reliability, and communication, they learn to work as a team and become self-motivated learners and learn what employers want. The added advantage is the restoration of some of Ipswich’s historic homes. The combination of training and exposure to a live construction site better prepares our young people for what lies ahead. They are coming away with a true sense of what the nature of work in construction truly looks like.”
During their time on the project, Zac and Tyler will gain experience in a range of construction trades including painting, carpentry, concreting and landscaping – just to name a few. They can also interact with current apprentices onsite and be able to apply for future School-based Apprenticeship opportunities in carpentry or painting.
Zac said of his experience, “I thought it would be cool to rebuild homes and this will benefit us by giving us a White Card and our Certificate I in Construction so we can get into an apprenticeship.
“I have already learnt how to create a level surface for laying a large slab of concrete for under the house. We wouldn’t have had this opportunity if it wasn’t for BUSY and meeting Candice!”
Zac, who has ambitions to complete an apprenticeship and start his own construction business one day, has also learnt a vital life skill saying, “Proper nutrition and hydration is really important!”
Tyler is also keen for a career in the construction industry and said of the renovation project, “I’ve already learnt painting, reading building diagrams and how to write job site safety assessments. I want to complete an apprenticeship and become a carpenter.”
When asked what he would say to other high schoolers looking to explore a career in construction, Zac said, “Give it a go and put in as much effort as you can, you’ll get somewhere.”
