Titled “Supporting skills for the future’’, the pilot program explores the in-demand trades across the construction industry in a bid to address local skills shortages.
Students from Echuca College, Cohuna Secondary College and Rushworth P-12 College are taking part in the program, which runs on one day a week for nine weeks until June 8.
The program is a collaboration between Bendigo TAFE, Campapse Cohuna LLEN and Industry Training Hub — Shepparton.
Bendigo TAFE Echuca campus lead Paul Stagg said the early results of the program had been positive.
“This program is funded by the Industry Training Hub and the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, and we would like to run these a lot more often,” he said.
“The feedback from the students has been terrific.
“When they go back to school they tell their friends about the positive experience they had.”
Rushworth P-12 College student Ella was happily mastering the skill of bricklaying.
“It’s very good how they have set it out for us kids,” she said.
“I think a lot of the students will be heading into the trade industry.”
Asked what she plans on doing in the future, the Year 10 student added: “I think I will go into bricklaying, as that is a really well paid job and possibly I’ll hire female apprentice tradies once I have my own business”.
Experts in their field: Kristen Elliott, Antony Wallace, Dick Hay and Paul Stagg.
Photo by
Michael Lloyd
Antony Wallace has been a bricklayer since 1989 and is a qualified tradesman.
He works as a training assessor with Bendigo TAFE to ensure students are well trained and prepared for a bright future.
“Many people either think of becoming an electrician, plumber or carpenter. There’s other trades out there and bricklaying and tiling is always in demand,” Mr Wallace said.
Dick Hay has been in the bricklaying field since 1987 and in that time has taken on half a dozen apprentices.
Trowel in hand: Students learn the trade of bricklaying.
Photo by
Michael Lloyd
“The students here today are all learning, but it’s important to remember that it takes time and patience. We have some great kids here and the future’s looking good,” Mr Hay said.
Years 10, 11 or 12 students seeking further information on learning a trade should contact Bendigo TAFE’s Echuca campus on 1300 554 248 or visit its website