Students see what they could be

THE sounds of nails being hammered, power tools, and passionate chatter filled the school yard of Mount Rowan Secondary College last Wednesday.

Seventeen year 9 and 10 students took part in a try-a-trade day designed and delivered by Highlands LLEN, which saw them hear from guest speakers about working in the industry, before being tasked with building a cubby house.

Work-ready elective teacher Steve Wicks said school is a safe place for the young people to learn the practical trade skills and have a go at something new.

“There are students who are taking control and taking initiative, in a great way. An activity like this is bringing out their strengths and teamwork,” he said.

“The students don’t always get the opportunity to work so cooperatively with each other, and share information, so it’s fantastic.

“Any student that thinks this might be for them, it can narrow down and hone their future pathways for education and learning.”

Year 10 student Charlotte said she enjoyed the cubby project and noticed within a few short hours that her building skills were already improving.

“It’s been really fun. It’s been an eye-opener to what pathway I want to go down with my career,” she said.

“Carpentry would be great. I would like to be a carpenter.”

With support from Women’s Health Grampians, the try-a-trade program was also a chance for Highlands LLEN to encourage the six girls who took part to seriously consider a trade career if they enjoyed the activities.

See What You Can Be coordinator Ange van den Berg said Women’s Health Grampians has developed a project to attract and retain more women in non-traditional professions.

“See What You Can Be looks at pathways into trades for women and girls, helping students receive career advice that’s not gendered, breaking down and challenging stereotypes around men’s and women’s work, and we’ve recruited some women who work in trades as advocates,” she said.

“We also have an Act on Site workplace-based culture change program supporting organisations to attract and retain women.

“We’ve been here today at Mount Rowan to discuss barriers to women getting into trades, and to champion gender equality.”

After two years of lockdowns, Highlands LLEN’s Polly Britten said schools requested hands-on trade experiences in safe environments on-campus, and the program responds to these needs.

“This is a $5000 project for a school, and it’s free. Students get an amazing workshop experience with teaching from Platinum Institute Australia educators,” she said.

“Mount Rowan is the third school to take part in the program, and I’ve had 10 schools interested in total. One wants to do it three times, with three year levels.”