Students get hands-on again to help out in Torquay

STUDENTS from Surf Coast Secondary College have gone hands-on to not only get a taste of the trades but also again help out a Torquay resident.

This year’s Hands-On Learning group comprises about 20 students from Years 7 to 10 looking to get some practical experience in trade-related skills.

Students in the group have worked on projects across Surf Coast Secondary College in recent years, including tables, landscaping, fences and converting a shipping container.

Last year, Hands-On Learning expanded its horizons to community work, completing jobs around the garden at the home of Torquay resident Joan Yelland, and the group returned to Ms Yelland’s house on two days last week to carry out some pre-Christmas maintenance.

“It gets the kids who are looking to do more trade or more vocational or school based apprenticeships into a bit of learning earler than what it would normally be by the Year 10 level,” Surf Coast Secondary College staff member Adam Micallef said.

“Last year, I had the idea of taking the program out to the community and doing some community gardening projects for elderly people that don’t have family around any more and are struggling to do what they need to be doing in their daily lives.”

At Ms Yelland’s house, two separate groups of students pruned, mowed and carried out garden maintenance.

“We did gardening over two days because Joan’s garden grows really quickly,” Mr Micallef said.
“She’s a lovely person, she’s been a member of the community for a long time and given her services to those all around, so it’s good for the kids to give back.

“When they’re out in the community and off the school grounds and doing something for someone else, the kids don’t realise when they’re there that they’re getting so much out of it, and their work ethic goes to another level.”