Annual tradie for a day program a hit
The Baw Baw Skills Centre have held their annual Grade six ‘Tradie for a day’ program that allows students to experience what it might be like to take up a trade post school.
The program, which started a couple of years ago gives students the chance to learn with hands on activities giving them a insight into the life of a tradie. With five 45 minute sessions across the day, students were able to work in carpentry, plumbing, automotive, rural studies and 3D robotics.
With the Grade six students transitioning into many of the secondary schools around the region, West Gippsland Trade Training Alliance manager Rod Dunlop said that the program gives students a chance to see just a few of the many options available to them.
“It really allows the students to see the options that are available to them, outside of the academic career options” he said.
With a brilliant facility located in Warragul, the program has planted the seed for many careers, igniting a passion for the many trades on offer. Mr. Dunlop said that he’s had students who have participated in the day and then returned on a full time basis to study a trade.
“We’ve had plenty of students come to the day, and then years later we see them returning to our program on a full time basis, some even this year said that their brothers and sisters had been through the program too, so they are remembering it” he said.
Partnering with nine schools around the region, the three day event is open to 110 kids per session, giving plenty the chance to participate with the purpose of helping the students make good decisions about their future Mr. Dunlop said.
“We have found that some start a trade then realise they don’t enjoy it as much, so it’s important we give them the opportunity to see each trade for what it is and then make a good decision about which one they’d pursue going forward” he explained.