From classroom to construction site: supporting the next generation
Partnering with local communities to deliver pathway programs is key to supporting the ongoing growth of our industry in the context of a national skills shortage
Coinciding with the construction of St Mary MacKillop College’s new performing arts centre, Built is proud to support the school in the delivery of their Construction Pathways program.
By giving students hands-on experiences through activities like site tours and lessons, the program aims to prepare students for the different fields available within construction.
With Built working adjacent to the Isabella Plains campus, students have the opportunity to visit a live construction site, ask questions they may have about the construction process and industry, and to help out with various aspects on site.
“Built have been sensitive to collaborating with us to bring our senior vocational students onto the worksite to give them an authentic experience of the Construction Pathways course that they are pursuing. The staff at Built have been expert, warm, and accommodating of our teachers and students,” said Michael Lee OAM, Principal, St Mary MacKillop College.
“In a construction environment experiencing huge skilled labour shortages, Built’s attitude towards our students reflects a strong economic and community mindedness of a company that’s about more than just profit.
“We’re very grateful for the opportunities that have arisen through the relationship we have developed with Built,” added Mr Lee.
More than 200,000 additional workers are needed in Australia to fill the current skills shortage with the competition for resources expected to worsen in the future.
Programs like those being delivered at St Mary Mackillop College is one way to help address this shortage and encouraging more high schools to consider a career in construction.
“We are seeing labour shortages within the industry today and it is up to us to promote and attract future talent from the next generation,” said Pascal Cassis, Senior Project Manager, Built.
Having undertaken a week of work experience with Built over 15 years ago, Pascal knows firsthand how valuable these programs are. This experience provided important insights into what the construction industry looked like in a live operating environment and allowed Pascal to refine his career aspirations within the industry.
“By giving the students at St Mary MacKillop College the opportunity to attend site, ask detailed questions and observe the large variety of different career opportunities on our site, I hope to encourage and see the next generation of construction workers come into the industry,” added Pascal.
The Performing Arts Centre project consists of the construction of a new facility comprising an auditorium, drama studio, dance studio, music studio, and associated spaces.
Built is also constructing a new Physical Education Multi-Purpose Facility at St Mary MacKillop College Wanniassa campus.
