Industry paving a new way forward for school-based work experience

The Geelong Region Local Learning and Employment Network (GRLLEN) has partnered with national contractor Built and Deakin University’s School of Architecture & Built Environment to successfully pilot the innovative G8way-2-Construction program. The program has been uniquely designed to give secondary students across the G21 Region unparalleled insights into the construction industry.

G8way-2-Construction is reshaping traditional work experience into a dynamic, real-world exploration of the building and construction industry. By offering hands-on, immersive learning experiences, both on a construction site and with Built’s project team, paired with Deakin’s guidance on education pathways, it prepares students for a wide range of career options in one of Victoria’s most vital sectors.

Leesa Hanlon, Project & Engagement Lead at place-based School to Work provider GRLLEN, emphasised the importance of exploring innovative approaches to work experience.

“The construction industry is an essential industry to Victoria’s prosperity, with projected employment growth of over 30,000 workers by end-2026. This program aims to connect industry and young people to help bridge that skills gap.”

“The collaborative nature of the G8way-2-Construction program, led by Built and Deakin University, has provided students with an invaluable non-traditional work experience, providing a deep dive into construction and equipping them with tools to make informed decisions about their future careers.” said Hanlon.

Over three days, 41 students from 10 local schools participated in the program, gaining an in-depth understanding of diverse construction careers while actively engaging one of Built’s large-scale construction projects, the Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention & Event Centre.

Andrew Morgan, Construction Director at Built, said the program opened student’s minds to the diverse range of careers available, including opportunities for women in construction.

“At Built, we are committed to investing in the G21 region and preparing the next generation of construction professionals. In an industry facing significant labour shortages, it’s vital that we promote and attract future talent,” Morgan said.

“Programs like G8way-2-Construction allow us to engage with students early on, giving them hands-on experience – including mock inductions, site tours, safety, design and digital engineering and sustainability workshops – and provide insight into the wide array of career opportunities available. By doing this, we help secure a sustainable future for the construction industry and ensure that the next generation is equipped to carry it forward.”

The Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention & Event Centre construction site, paired with Deakin University’s School of Architecture and Built Environment located next door, created an ideal environment for students to experience the cross-pollination of ideas between education and industry.

Presentations by students, facilitated by Crazy Ideas College, provided industry and community leaders, schools and parents with a first-hand perspective on the valuable experience students gained and a fresh perspective on other industry immersions they seek.

A parent of one of the participants, Ralph Roob, whose daughter Virginia attended the G8way-2-Construction program, expressed his appreciation:

“As a parent, I am grateful to GRLLEN, Built, and Deakin University for coordinating such an enriching program. It gave my daughter first-hand experience in project management on a scale hardly imaginable, such as the Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention & Event Centre. She now has a clearer understanding of the career opportunities available in the construction industry and the pathways required to pursue them.”

The G8way-2-Construction program offers a dynamic alternative to traditional work experience. By rethinking work experience and providing students with relevant, meaningful, real-world exposure to the construction industry, this initiative is helping young people in regional Victoria make informed decisions about their future careers.

For more information on the G8way-2-Construction program, contact GRLLEN.