Building career opportunities for youth

Local secondary students have been given a behind the scenes look at trade career opportunities in the fast growing construction sector as part of the Building Careers Geelong initiative.

The initiative sees The Gordon TAFE and Master Builders Geelong Section teaming to connect Year 9-12 students with industry experts working in both domestic and commercial building, with tradespeople and apprentices sharing their experiences with the students.

Norm Lyons of Lyons Construction said, “Increasing young people’s knowledge of job opportunities and the diversity of occupations in the construction industry is a community responsibility. As a collective, we are committed to growing this initiative as we work to address the industry’s skills shortages.”

Students toured Hamlan Homes domestic sites in Mt Duneed and a Lyon’s Construction commercial site in Armstrong Creek where they met with local employers to learn about and discuss trade careers before heading to The Gordon’s East Geelong Campus to explore the state-of-art training facilities and learn about study pathways into the industry.

David King, Business Manager for Design and Construction at The Gordon stated, “We actively partner with industry and schools to build awareness amongst our youth of the career pathways available to them so students can make informed decisions about their future. With opportunities to undertake a School-Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship while completing their secondary studies, students can get a taste for a trade and get a head start on their career.”

The Building Careers Geelong initiative is supported by The Gordon, Lyons Construction, Hamlan Homes, Caruso Bricklaying, Geelong Built, Walkers Plaster and Tiles, MultiSkills Training, Geelong Region Local Learning and Employment Network (GRLLEN), Regional Industry Sector Employment (RISE) Geelong and Tradeswomen Australia. 

Secondary schools looking to get involved with Building Careers Geelong can contact Leesa Hanlon, Project and Engagement Officer at GRLLEN at lhanlon@grllen.com.au.