Hands-on trade experience for Gunnedah students

Gunnedah teens have gained hands-on experience by testing out fabrication and engineering as a future career path.

Four Gunnedah High School Aboriginal students visited Many Fabrication and Engineering recently, with other schools to also stop by in following weeks.

The students walked away with their crafted fire pits along with the skill and knowledge of a day’s work.

The teens scored work shirts, safety boots, gloves, ear protection, a helmet and a face shield.

These related to the safety induction, before they learnt about the equipment to create their own fire pit.

The program was created by the Regional Economic Development and Training Services NSW under the Targeted Workforce Development Scheme.

Senior project officer at Regional Industry Education Partnership Karly Brogan said the program was a way for students to connect with industries and gain experience.

“There is so much pressure on students and what they are going to do for a career,” she said.

These programs allow for the students to understand the basics of the job along with the environment they would work in before committing to a trade.

Students gain transferable skills that are needed across the trades industry while also providing confidence in their ability.

There is a further advantage of connecting these students with employers in the area, which may translate to skilling regional NSW.

Many Fabrication and Engineering’s Katie Many said the day also intended to show the process of its service – from directions given by customers to the crafting element.

“It is great to see their engagement and we tried to make it very practical,” she said.

“It is one thing to learn in the classroom but what that industry looks like is the next step.”