Construction skills entrenched by campus projects
Published on 27 July, 2007
CQU and the Construction Skills Training Centre (CSTC), in a mutually beneficial community partnership, have delivered real workplace learning experiences for dozens of local young men and women.
The students from a range of high schools have been developing their trade skills in construction and site management this week at CQU Rockhampton.
Trainees' projects included a vehicle wash-down slab, civil works for a new greenhouse, concrete pathways and new soil bins constructed for the University's Centre for Plant and Water Science.
"CQU provides a learning environment, in this case, for young people who may or may not choose a university-based career path. What's important to us, though, is that we're developing the local skills base from which we'll all benefit," said CQU's Professor David Midmore.
"They, in turn, contribute to CQU by enhancing our environment and building resources that local students will use," added Professor Midmore.
Groups of high school students have been coming to CQU Rockhampton for the past few years, to work on projects in conjunction with the CSTC.
Thanks to materials supplied by the Centre for Plant and Water Science and coordination by the CSTC, the groups of boys and girls in Years 10-12 have had the chance to gain basic skills and decide if they are suited to the construction industry.
Professor David Midmore (blue jacket), student Brock McDonald (right of David, blue shirt) and Anthony Milne (yellow shirt) with the latest batch of high school students
CSTC training consultant Anthony Milne said the students learnt about safety, measurements, plan-reading and basic project skills including form work.
"They also get an insight into the construction industry and whether they are suited for outdoors work," he said.
Meanwhile, CQU environmental science student Brock McDonald has been helping as a volunteer project coordinator and Centre for Plant and Water Science representative on site.
Mr McDonald has a background in aviation and building construction and thus can also give the young trainees plenty of tips.