Students to learn tools of trade at open day

Young people who wish to pursue a career in the trade industry will have the opportunity to get on the tools and learn an array of skills at the upcoming Try A Trade Day, hosted by the Australian Trade College North Brisbane.

Held at the Scarborough Campus on July 4, this school holiday program provides teenagers aged 14-17 the chance to discover first-hand what it’s like in a workshop so they can find a career path that is right for them.

On the day, participants will rotate through various disciplines such as plumbing, construction, electrotechnology, automotive, metal engineering, hairdressing (unisex), barbering for boys, early childhood education, and various health services, under the guidance of a qualified tradesperson.

Australian Trade College North Brisbane Principal Brett Kavanagh says the event aims to help young people discover their potential and ignite their passion towards a fulfilling career.

“We have been running this program four times a year during the school holidays since the school opened 17 years ago,” Brett says.

“The great thing about this program is it’s open to anyone who has an interest in learning a trade, not just prospective students.

“The program has proved to be extremely popular, with anywhere between 60-80 young people taking part each time it is held.”

This will also be the second time the Australian Trade College North Brisbane has held its Women In Trade Day, which helps young women step into a welcoming and supportive environment where they can unleash their potential and defy stereotypes.

“We held the first Women In Trade Day back in April, which helps women learn a trade in a safe and supportive environment,” Brett explains.

“This came about because we interviewed all our female students in traditional trades and asked them if they wanted their own stand-alone classes here at the college, which they said was the last thing they wanted because they very much wanted to be learning alongside the males.

“However, they did say when they came to the Try A Trade Day, they were very nervous. They told us if there was an opportunity to take part in female-only workshops, it would have made them feel more comfortable.

“We took that feedback on board, and after a very successful first Women In Trade Day, we have made a commitment to run this option in all of our Try A Trade day program.”

The same also goes for a number of male students, who felt uncomfortable walking into classes where the majority were female.

“We also had a number of young males who expressed interest in hairdressing but felt uneasy coming into a traditionally female environment,” Brett says.

“By providing a single gender approach to some of these trades, we have seen our numbers grow.

“Everyone undertakes the same activities – they do five hours in the workshops, complete their safety briefings, and take part in a wide array of activities so they can walk away with a raft of new skills from a variety of jobs that is of interest to them.”

Important information

The upcoming Try A Trade Day will be held on Thursday, July 4 at the Australian Trade College North Brisbane, located at 294 Scarborough Rd, Scarborough.

Try A Trade Day runs from 9am-3pm.

Each participant is required to wear their own steel-capped safety boots for certain trades.

The cost is $20 per person and includes lunch and PPE.

When you register online, a member of the Trade College team will be in contact to confirm your details and answer any additional questions.

Places are limited, with some spots still available in the Women In Trade program.

Visit the Australian Trade College North Brisbane website to book.

If you are unable to attend this event, registrations for the September Try A Trade Day will be available immediately after July 4.

About Australian Trade College North Brisbane

Located in Scarborough, the Australian Trade College North Brisbane is a purpose built, multi-million-dollar, trade training, co-educational Year 11 and Year 12 independent school with a focus on trade and business subjects.

It prepares students for their desired futures, equipping them with qualifications and extensive industry experience while completing their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE).

“A big advantage of the students here at the Trade College is they spend two days back-to-back doing the trade of their choice, and three days undertaking their secondary school subjects,” Brett explains.

For more information, visit the website or phone 3880 4331.

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