Building a career path

STUDENTS from across Melbourne’s south-east had a first-hand look at careers in the construction industry last week.
The South East Local Learning and Employment Network Local Community Partnership (SELLEN LCP) together with the Regional Industry Career Advisor (RICA) took students on the Knock on Wood career adventure day through Pakenham’s Lakeside estate.
SELLEN LCP coordinator Alex Palazzolo said the tour consisted of 30 students from Carwatha and Hillcrest Christian secondary colleges, Link Employment and Training and Adult Multicultural Education Services.
“They visited Devine Homes, Metricon Homes, Keystone Developments and Bellbird Building Supplies,” Mr Palazzolo said.
Students were given the opportunity to listen to various speakers including the national occupational health safety, environmental manager and Victorian building manager of Devine Homes, site and construction managers from Metricon Homes, construction manager from Keystone Developments, and building manager and senior detailer from Bellbird Building Supplies who all spoke to the students about their individual pathways and opportunities available to young people.
The students were able to view industrial and commercial sites at various stages of construction, see the manufacturing process of roof trusses via a laser beam and machine press and were spoken to about the employability skills that employers are looking for when seeking out new apprentices and skill shortages that exist within the industry.
For further information regarding the range of programs available to secondary schools in the south east region, contact Alex Palazzolo on 9706 8711 or visit the SELLEN website www.sellen.org.au