Construction crew hop into action with wallaby hut project
By Wendy Shaw
Ten young Tasmanians have taken their first steps towards a career in the building and construction industry.
The group graduated from the Build Up Tassie construction pre-employment program on 19 April at the Southern Central Trade Training Centre at Bridgewater.
The Build Up Tassie program is a free pre-employment program run by Centacare Evolve Housing.
Build Up Tassie Manager Rebecca Woolley said the graduation was a proud moment for the participants.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for friends, family, representatives from the Archdiocese, and our wider network to come together and celebrate the achievements of the participants in our program,” she said.
“Moments like this support our participants, [enabling them] to have a sense of connection with all those who support the program while also feeling proud of what they have achieved in completing the Build Up Tassie program.
“Throughout each program, Build Up Tassie crews complete a community project. This is important for not only practical skill development but also allows connections with community and opportunities for giving back.”
In the latest program, participants built wallaby huts which have been donated to a wildlife rescuer who dedicates her time to raising orphaned wildlife.
The Build Up Tassie program provides individual coaching, tailored wellbeing support, skills development and industry exposure for young people aged 16-24 who are looking to enter the construction industry.
About 80 percent of the participants in the program will move on to work placement with industry partners such as St Joseph Affordable Homes. This is a free eight-week work placement program enabling participants to try four or five different trades, and make informed decisions about their future careers.
Those who do not go on to work placement are supported in their next steps which may include further training or employment.
In addition, Build Up Tassie continues to support, train and coach apprentices and qualified tradespeople once employed with industry partners.
Centacare Evolve Housing was formed in 2014 from a partnership between the Archdiocese of Hobart, CatholicCare Tasmania and Evolve Housing. Centacare Evolve Housing owns or manages more than 3,000 properties throughout Tasmania and is also involved in an extensive construction program.