The Dignity of Work
Opening of GYC Trade Training Centre
Gathering today and seeing this newly constructed Trade Training Centre with the opportunity to expand the offerings that Guilford Young College can offer students is a moment to give thanks to God.
In the Gospel reading today we note that Jesus breaks into prayer of thanks when he witnesses his disciples returning from their missionary experience. So too the Christian is moved to give thanks whenever we see good things happening.
The fire in 2022 was a shock and presented many immediate challenges for the College to provide for those students engaged in the programs offered by the Centre, especially those interested in automobile program. I know that efforts were quickly taken so that the students were not disadvantaged. Now there is this new and impressive building offering a range of VET programs.
I am aware that the programs offered at Guildford Young College have receive national recognition. This is a great achievement. Now these new facilities offer further opportunity for students to receive skills that will make them sort-after in a range of trades. As we know skilled trades people are in much demand. Our island State needs locals to contribute to the advancement of the economy.
Having real competence in being able to carry out work in a trade also brings great personal satisfaction. Developing one’s skills means that work is not just a job to be done, but brings with it sense that one is making a real contribution by the quality of their work.
In other words, work done well with the utilisation of personal skills brings enhances a person’s sense of worth. Their personal dignity is confirmed.
Thus, we can say that skilled work is a good thing not only in terms of what is achieved in the final product, but also in terms of its impact on the persona involved. Work, skilled work, contributes to the common good.
God is the Creator and all human work is a participation in creative activity. It is interesting to note that the Book of Genesis comments that on the seventh day God rested from all the ‘work’ He had done (Gen 2:2). Creation is described as a work, and so it is.
The Book of Genesis also speaks of God’s expectation that human beings will engage in work. God, we are told, placed Adam in the Garden of Eden to “cultivate and take care of it” (Gen 2:15). Thus, Adam was expected to cultivate the earth. Work, then, is a natural aspect to human life.
May this Trade Training Centre be the means by which students at Guilford Young College not only learn skills that prepare them for working in a trade, but find the fulfilment and sense of worth that work in a trade offers them.
Archbishop Julian Porteous
Wednesday, 9 April 2025