Year 10 Students Get Stuck into the Trades
Eleven Year 10 students swapped the classroom for a workshop, heading out on a three-day excursion to Skills Hire in Forrestfield. This was a chance to get hands-on experience in the trades, specifically bricklaying and carpentry, and see what life might be like on the tools.
Getting Their Hands Dirty (In the Best Way)
It is one thing to hear about a job in class, but it is another thing entirely to grab a trowel and start laying bricks yourself. That is exactly what our students did this week.
Under the guidance of qualified trainers, they learnt:
- How to use real tools and materials
- What it is like to work in a trade environment
- Safe work practices and teamwork
- The satisfaction of building something from scratch
It is all happening in a real workshop setting, giving the girls a genuine feel for life in the trades.
Learning That Goes Beyond the Classroom
Not every student wants a desk job – and that is a great thing. This program helps students discover different career options and shows that trades are smart, skilled, and meaningful work. Whether or not they pursue a trade in the future, they are learning valuable life skills.
This kind of experience builds:
- Confidence – trying something new and sticking with it
- Initiative – being proactive and getting involved
- Problem-solving – figuring things out with their hands and their heads
- Adaptability – working in a new environment and learning the ropes quickly
A Solid Foundation for Whatever Comes Next
No matter what path our students take in the future, experiences like this give them something real to build on. It is about stepping outside their comfort zones, discovering new strengths, and realising there are so many ways to learn, grow and contribute.
We are proud of these young women for giving it a go, supporting each other, and embracing the challenge with confidence and curiosity.
- BricklayingAndCarpentry, CareersProgram, Featured, HandsOnLearning, SkillsHireForrestfield, StudentLife, TryATrade, WomeninConstruction, WomenInTrades, Year10, Year10Excursion
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
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