High schoolers give trades a try at CQU Mackay and Rockhampton

By Greg Chapman

Dozens of future young tradespeople got a taste of what it’s like to be an apprentice at recent Try-a-Trade events in Mackay and Rockhampton.

Organised by Construction Skills Queensland and WorldSkills Queensland and hosted at CQUniversity’s Mackay Ooralea and Rockhampton City campuses, the young high school students tried their hand at plumbing, electrical and carpentry under the supervision of CQU’s trade teachers.

CQU Mackay Campus Leader for the School of Trades Jackie Campbell said about 13 high school students attended the Try-a-Trade session in Mackay, while about 20 attended the event in Rockhampton.

As an extra special incentive, the students in Mackay also got to observe apprentices competing in the CQ Regional Worldskills competitions for electrical installation and control.

Jackie said Try-a-Trade events not only gave young students the opportunity to explore their career options, but also bolstered local industry as many often took up trade training or secured apprenticeships.