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Building expertise in Bathurst
Regional Industry Career Adviser John Chivers has brought one of Australia’s largest construction companies, John Holland Pty Ltd, into Career Advice Australia action in Bathurst, NSW.
John grasped his opportunity when John Holland won the contract to build the $100 million Bathurst Base Hospital.
He negotiated head office approval, with strong support from on-site project manager Nick Luzar, to take students on week-long Structured Workplace Learning (SWL) placements with electrical and plumbing sub-contractors.
Mutual benefits
‘In the past, motivated students had to go to Sydney to see the techniques and equipment used on big buildings,’ John said.
‘The hospital project was a great opportunity for them, and John Holland saw the value in terms of community relations and potential solutions to skill shortages the industry is suffering.’
Carolyn Murphy, the Local Community Partnership’s SWL coordinator, organised for five students from Bathurst High and Kelso High to take up the placements. She had already arranged for VET construction teachers to visit the site in Term 1 so students would know what to expect and learn from the experience.
‘Some students were wary of such a large construction project, preferring to stay in the bounds of the smaller domestic building scene,’ John said.
‘But with the success of the five students’ experience in Bathurst, and the prospect of more openings when construction of the Orange Hospital begins soon, we’re confident there’ll be strong student demand.’
Plans to expand
John and Carolyn are already planning to take their model—teacher tours followed by well informed student placements—into the IT and tourism sectors in the region.
Meanwhile, John Holland continues to contribute to regional career development opportunities, sponsoring the Try A Trade roadshow operated by Central West Group Apprentices to the tune of $1000.
Contact
John Chivers
Ph: 0408 447 158