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Students
build gazebo at local TAFE
Four students from Macedon Ranges Community-Based VCAL got hands-on experience in the building industry when they built a gazebo at the Kyneton Brit TAFE campus where they attend classes.
The learning included designing and drawing up plans, calculating and ordering building materials, using tools safely and effectively, and working as a team. They also developed their communication and general employability skills, and learned more about career opportunities in their local building industry. Marty Adriaans of Adriaans Builders served as mentor.
The participating students are in a hands-on community-based education program because they are at risk of disengaging from the education system and/or the community. Marcia McGrath, coordinator of the Macedon Ranges Community-Based VCAL, thought it would be a good idea to engage them in an industry that was experiencing skills shortages. She knew such work would increase the students’ employability skills and increase opportunities for them.
Marcia contacted Central Victorian Group Training—the South Loddon Local Community Partnership—and together they worked to link industry and the community to create and carry out this project.
The biggest challenge was getting enough money to buy the materials. The main contributors were Kyneton TAFE and Kyneton RSL. A member of the community made an anonymous donation. The students also contributed prize money they had been awarded by the Macedon Ranges Shire for being the Young Business Group of 2006, for their participation in the Young Achievers Australia Program.
When the project concluded, there was a mini-celebration when the students thanked Marty and presented him with chocolates. There were several guest speakers, and a photo appeared in the newspaper.
The gazebo has been only the beginning. From the outset, there have been plans to have further works carried out at Kyneton Brit TAFE, so more students have the chance to participate.
The next project will be to pave the undercover area and approaching pathways. There are also plans to install a water tank—connected to guttering—to ensure a water supply for a landscaped garden that will be created. And there are still steel and timber seats to be built and installed.
A large celebration is planned to mark the completion of all the individual projects.