Target Work Program delivers construction projects

A barbecue, chairs, a gazebo and a paved walkway to the gazebo are just some of components of the latest Target Work Program in South Australia.

Target Work is a practical skills training initiative—running since 1994—of the Department of Education and Children’s Services. It provides construction projects for students interested in trades such as bricklaying, carpentry, metal work, landscaping and irrigation.

As part of the program, students from local secondary schools, along with a supervising teacher, attend a project construction site for one day each week. A site manager provides skills training for the students and ensures the project is completed on time and within budget.

In addition to providing students with practical skills, Target Work is designed to:

• increase student retention levels in schools
• establish partnerships and make use of community expertise
• construct recreational facilities that benefit the local community.

It also provides an opportunity for students at risk to gain TAFE and South Australian Certificate of Education accreditation. Students who work on a project for at least 10 weeks receive a certificate of participation from their school or centre.

Work for the latest project began at Volunteer Park in Port MacDonnell.

The current project represents a joint effort by the District Council of Grant, Mount Gambier High School, Grant High School, Gordon Education Centre, FOCiS on Youth Inc., Futures Connect and the Department of Education and Children’s Services.