Well laid plans: Ellenbrook College students will show bricklaying skills at SkillsWest Careers Expo

FOR six Year 11 students at Ellenbrook Secondary College bricklaying has become a labour of love.

And they are about to showcase their emerging abilities in the WorldSkills regional competitions at the SkillsWest Careers Expo, a free event at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre from August 18 to 20.

By taking part, they will encourage other young people to explore tertiary and Vocational Education and Training (VET) course options, find traineeships, apprenticeships and plan new career paths.

The expo is expected to attract more than 8000 school leavers and tertiary graduates along with existing workers seeking new training and job opportunities.

The WorldSkills competitions will be a major feature of the Expo inspiring young workers to select and pursue diverse career options.

Ellenbrook Secondary College design technology teacher Jeff Imrie said the six students were enrolled in the school’s VET course in partnership with registered training organisation Everthought Education.

The students are Nathan Barclay, Benjamin Craig, Jacobus Duvenhage, Keanu Kaukasi, Seth Oliver and Michael Tierney-Moore.

“They are very keen young people who are not frightened of some hard work,” he said.

“We have just opened a magnificent new trade training area at the school that was built by these students and it was an enjoyable and motivating project for them.

“They are pursuing careers in bricklaying because it is a satisfying hands-on occupation where they can work towards very fulfilling careers in the building and construction industry.

“I often tell the students that in years to come – even when they are grandfathers – they will be able to drive past buildings they have worked on and have the satisfaction of knowing they built them to last as monuments of their trade.

“The boys are looking forward to demonstrating their talents in the WorldSkills competitions.”

For more information, go to www.skillswestexpo.com.au

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