Ten young Tasmanians have graduated from a hands-on construction program that’s given them both practical skills and a pathway into the industry.
The NextGEN program saw participants spend eight weeks building two cubbyhouses from scratch – learning everything from framing to forklift operation while earning industry certifications along the way.
For 20-year-old Shaun Hunter, the program has brought a childhood dream full circle.
“During school, the first thing we got asked in one of our classes was ‘What’s a job you want to go into in the future?’,” he said.
“And the thing I remember saying was building. That was when I was 13, 14 and I’m now 20 and it’s still on my mind.”
Hunter said the experience of working alongside other participants had been rewarding.
“It’s been a real enjoyable experience building it together,” he said.
Graduate Ida Mellors had little construction experience before joining the program but said it had sparked something new.
“I haven’t done a lot of work in construction at all, just kind of like home projects and stuff,” she said. “After this, I definitely want to pursue more of a career in it.”
The graduates earned white cards, forklift licences and working at heights certificates, while gaining hands-on experience using power tools and machinery.
Master Builders Tasmania’s Jenna Cairney said watching the participants develop over the course of the program had been remarkable.
“Some of them had barely picked up a hammer before they came along,” she said.
“They’ve not only built skills, they’ve built confidence, they’ve built friendship and it’s been an absolute treasure to see just how far they’ve come.”
The two completed cubbyhouses will go to children’s charity Variety and Goodwood Primary School, where one has already become a hub for imaginative play.
Mo Aldergham from Variety said the structures would help create lasting memories for children.
“Kids can play, they can connect, they can socialise and they can develop a sense of belonging in their community,” he said.
The program is funded through the state government’s High-Vis Army initiative and delivered in partnership with Best Employment and Area Connect.
Cairney said the graduates represent the next generation of Tasmania’s construction industry.
“These will be the tradies of the future, building projects all across Tasmania with a bit of luck,” she said.
