Julie-Anne Burgess and Fiona Curnow from the SA Housing Trust with the students from Samaritan College.
Students from Samaritan College in Whyalla are gaining hands-on experience in the construction industry through the Doorways2Construction (D2C) program. This initiative is a collaboration between the Trust, the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), TAFE SA, and the Department of Education.
In the program, senior secondary students work directly with qualified tradespeople to refurbish local Trust properties. This year, seven students participated, and one secured a carpentry apprenticeship after gaining practical skills on-site. The students re-cladded a home’s exterior, replaced a concrete driveway, installed new doors, and completed carpentry, plastering, painting, tiling, and kitchen and bathroom installations.
The Year 11 students say the program has provided them with valuable learning opportunities and lasting friendships.
'D2C has given me valuable learning opportunities, and I’ve developed practical skills that will help me in my future trade career,' says student Cameron.
The students' work counts towards their South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), earning a Certificate II in Construction Pathways and 50 SACE credits, along with an introduction to worksite safety and career development. D2C graduates can also be considered for apprenticeships.
The Trust has supported D2C for over 20 years, providing three properties each year for students to work on - one in northern and southern metropolitan Adelaide and one in Whyalla. This property marks the 70th property the Trust has provided to the program.
Once completed, the renovated properties are allocated to customers in need of public housing.
SA Housing Trust Chief Executive, Julie-Anne Burgess, says programs like D2C help build strong regional communities and 'provide young people with essential skills for life'.