Work experience has taken on a whole new meaning for a group of Year 11 students, who are successfully mixing work with study.
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Last year the Tasmanian Building Group Apprentice Scheme launched its pilot program aimed at giving students the opportunity to learn real-world skills in building and construction.
Now in its second year, the program is about to get underway for 2021, with a group of 10 students from across the North.
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Coby Triffett, from Port Dalrymple School at George Town, said he joined the program because he'd always wanted to be a builder.
He said he wanted to follow in his father and grandfather's footsteps.
"I always used to watch Dad and Pop build things, decks and things like that around the house, so I wanted to learn," he said.
His grandfather was a builder, and he thought it was a good career.
Tasmanian Building Group Apprentice Scheme field officer Kane Sanders said the program was about matching interested young people with the skills they need to gain an apprenticeship.
"Students who have a goal to enter into an apprenticeship or traineeship are well informed of the tasks, training requirements and employer expectations with this program," he said.
The program works by matching students with host employers in the building industry, with both large and small employers participating.
Students are also trained by training consultant Brett Mortimer, who said the best reward was to see participants gain an apprenticeship.
"But even if that doesn't happen, you see them gain so much more in confidence and real-world skills," he said.
St Patrick's College student Reece Campton said he thought building and construction was a good career path and he'd learned about the program through his school.
"My family have all been involved in trades and I think its a good career path," he said.
Scotch Oakburn student Mitchell Blair agreed.
"I have always helped Dad with building things at home. I thought it would have a good future, if I decided to become a builder."
The apprentice pipeline program is a Keystone Tasmania funded project with some contribution from Skills Tasmania.
Students who want to be involved in the program can contact their school. Schools who want to know more about it can find out more on the program's website.