Current at: 22 May 2006
The Housing Industry Association (HIA) is pleased to be part of a new partnership with the NSW Government to deliver more opportunities for young people entering the building industry.
“Premier Morris Iemma’s announcement today of an $18 million plan to create 10 new dedicated trade schools with school-based apprenticeships and traineeships for HSC students, is welcome news for industry,” HIA’s NSW Executive Director, Wayne Gersbach said.
Mr Gersbach said that under the agreement, HIA Youthbuild and its industry partners will commit $250,000 in materials towards the construction of the Colyton school facilities.
“The housing industry is acutely aware of the perils of an aging workforce and today’s announcement is a positive step towards solving this critical issue”, Mr Gersbach said. “Maintaining a skilled and productive workforce is imperative if the industry is to continue to produce quality and affordable housing.”
Through its Youthbuild Foundation HIA is partnering with the NSW Government to provide building related facilities at Colyton High School in Western Sydney . Colyton is the first trade school which is specialising in a range of vocational trade skills including building and construction.
“Colyton’s location near Delfin’s Ropes Crossing housing project provides an ideal opportunity for students studying at the school to work on a major new housing development. Through this project students will be able to move seamlessly from the school environment into the workplace while still having the support of their families, friends and their local school community.”
Under the plan announced today, students will have the opportunity to learn building trades which will count towards their HSC . “Through HIA’s Youthbuild Foundation, students will be given the opportunity to work with local builders, developers and building materials suppliers in a range of careers in the industry”, Mr Gersbach said.
“HIA and its members are firmly committed to the project and students will benefit from access to a range of industry mentors who will assist them in mapping out their future career” Mr Gersbach said.
“Building on successful Youthbuild projects operating in other states, HIA is well placed to assist the NSW Government in giving the trade schools project a flying start.”