Try-A-Trade participants interact within the Try-A-Trade Event for a one hour session. 

Try-a-Trade aims to provide young school students with a hands-on, interesting introduction to various trades.  It will be an opportunity to give students who are giving thought to life after school, a taste of the opportunities available in the trade world. Students in groups of two or three will rotate through each booth. A roster of one or two local trades people, apprentices or skilled specialists 'coach' the students on how to do simple tasks that are the introduction to the trade. The volunteers are a vital part of Try-a-Trade and their contribution is invaluable

 

The trades represented at each Try-A-Trade event vary, depending on the volunteer tradespeople attending to demonstrate their trades.

The potential trades can include: 

.

Before commencing their experience within the Try-A-Trade event all participants receive a Worksite OH&S Induction (an industry requirement).

Students are then issued with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), consisting of goggles and a dustcoat.

To enter Try-A-Trade it is a requirement that students wear covered shoes.

 

2-3 students at a time visit a particular Try-A-Trade stand.

On arrival at the stand they are briefed by the volunteer tradesperson on the relevant OH&S requirements of the activity they are about to engage in.

They are also briefed on the activity itself and the way in which this activity fits within the trade overall.

The students interact with local employers and young apprentices who showcase their trade, the students have a go at the activities and talk with the tradesman about what it takes to become involved in the trade.

 

 

 

After receiving a briefing on the Try-A-Trade activity and its context, participants are encouraged to 'give it a go', trying out the activity under the supervision and guidance of the tradesperson.

In many instances the participants make an item to take away as a momento of their experience.

A-Trade event students can gather relevant information on the Trades they found interesting/relevent to their career choices, as well as receiving a Certificate of Participation

More Detail can be viewed here.

  

• There will be a number students in your area for about 20 minutes at a time.

• Firstly, introduce yourself - by your first name 

• Ask their names & where they are from 

• Explain what task they are going to undertake, and demonstrate it. Then let them have a go at it. 

• Make sure you keep the technical talk to their level, remembering they are Year 9 - 12 students, that's 14-18 year olds.

•  It is critical that they all "have a go" - that you don't simply demonstrate the task to them, but also let them do it themselves. 

• While they are working, talk about:

  • What they are doing
  • Why it is done that way
  • The trade in general
  • Your experiences relating to starting your training and getting work
  • The importance of getting a good basic education (the need to be able to read and write and do maths). 

• Tell them your story, you may not think it is very interesting but it provides a real example of how someone can get a job in a trade.

• Remember that the aim of Try-a-Trade is to: 

• Motivate students to seek information about future career choices

• Encourage them to gain the best possible school education to enable   them to have a choice. 

• In conclusion, thank them for “having a go” 

• We will be giving each student:

  • A Certificate
  • An information booklet with information about the trades and career information 

• On the day, if ANYTHING seems to be a problem ask the Try A Trade Manager.

Try-a-Tradeaims to provide young school students with a hands-on, interesting introduction to various trades. It will be an opportunity to give students who are giving thought to life after school, a taste of the opportunities available in the trade world.   

How will it be set up? 

Try-a-Trade booths will be designated to a particular skill area.

Examples might include: 

Carpentry                                            Plumbing

Tiling                                                   Painting                                  

Hospitality                                          Motor Mechanics                    

Plastering                                            Electrical 

Students in groups of two or three will rotate through each booth. A roster of one or two local trades people, apprentices or skilled specialists, are required to 'coach' the students on how to do simple tasks that are the introduction to the trade. The volunteers are a vital part of Try-a-Trade and their contribution is invaluable.  

What will I be required to do?   

·          Donate half a day (or more if possible) of your time to volunteer at the Try-a-Trade event.  

·          You will be allocated to a particular area where you will coach students in how to complete a simple task in your area of expertise and allow students to complete the task themselves. 

·          You will also talk to the students about how to get into the trade, and even more importantly what they can do now, such as encouraging them to keep on at school etc. We will be holding a full briefing session for all volunteers 30 minutes prior to the Try-a-Trade event.  

What will I get out of it?   

·    The opportunity to support local young people by providing them with a hands-on, relevant experience in an area that you are skilled in.

·    The chance to engage young people in their own learning to emphasise the importance of completing school to enable them to have choices for their future.

·    The chance to be part of, and contribute to this very worthwhile event

·    A certificate of participation

·    You might be inspiring the next generation of young apprentices!