TasTAFE Apprentices helping Tasmanians in need
Published on: 16 Mar 2023
Six TasTAFE plastering apprentices recently had the unique opportunity to ply their trade on a house, while contributing to a good cause in the process.
The apprentices were helping build Madison House in Kingston, a house being built by Lyden Builders that is expected to raise over $400,000 for Variety’s School Breakfast Club. The house itself will be a home to meet the needs of a Tasmanian family living with a disability. This is part of the Tasmanian Government’s commitment to providing homes for Tasmanians in need.
For most of the apprentices, this was their first opportunity to put their skills into practice away from their employer, a challenge they all took on with their learned skills and teamwork.
“It’s new because you don’t have your employer around, so it’s up to you and the rest of the group to guide us along. It’s been a good experience, a lot of new faces and learned a lot of new tricks as well. It’s been pretty eye-opening to see how far I’ve come through my apprenticeship” plastering apprentice, Lachlan, said.
The added bonus for the apprentices is that they are doing work that will help many Tasmanians in need, making this a great partnership for TasTAFE and Lyden Builders.
“The win-win situation is pretty clear, we needed it (the house) to be sheeted and stopped up. It’s a pretty big ask for one company to do that so the fact that the apprentices can come in and practice their skills and learn new skills, and we get the job done, yeah it’s a win-win.” Owner of Lyden Builders, Andrew Lyden said.
TasTAFE Teacher Julian Sturzaker was pleased to see his students make the most of the experience.
“Normally when they come to TasTAFE they plaster smaller cubicles, so it’s more industry related when they come and do things like this. For a good cause too, I think it’s good for them. They seem to enjoy it even more too.” Julian said.
Lending the services of an apprentice for a full week is no small ask, so all parties involved were very grateful to SK Plaster, Hi-Lite Plaster, NL Plastering and Darren’s Plastering for their willingness to contribute to the project.
“All the employers were more than happy to have the students come out and help such a good cause.” Julian said.