On May 6, 36 students from Be Constructive schools in the Mackay and Hinterland region will be competing in groups of four in a timed timber construction project using a plan and packs of materials at the Mackay PCYC.The winning team will receive $500 in power tools for their school’s manual arts department from the Whitsunday School Industry Links Scheme. The Building Challenge is a collaborative effort between local businesses and organisations to give students the ability to apply their skills in a “real-world” scenario, CSQ industry mentor – Mackay Bob North said.Local businesses, such as Woodman’s Mitre 10, and the Mackay PCYC have provided students with supplies for the challenge.“The Building Challenge has received great support from local schools,” North said.“Some of these students will be doing a 700-kilometre round trip just to participate in the challenge, which tells us initiatives such as this are valued by those starting out in the industry.“The Building Challenge will be followed by a tour of the Mitre 10 factory on Thursday, May 7, where the students will get a great insight into the manufacturing of materials,” he said.CSQ is currently implementing Be Constructive in schools across Queensland to feed students into the construction sector.“Students are given real on-the-job experience as the program is delivered by the school in a building and construction context with a project-based focus,” North said.
