Students Explore Construction Careers with the Hi-Vis Army

Year 9 and 10 students at St Brendan-Shaw College in Devonport explored pathways into Tasmania’s construction industry on Friday, with a visit from the Hi-Vis Army combining practical careers advice with the opportunity to experience operating heavy machinery through simulation.

The Hi-Vis Army is a Tasmanian initiative helping young people learn more about careers, training and employment opportunities across the building and construction industry.

Pathways into Tasmania’s construction industry

Presenter Tameka Page introduced students to the breadth of opportunities available across civil, residential and commercial construction, from apprenticeships and plant operation to engineering and other specialist roles involved in delivering major infrastructure projects.

Alongside the different qualifications and career pathways, Tameka had an important message for students about the qualities employers are looking for in young people entering the industry.

“You’ve got to be prepared to learn. You’ve got to be prepared to listen to what people are saying to you,” Tameka said.

“You’ve got to be open. You’ve got to ask questions.”

She explained that a teachable attitude, initiative, teamwork and a strong work ethic can help young people distinguish themselves when competing for apprenticeships and entry-level positions.

“If you can see a job and you know what needs to happen, do it. Don’t wait to be instructed,” she said.

For Tameka, showing initiative also means being curious about the work happening around you.

“If someone’s doing something and you don’t know why they’re doing it, ask them why. That’s how you grow your skill base. That’s how you grow your knowledge.”

The value of work experience

Work experience was another major focus of the presentation.

Tameka encouraged students to use work experience not only to develop practical skills, but to discover whether a particular career suits them and to begin making connections with people already working in the industry.

“You might even end up in front of your future employer doing your work experience,” she said.

She shared the example of a young person who attended one of the industry’s job-ready programs and, during a site visit, approached the site manager, introduced himself and explained that he wanted to work in civil construction.

That introduction led to work experience, which in turn led to a full-time position and an apprenticeship.

Students were encouraged to take a proactive approach when looking for their own future opportunities. Tameka explained that many construction jobs are found through industry connections and word of mouth, making it valuable for young people to speak about their career aspirations, contact employers and introduce themselves.

Getting behind the controls

Following the presentation, Stuart Schultz gave students the opportunity to put themselves in the operator’s seat in the Hi-Vis Army mobile training van.

Students tried excavator and front-end loader simulators, experiencing some of the controls, coordination and concentration involved in operating heavy machinery.

The practical experience complemented the morning’s discussion about apprenticeships and training, giving students another way to explore what working in civil construction could involve.

Tameka also used her own career journey to remind students that choosing a pathway now does not mean deciding exactly where they will eventually end up.

“I used to be a fashion designer, and I now work in civil construction,” she said.

“If someone had told me even five years ago that I would work in civil construction, I would have laughed at them.”

Her advice to students was simple: “You just never know where you’re going to end up, so be open to all of it.”

Exploring future pathways at St Brendan-Shaw College

For students considering their pathways beyond school, the Hi-Vis Army visit provided an opportunity to learn about an industry they may already be interested in, discover possibilities they may not have considered, and experience a taste of what the work can involve.

Students and families interested in exploring apprenticeships, VET, work experience or other future pathways are encouraged to speak with Careers Advisor Whitney Banfield or VET Coordinator Natalie Healy.

They can help students explore their interests, understand the pathways available and identify opportunities and experiences that can support their next steps beyond school.