CPB Contractors' Victorian business unit is piloting its newest program, Teens @ CPB Contractors, and providing an innovative way for young people to learn about a career in construction. The program offers students valuable insights into the industry during school holidays, giving them a firsthand look at potential career paths.
While durations vary, the Teens @ CPB Contractors program gives high school students in years 10-12 the opportunity to build real work skills through various work readiness activities such as professional communication skills and active listening, goal setting, creating a CV and understanding LinkedIn. Participating students build skills in their disciplines of choice - engineering, sustainability, finance, commercial, human resources and design during the school holidays and structured after-school hours work.
The Victorian CPB Contractors team is then, as possible, working with the schools of program participants, enabling them to complete employment-based learning pathways in the form of a School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship (SBAT) that is completed in addition to their VCE or Vocational Major.
Recent participant Hendrix Ostaszkiewicz joined the program at CPB Contractors' Melbourne HQ. Hendrix’s interest in construction was sparked from a young age, as both his dad and grandfather work in the industry.
“I’ve always been interested in construction – and when my dad told me about the program, I was excited to take part”, said Hendrix.
“This program has opened my eyes to future pathways and boosted not just my understanding of the industry but also my confidence,” adds Hendrix.
Hendrix is continuing to work casually with CPB Contractors over school holidays alongside his dad, Construction Manager Pete Ostaszkiewicz, and grandfather, Senior Project Engineer Mirek Ostaszkiewicz.
“My dad, me and now my son are all working for CPB Contractors at the same time; what are the chances!” said Hendrix’s dad, Pete.
CPB Contractors operates a range of business unit and project-based school and career engagement programs across Australia and New Zealand, which focus on empowering and inspiring students from all backgrounds to explore the exciting career opportunities the construction industry offers.