At the new Bundaberg Hospital Project, CPB Contractors recently welcomed students from Shalom College, Bundaberg North State High and Bundaberg State High for a hands-on experience through the Try a Trade program, delivered in partnership with Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ) and Work Skills.
Students had the opportunity to trial a variety of trades, from painting and plumbing to bricklaying, while getting a rare behind-the-scenes look at life on a major construction site. It was a chance to see the industry up close, hear from experienced professionals, and explore some of the career pathways available in construction.
CPB Contractors Project Director Stephen Jenkins said the program was about more than just giving students a taste of construction. “Programs like Try a Trade are about more than just skills, they’re about showing young people that there’s a future for them in construction, right here in regional Queensland.”
“It’s about building confidence, sparking curiosity, and helping students see the real career pathways available to them, especially in regions like Bundaberg where projects like this are creating long-term opportunities for locals and providing the ability to build the skills locally to support the future infrastructure once operational.”
Across Australia, the construction industry is experiencing a growing demand for skilled workers. It’s a challenge that effects the entire sector, and one CPB Contractors is helping to address through training programs like Try a Trade; high school apprenticeships and industry-leading paid Women in Construction paid pre-employment programs.
These initiatives are designed to create real opportunities for students and new workers to gain practical experience and build meaningful careers, while also supporting the long-term capability of the industry.
With a strong pipeline of regional projects ahead – including Paradise Dam and Defence works in North Queensland, the legacy of programs like Try a Trade will continue to support the development of a skilled, resilient and future-ready workforce across Queensland.