A hands-on, practical learning program called Automotive, Construction, Engineering and Electrical (ACEE) provides real world learning for students interested in trade pathways.
From rebuilding an old caravan, to fixing a broken lawnmower and beautifying a garden, students have been developing their skills beyond the classroom.
The ACEE program runs on Tuesdays and teacher Damian McCarthy said it was available to students who have identified that they want to learn a trade or move into an industry-based program.
“Most are looking to become electricians, carpenters, plumbers or mechanics,” he said.
Front of school beautification
Currently students are working to develop the Kay Avenue walking entrance into the school.
They are digging out soil for a retaining wall and, once this is in place, the top section will be levelled for lawn and irrigation.
The project has involved checking for underground piping and cables.
“There’s been planning with ‘dial before you dig’ to check where the piping is, looking where all the plans are so that we don’t hit gas pipes and things like that,” Mr McCarthy said.
He said it was an important project for a public entrance to the school.
“We’re trying to beautify the front area, at the moment it’s vacant and the first thing people see is dirt and weeds,” he said.
‘It’s good to get out of the classroom’
ACEE student Daniel is training as an engineer and wants to pursue a career in the trade.
He said he enjoyed developing his skills with practical projects.
“I like it, it’s good to do and to get out of the classroom,” Daniel said, adding that it would be rewarding to see the finished project.
“It will be nice to see it looking tidy rather than messy and dirty.”
Student Bo has been doing work experience with a plumber and said ACEE kept him motivated at school.
“I’ve always been someone who can’t sit still, can’t sit at a desk, so I prefer to be outside doing something,” he said.
“It’s a lot better, I’m not good at normal schooling so this is what’s better, what helps me to break up the school days by being outside.”
Rebuilt caravan opens as Kookaburra Cafe
A vintage caravan renovated and rebuilt by ACEE students this week opened for service.
Situated in the carpark by the school library, it is the new home for the Kookaburra Cafe, which is staffed by students in the flexible learning program and serves hot drinks to staff and the public.
Mr McCarthy said that through the project students developed practical skills including learning how to safely remove a trailer wheel hub in order to inspect and assess wheel bearings.
“Students discussed and followed the correct procedural steps for hub removal, bearing inspection, cleaning, repacking with grease, and correctly re-tensioning the hub nut to ensure optimal wheel movement and safety,” Mr McCarthy said.
“This hands-on experience has provided valuable insight into mechanical maintenance, teamwork, and safe workshop practices.”
Checking the brakes and sanding the woodwork
ACEE student Alex wants to be a heavy diesel mechanic, possibly working in the mines.
He is also studying an Automotive Certificate II as part of VET (Vocational Education and Training).
“I’ve been checking the brakes, rebleeding, repacking the bearings with grease,” he said.
Student Billy is studying construction through VET and wants to be carpenter or associated trade working in the construction industry.
“I’ve been doing a lot of sanding getting ready for painting, a lot of the woodwork,” he said.
