Schools
20 February, 2025
Building up new skills with local help
Eight students of Lee Street State Special School (LSSSS) got a special donation to help them succeed in their Certificate I in Construction, with Badge Constructions Group (BCG) gifting each student several personal protection equipment and work wear.
For the first time ever, LSSSS was successful in gaining access to the Construction Certificate I, following negotiations with training organisation Major Training Group (MTG), given all eight students accepted had expressed interest in working within the construction industry post-school.
LSSSS Community Liaison & Post-school Transitions officer, Dan Willett, said this stepping stone will provide students with a stepping stone qualification, allowing them to pursue employment in construction in the future. “MTG has been amazing at catering for the needs of our students (all with learning disabilities) by modifying the delivery schedule of the course and running a dedicated program for our students,” he said.
The donation by BCG will only assist them in achieving their goals, as the participating grade 11 and 12 students can keep the gear after the course for the workforce. “BCG is the organisation that built our wonderful LSSSS, so their gift demonstrates their ongoing commitment to our school, especially in terms of promoting that construction is a genuine and in-demand vocational pathway,” he said.
“Depending on demand, we hope to continue to be able to offer this training course to all of our students with such interests and capabilities.”
Each student received hardhats, hi-vis safety vests, work gloves, safety goggles, and caps, with the course having started last week. School staff accompany students to the course for support.
Member for Morayfield, Mark Ryan, said it’s “wonderful” to have businesses so invested in local schools. “Going off-campus to take part in a practical, hands-on course will be a great learning experience for these young people,” he said.
