Construction Immersion News

Construction Immersion Seating Project

Marist College Ashgrove has long since run the Certificate I in Construction earning the boys three QCE Credits for their successful completion. This year we have introduced the dual Construction Certificate through Bluedog Training. The 2024 Year 11 students are completing their CPC10120 Certificate I in Construction and are also enrolled in the CPC20220 Certificate II in Construction due for completion in 2025 which will also allow them to achieve 4 QCE Credits from the course. In addition to this standard Certificate subject, we run another variation of this course where the students can choose the Construction Immersion program offered over 2 subject lines, which means double the time in the timetable. This program is specifically designed to target students wanting to secure School Based Apprenticeships (SBA) while they are at school which will streamline them into their chosen careers and workforce. As part of the program, students experience an “Immersion Day” every second Friday where they complete real-world projects that they may encounter when they enter the workforce. I should mention at this stage that the Construction Immersion Program won Construction School of the Year in 2014 and was runner-up in 2015 and 2016.

As the student population at Marist College Ashgrove has increased in the past years, the demand for additional seating has become apparent. Recognising this need, the College administration sought assistance from the Technology Department, specifically the Construction Immersion students to solve this problem.

With enthusiasm and skill, the students embarked on the project, ultimately crafting approximately 10 sturdy tables capable of accommodating up to eight senior students each as you can see from the images. Throughout the endeavour, the students encountered and honed a multitude of skills, from estimation and engineering considerations to ordering materials and managing quantities, not to mention building and painting them to withstand both external weather conditions and more importantly, significant wear and tear from the student body using the tables.

The construction process was a journey of learning and collaboration, with students navigating the intricacies of building and painting while prioritising safety at every step. Their dedication and craftsmanship not only provided practical solutions to the seating shortage but also instilled valuable lessons in teamwork and practical application of knowledge.

All skills were developed under the expert guidance of Mr Ben Cribb who has done some contract work for the College in the past and as of this year, is a permanent staff member and taking the Technology Trade Training Centre to new heights. Mr Cribb has been a Teacher and a Carpenter for most of his 59 years. During this time, He has attained the well-regarded “Highly proficient Teacher” qualification as well as becoming a QBCC Registered Builder. “Cribby” to his colleagues, is doing what he loves best, and that is teaching the young men of today for the Building Industry of tomorrow. They are in safe hands. Thank you to Mr Cribb and the Year 11 Construction Immersion boys for all the hard work you have put in this term. It will be appreciated by the College and whole student body.