Work Experience: Building Futures from the Ground Up
For students like Harry and Lachie, stepping into a workplace like Gants & Sons isn’t just a taste of the trades; it’s the start of something much bigger. The pair are among a growing number of St Patrick’s Technical College students completing repeat work experience placements at the busy fabrication site, returning again and again to build skills, confidence, and connections. With school-based apprenticeships a goal for both, their early exposure to industry is paving the way for lasting careers. And for businesses like Gants & Sons, it’s a recruitment strategy that’s already paying off.
“These two have come back for the third time,” said Nick, site supervisor at Gants & Sons. “That shows us they’re keen, they’re committed, and it shows in how much they’ve grown.” Nick, who oversees work experience students and helps select future apprentices, says the partnership with St Pat’s is one of their most valuable recruitment pipelines. “We’ve taken on several apprentices from St Pat’s over the years. The ones that listen, ask questions, and want to come back? They’re the ones we look at.” It’s not just about raw skill, he explains. It’s about character, communication, and curiosity. “I look for attention to detail. Do they ask questions? Do they understand what they’re working on? Do they try to help the tradesmen, not just watch? Those are the things that stand out.”
For Year 10 student Harry, the appeal is simple: “They let you have a go. That’s what I like…just getting to do more [hands-on] stuff.” His goal? To follow in the footsteps of his older brother, who’s now an apprentice at Gants, and eventually take on a leadership role of his own. “I want to be like Nick, site supervisor one day.” Lachie, too, has flourished over multiple placements, recently helping construct a large truss alongside a fourth-year apprentice.
“The first time was nerve-wracking, but now I get to do small jobs by myself. They teach you with physical learning. Step by step, and every time I come back, I learn more.” He’s hoping to formalise that pathway next year through a school-based apprenticeship: two days at school, three days on site, and a clear career goal in sight.
Nick sees the benefit on both sides. “They come in quiet on day one. By Friday, they’re talking, asking questions, getting into it. You can see the confidence build.” He believes the St Pat’s students stand out for their industry focus and preparedness, especially when compared to students from other schools who might only complete a single placement. “They’ve done it before, they want to be here, and they keep coming back. That’s what sets them apart.”
With multiple apprentices now in their third or fourth years, the results speak for themselves. For Gants & Sons, it’s about investing in the future of their workforce. For St Pat’s, it’s proof their model, blending classroom learning with industry immersion, is giving students the best possible start.
And for young people like Harry and Lachie, it’s more than just a placement. It’s the first step in building the life they want. “You’ve just got to be here to learn it,” said Harry. “This is how you figure it out.”
