INDUSTRIAL SKILLS
VOCATIONAL EDUCATION

St. Joseph's College,
Gregory Terrace,
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.

Industrial Skills - Vocational Education

The beginning of the year saw the introduction of a second subject as part of the Industrial Skills course. Furniture modules were added to the existing building and construction modules. Unfortunately the enrollment of students into these subjects was below expectations and the class had to be run as a composite class.

The students began the year by constructing locker bases out of bricks and mortar for the new lockers that had been delivered. Work on the furniture modules was commenced in second term after the purchase and installation of specialist machinery in the woodwork shop.

The students progressed through two projects in Term 2 & 3. Making a "butt square" and an occasional table. The quality of the students' work was very high and was commented on by several teachers from other schools at gatherings of teachers of the subject. The boys also participated in a planning project that involved calculating quantities and costs as well as the drawing of plans.

The class has just recently completed the renovation of a children's cubby house. The project included varied tasks such as painting, demolition, marking of timber to size and profile, installation of custom orb roofing and timber decking.

The students will finish the year by completing a picture frame complete with glass and by participating in a St. John's First Aid Course.

While very few students have been involved in the course during its time at Terrace I am convinced of its value. The skills the students have developed have been invaluable. The course has also proven to be very useful to graduating students, with many of them following up and gaining credit at Colleges of TAFE and University.

Mr. Huby Vink

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