Ten-year-old Tianni Smallwood’s ambition of becoming a hairdresser moved a step closer yesterday (May 1) when she tried her hand at the profession during the Smart Steps: Jobs to Go Expo at Pialba State School.
Tianni was one of about 200 Years 5 to 7 students from Pialba State School who attended the pilot expo, organised by the University of Southern Queensland Fraser Coast.
Students learnt to braid hair under the guidance of Wide Bay Institute of TAFE teacher Leisa Lyons, who worked in the industry for many years before becoming a teacher six years ago.
She told the students that school was important because hairdressers had to train for four years, and they also had to know maths and science for mixing chemicals and English for communication purposes.
TAFE hospitality staff also taught the children about wait work. They carried trays of drinks and learnt how to mix a slushy – for themselves.
The students also got beneath the bonnet of a vehicle to learn about computerised servicing under the instruction of TAFE automotive teacher Jeffrey Morris
Bunnings Warehouse horticulturalist Michelle Hall and Activity Organiser Jody Howie taught the students how to pot-up a plant, which they were given to take home.
Veterinary nurse Ann Johnson, from Bayside Pets, showed the students how to check the heartbeat of a dog. Canine patient Jess the Great Dane was more than willing to endure the pats and affection she received as the children listened to her heart through a stethoscope.
There was also an interactive display for those looking for a career in the field of fitness and exercise.
Smart Steps Project Manager Graham Young, from USQ Fraser Coast, said the pilot expo had been a huge success, inspiring the participants to think about a variety of career possibilities.
“The program is designed to intervene at an early age to raise students’ aspiration levels and their drive to achieve at school and beyond,” Mr Young said.
“The Smart Steps goal is to build a ‘culture of possibility’, allowing students to ‘dare to dream’.
“We hope it will build awareness of the variety of careers that potentially lie ahead for students, reinforcing the value of both school education and further learning or training beyond school.”
Mr Young said students from the Fraser Coast region had a low participation rate in post-school education and training.
He said there were significant levels of social disadvantage in the region and one of the highest levels of youth unemployment in Queensland.
Smart Steps is funded by a three-year (2012-14) Federal Government grant ($546,000) under the Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Program (HEPPP), administered by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.
Mr Young said that following the success of the pilot event, a Smart Steps: Jobs to Go expo involving students from about 10 regional schools would be held at the Hervey Bay PCYC in August.
Contact Details:
Katrina Corcoran, USQ Media, +61 7 4194 3167
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