SA Students Helping to Solve Construction Industry Problems with Careers Under Construction

The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) SA and Makers Empire recently celebrated three years of working together to deliver the Careers Under Construction program. The 2024 program follows on from 2023’s program for 20 schools and the 2022 program for 15 schools.

The Careers Under Construction program funded by CITB SA introduces students to the building and construction industry through a design thinking problem-solving methodology. It uses 3D design to create solutions for a construction problem or challenge in a local context. Through the program schools will establish industry partnerships which not only ensures authenticity of the program, but also allows industry experts to share their knowledge and expertise with students while working on real-world projects.

This year, the 20 participating schools were Salisbury High School, Seaton High School, Samaritan College, Victor Harbor High School, Springbank Secondary College, St Mary’s College, St Francis of Assisi College, St Joseph’s School, Peterborough High School, Cowell Area School, Elliston Area School, Burra Community School, St Martin’s Lutheran College, FAME Flexible Learning Centre, Oakbank School, Mitcham Girls High School, St Mark’s College Port Pirie, Aberfoyle Park High School, Nazareth Catholic College, andTorrens Valley Christian School.

Participating teachers undertook Makers Empire’s research-backed Learning by Design program and learned how to use Makers Empire’s 3D design tools. Each school also received a 3D printer package, training and support. 

Last week, a panel of industry judges met to review the Careers Under Construction project entries submitted by schools. The judging panel included: Amanda Hewer, Born to Build Field Officer, Master Builders Association of SA Inc; Chris Blowes, Born to Build Field Officer, Master Builders Association of SA Inc; and Stephanie Marsden, Program Coordinator, CITB.

It was a very busy and challenging morning and the judges were impressed by the quality and diversity of the projects from the participating schools. We would like to congratulate all students on their successful projects.It was quite a difficult task and the judges spent some time assessing each entry. They chose a winner and runner up based on the projects that met the criteria to the highest degree.

So we are excited to announced the following results of the 2024 Careers Under Construction Project:

• Winners: Year 9/10 class from Elliston Area School. Elliston students wanted to solve the problem of access to drinkable water for their town. Their basin is running dangerously low, and they need to find a solution to supply their town with water and to supply their homes for household needs and quality water to drink.
• Runners Up: Year 8 team from Samaritan College. Samaritan students wanted to help create safer, better and quicker mortices for doors with the Hinge Ninja.