The Department for Education, Children and Young People (DECYP) and the Housing Industry Association (HIA) are teaming up to run the HIA youthBuild program.
This hands-on program helps Years 9 and 10 students explore careers in the building and construction industry.
Over four years, YouthBuild will help up to 3,000 students from 55 public high schools.
The program has $800,000 in funding from the Youth Jobs Strategy. It links students with local tradespeople and employers, teaches hands-on skills, and shows them paths to Vocational Education and Training (VET) and apprenticeships.
Key information
- Rollout starting in 2026
- Statewide delivery across all 55 Tasmanian Government secondary schools
- Designed for students in Years 9 and 10
- Led by the Housing Industry Association (HIA)
- Up to 3,000 students to participate over four years, starting in 2026
- Strong focus on skills, confidence, and industry readiness
- Aligned with the updated Australian Curriculum (Version 9)
- Structured evaluation and progress reporting over 2025–2028
Why youthBuild matters
Tasmania’s construction industry is growing and so is the need for skilled tradespeople and professionals.
youthBuild will give students real experience in the sector, helping them to develop their skills, confidence, and career awareness.
Students are supported to:
- Discover career pathways in the building and construction industry
- Learn technical and practical skills in a real-world setting
- Understand what employers look for in their workers
- Discover VET and apprenticeship pathways
By helping students get excited about a career in construction, the program contributes to building a stronger, future-focused workforce for Tasmania.
What students can expect
Students take part in a range of interactive and practical learning experiences, including:
Hands-on Construction Modules
School-based lessons aligned with the Australian Curriculum v9, teaching technical and practical construction skills.
Engagement with Industry Experts
Local tradespeople and professionals visit schools to run workshops and inspire students to consider careers in construction.
Workplace and Site Visits
Students see building sites and businesses in action and meet professionals on the job. —
Pathway Awareness Activities
Students learn about VET and apprenticeships, and how to progress into further learning or employment in the construction sector.
The benefits for businesses
Tasmanian construction businesses are encouraged to get involved and share in the benefits of:
- Connecting with emerging talent and future workers
- Supporting industry growth by building awareness of trade skills
- Enhancing your community profile as a youth-friendly employer
- Helping shape a job-ready workforce that meets local needs.
How it works
HIA coordinates youthBuild and works with DECYP, schools, and industry partners to deliver high-quality, curriculum-aligned experiences. The HIA team:
- Develops and delivers trade-focused learning modules
- Works with schools to support students in Years 9 and 10
- Works with employers to offer real-world learning experiences
- Evaluates program outcomes and reports progress across the four-year initiative.
The program is part of the Tasmanian Government’s Youth Jobs Strategy, which expands vocational learning and helps more young Tasmanians transition successfully into further education and work.
The program will commence in 2026.
Ways to get involved
Your business can support youthBuild by:
- Hosting a site visit or speak at a school
- Running a skills workshop or mentoring students
- Sharing industry insights
- Providing feedback to help grow the program.
To learn more or register your business, contact the Housing Industry Association (HIA) Tasmania.