The Department for Education, Children and Young People (DECYP) and the Housing Industry Association (HIA) have teamed up to run the HIA youthBuild program – a hands-on program helping Years 9 and 10 students explore careers in the building and construction industry.
The youthBuild program is being delivered in schools across Tasmania now, currently running in 9 schools and expanding to over 24 schools in 2027. Up to 3,000 students from 56 public high schools are set to take part over four years.
The program has $800,000 in funding from the Youth Jobs Strategy, linking students with local tradespeople and employers, teaches hands-on skills, and shows them paths to Vocational Education and Training (VET) and apprenticeships.
Key information
- Currently running in 9 Tasmanian Government secondary schools, expanding to over 24 schools in 2027, with a four-year target of 56 schools statewide
- 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
- No cost to schools – no trade experience or special equipment needed
- Any qualified teacher can deliver the Trade Foundations Curriculum
- Aligned with the updated Australian Curriculum (Version 9)
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
What teachers are saying
“One hat doesn’t fit all… teaching them about things that they have a real interest in
helps in so many areas.” — Damien Pursell, Burnie High School.
“Our kids, they learn so much better when it is real life.” — Danica Nielsen, Rosebery High
School.
“It’s been very rewarding to see them flourish in that sort of environment… it’s a great
way to show kids that they can engage within school regardless of their academic
performance.” — Monique Johnson, Latrobe High School.
Teachers don’t need a trade background to deliver Trade Foundations. The curriculum
is designed to be usable by any qualified teacher, with full resources and support provided.
What students can expect
Hands-on Construction Modules – school-based lessons teaching technical and practical construction skills.
Engagement with Industry Experts – local tradespeople and professionals visit schools to run workshops.
Workplace and Site Visits – students see real 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.
A Buildfolio – students compile evidence of their learning, skills and readiness for future VET or apprenticeship pathways.
For parents
youthBuild runs at no cost to your child’s school and requires no special equipment. It’s
delivered by your child’s own teachers, aligned with the curriculum, and designed to build
confidence and real-world skills — whether or not your child goes on to a trade.
Students who take part gain practical experience, exposure to real industry professionals, and a
clearer sense of the pathways open to them after school.
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.