'What's my Trade' in Gladstone

YOUNG people across central Queensland will descend on GAGAL today to participate in “What’s my Trade,” a totally hands on experience where participants as young as eight years old can have a go at a trade.

‘What’s my Trade’ is a three day event that encourages young people to think about what career choices they may consider in the future and give them the opportunity to ‘have a go’ and ask questions of those already in the trade.

GAGAL general manager Kerry Whitaker said is a totally hands on event to encourage young people into a trade.

“The kids have a lot of fun and they get to try things they haven’t tried before,” Ms Whitaker said.

“They have the opportunity to look at trades like carpentry, welding, tiling, painting, electrical, plumbing and many more.

“It can change the way the kids think about their future and most importantly it can change the way their parents think in what career is available for their children.”

The Gladstone What’s My Trade event attracts over 3000 participants over 2.5 days.

GAGAL apprentice carpenter Madison Hogan attended the event a few years ago and is now a mentor to the young children attending today.

“It’s good to give the kids a feel of every kind of trade because most of the kids that start high school don’t know whether to go to university or to just get a trade because there is not much information and What’s my Trade gives them a taste of everything,” she said.