Opportunity to try a trade

GAGAL apprentice carpenter Madison Hogan believes What’s my Trade is a valuable experience for young people.

KIERAN MORAN

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 gives them the opportunity to ‘have a go’ and ask questions of those already in the trade.

GAGAL general manager Kerry Whitaker said it was 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 more than 3000 participants.

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.