As we hurtled towards the end of Term 3, we wanted to share the highlights of the work EWIT has undertaken in the school space this term… writes EWIT General Manager Melinda Davis
The final school’s-based programs have been booked for early term 4 as we count down the days to summer and the end of another school year.
Image: Joni Anderson
We know that exposure and experience spark possibility.
Hands-on engagement across schools
Our three most recent school engagement sessions brought the world of trades to life for students across Melbourne’s north-east and in Mount Gambier, South Australia. Making space to show students that every career path begins with curiosity, courage, and a little hands-on action.
At Melba College in Melbourne, Year 10 students rolled up their sleeves for immersive activities in electrical, plumbing, brickwork, tunnelling, woodwork, and engineering.
Inspiring role models including Olivia and Rhi from NBN Australia shared their journeys, proving that stepping outside your comfort zone can open unexpected doors.
Penny from APM Apprenticeships and Miranda from Future Energy Skills highlighted the real opportunities awaiting women in underrepresented industries.
The students’ excitement spoke volumes: “I loved being a plumber for a moment and making a toolbox — so useful!”
Showcasing civil construction and timber trades
Meanwhile, at Templestowe College, the Eastern Freeway Burke to Tram Alliance team partnered with EWIT to showcase civil construction pathways to students and connect them to opportunities on the Victoria’s Big Build projects.
Students explored both VET and university pathways and discovered essential workplace skills including leadership, teamwork, planning, and problem-solving. Combining technical skills with employability skills are an important representation of a modern-day workplace.
EWIT marked a major milestone in Term 3, delivering its first dedicated school program outside Victoria and Mount Gambier didn’t disappoint! In partnership with OneFortyOne, eager Year 9 and 10 students from explored the full story of timber from forest to finished product.
The day began with forestry professionals sharing their career journeys, followed by hands-on electrical and mechanical trade activities that had students testing their skills and teamwork. A guided tour capped off the experience, connecting classroom learning to real-world industry.
Building confidence and future pathways
The result? Students left inspired, confident, and aware of the exciting career pathways in forestry and trades — a reminder that timber shapes nearly everything around us. These experiences aren’t just about tools and timber, they’re about confidence, connection, and future pathways.