What is doorways2constructionTM
doorways2constructionTM, or D2C as it is commonly called, is South Australia’s premier Vocational Education and Training (VET) in schools program for the building and construction industry. It was initiated as a direct response to the increased need to encourage young people to consider the building and construction industry as a career option, improve the entry level training opportunities and promote career pathways, and a positive image of the building and construction industry. D2C supports the recruitment and induction of young people into building and construction.
The industry vision for D2C is to have a sustainable, nationally recognised VET in Schools initiative that is a program of first choice for schools and students, and is recognised by industry as the doorway to employment in the industry.
D2C is well on its way to achieving this vision. Since it commenced operations in 2000 with 6 pilot programs it has grown to 43 programs spread across South Australia and has established an enviable reputation for innovation and quality at both a state and national level.
The program is a broad and general introduction to the industry for students. It provides them with a solid foundation of skill, knowledge and experience, which articulate into a range of vocational training courses and is the introduction for many career pathways.
View a video on the Salisbury D2C program here.
Aims of doorways2constructionTM
The aims of the D2C program are to:
1. Create more awareness of building and construction among young people
2. Provide students with accurate information about career opportunities and the tools necessary to successfully seek work in the industry
3. Develop basic skills that students can take into the industry
Key Principles of doorways2constructionTM
In addition to the aims the D2C program is based on the following key principles:
1. Through the doorways2constructionTM program students are encouraged to develop a pattern of lifelong learning that will ensure the workers of the future have a culture of keeping up to date with new initiatives.
2. The doorways2constructionTM program actively works to develop in young people the skills, attitudes and attributes that the building and construction industry needs to be strong and vibrant in the 21st century.
3. doorways2constructionTM allows students to develop an understanding of the building and construction industry based on fact and positive experiences.
4. doorways2constructionTM empowers schools to deliver vocational education and training to industry standards and assists them to develop networks and contacts within the industry to ensure sustainability.
5. School communities are encouraged to develop programs, which incorporate industry/community projects on which their students can work.
6. Students are to be engaged in a structured workplace learning program for the duration of the project
7. Wherever possible students should be under the supervision of a qualified industry person eg. teacher with industry skills, trades person, site supervisor
8. A Student Assessment Record Book must be used for each student to record achievement of competence.
9. The Training Package Certificate 1 in General Construction BCG03 forms the basis of the teaching and learning program
10. Students and teaching staff should complete ‘White Card’, the State OH&S Training and a site specific induction prior to commencing structured work placement in the industry.
11. Project work is not to replace the structured workplacement component of the Doorways 2 Construction course
12. All partners including the building/construction organisation or association, school, registered training organisation and CITB sign a Doorways 2 Construction memorandum of understanding.
Components of doorways2constructionTM
doorways2constructionTM has three major components:
Training
Certificate 1 in Construction (CPC08)
+ Experience
4 weeks minimum (20 days) work placement
+ Career Advice, site visits, career talks
The program is a broad and general introduction to the industry for students. It provides them with a solid foundation of skill, knowledge and experience, which articulates into many other courses. Doorways 2 Construction is so named because it leads towards many different career areas.