Partnering for Success – Welcoming the Next Generation into the Construction Industry

John Pirie Secondary School, located in Port Pirie, SA, have a progressive approach to teaching and learning and pride themselves on bringing the community together through education and arts.

In 2019, the Department of Education sought to upgrade teaching facilities at the school, and we were engaged to undertake the construction of two new classroom buildings, providing flexible learning spaces and teacher preparation, demolition of an existing transportable building, extension of the existing school hall and renovations throughout, providing an improved inclusive education unit location.

This project was multi-disciplinary, and encompassed personnel from our Adelaide, and local Port Pirie branch, as well as sister companies for the roofing, cladding, and concreting.

This project involved a great deal of stakeholder and community engagement. We wanted to ensure that the local community, school students, and local youth and businesses were included throughout the project.

Student Industry Immersion Program

We teamed up the Master Builders Association of South Australia, Carey Training and the Department of Education to facilitate a construction workshop as part of the Student Immersion Program.

The workshop involved students from the John Pirie Secondary School, whom were interested in a potential career in the construction industry. The one-day workshop featured various presentations around different careers within the construction industry, and the numerous pathways into the industry.

The day was well received from the school and the 140 students that also attended. The students were engaged and asked various questions about the industry, with everything from keen Plumbers, Electricians, Carpenters to Engineers and Architects.

Community Engagement / Chamber of Commerce Business Seminar

On the 12^th of August McMahon Services were invited to take part in the local Chamber of Commerce business seminar, with a focus on local engagement for youth and students. The night was attended by approximately 100 people from various businesses within Port Pirie who each got to share and listen to current programs taking place within the community.

McMahon Services presented the current works that were taking place onsite at the school, highlighting the implementation of the Student Immersion Program and how that has resulted in current and future employment of locals within the business.

Opportunities like the Immersion Program are great for young students to be given and shown the opportunities that are available to them, and that through their hard work and determination comes reward with a meaningful career in an industry sector that provides endless growth.

We are excited and committed to showcasing the invaluable construction industry, and inspiring the next generation of workers.