Issue 2 2024 - Trades & Training
Trades & Training
Mark Boynton
Trades and Training Learning Areas are as busy as ever with students undertaking a range of tasks and experiences. We are really starting to see results now as many students are achieving a variety of Units of Competency around the school. It’s very pleasing to see the Year 12 students operate successfully in the learning areas, putting together their knowledge and skills to achieve the Units in each VET Area.
Many of you will have seen that we advertised for Trainers recently and have successfully secured Ian Chitty as our Forestry Trainer. Mr Chitty has extensive experience in commercial forestry and is a very skilled operator. He also has the bonus of high-level qualifications in Conservation. We are very pleased to have him as part of our team. Albert Adams has remained connected with us in the short term to support and assist Mr Chitty. We would like to thank Mr Adams for his continued support of the College.
We are looking forward to opening the doors and showing off the student achievements and skills at the Open Day in August. You will have access to all Trades and Training areas with displays and demonstrations throughout the day.
Automotive
Automotive Students in Year 12 are currently undergoing assessments in Auto Electrical Systems and associated tooling. We have purchased new automotive scan tools and electrical test equipment to aid the industry level learning required for the Certificate II Course. Across other year groups students are studying Remove and Refit Driveline Components drivetrain systems and learning all about Basic Vehicle Service Operations and maintenance.
Engineering
The workshop is BUSY! Lots going on! Mr Hamilton and Mr Toon have really been making the program great. Projects on the go now are the Folding BBQs and Rocket Stoves. The rocket stoves were tested extensively on the school development day and early on Monday morning with a breakfast fry up outside the workshop. Thank you to Mr Hamilton for getting the stoves going early and the Year 10 students Cowan and Louis for the cooking.
As you may be aware, Year 12 Certificate II Engineering Pathways students have the option to fabricate a project of their choice (within some restrictions) and that can be planned in year 11. Those students undertaking projects should be thinking about ideas and discussing these with the Trainers. Due to space restrictions, we may need to limit trailer size to 2.4m body lengths.
We would really like to see more tractor implements, maybe a carry all, deep ripper or S tine cultivator. Other options include bike racks and benches. The fabrication of a trailer for use on the road must meet the standards set out by the Dept. of Transport. We are unable offer support or guidance in licensing a trailer.
https://www.transport.wa.gov.au/licensing/license-a-trailer.asp
Project support with CAD and CNC cutting is always on hand as trainers now have extensive knowledge of the software and the possibilities it has opened up for student projects. Students are becoming increasingly proficient in this area and this is a great skill to have if students continue into engineering and fabrication work.
We all had a good look at Year 12 student Tom Caughey’s ute after he put the final touches to his tray built in Mr Hamilton’s class last year. After leaving here at the end of Year 11, he added Raptor Coating, lights and toolboxes to the tray. We are proud of Tom and his achievements, and are excited to see this year’s trailer project completed soon.
Equine
There is always a lot going on in the Equine area. This year a lot of what is going on is feeding out. As you will know, below average rainfall has really affected growth. Supplementary feeding has been essential. Miss Pagan has worked very hard to ensure a supply of hay has been secured that will hopefully keep the horses happy for a while.
Hay Huts have been purchased to ensure hay is used efficiently and waste reduced. These are a positive investment and will help with cost effective feeding.
Our Saddle fitter visited and demonstrated good and poor fitting saddles. The Dentist is coming in at the end of May. Both things highlight to the students the importance of regular upkeep and how a poor fitting saddle and bad teeth can affect the performance of the animal.
Year 12’s are working on their riding units ACMEQU218 and 219
Year 11’s are working on their care and treatments ACMEQU215 and 216
Year 10’s are working on how to handle horses safely ACMEQU212
Bees
Autumn is always an interesting time for beekeeping, it can be boom or bust! This time last year we were extracting lots of honey to store away for the winter. Due to the poor season this year, and lack of flowering species, some of our bees are struggling (like many other enterprises) and we’ve already had to feed some sugar syrup to 2 of our new hives to keep them alive. Over the next few months we will be monitoring the others to make sure they survive the winter.
This week our students carried out ‘sugar-shake’ testing as part of a statewide pest surveillance program to inspect hives for exotic mites such as Varroa. We uploaded our results onto the DPIRD site and are pleased to say our College bees are all clear of any exotic pests or diseases. It’s great to see the less confident students now taking an active part in the hive inspections.
Mr David Morrell popped in to support our Bee students recently, it was great to see him again and the students got to talk to him about his time as our Beekeeper. It’s good to have him on site and he always has great stories to share.
Forestry
Mr Ian Chitty is our new Forestry Trainer. Mr Spencer remains in support in that area and together, they are leading the Cert II in Forest Operations. We are also conducting discussions with forestry industry specialists about where we need to go with the Forestry course. It is likely we will see some changes in Units of Competency as we are being advised that equipment such as elevated work platforms and pole saws become more common in this type of work environment. We believe that skills developed in this area are very useful in a wide range of jobs and activities.
D and T
Mr Toon leads the way in our team with technology. He is a very proficient user of the AutoCAD software and can be seen teaching these skills to all students. In design and Technology, students have used the CAD and CNC technologies to create amazing bespoke steel table legs. These are planned, programmed and cut out on the CNC plasma cutter. Then cleaned, folded on the pan brake and built into complete tables. Many great designs can be seen in the school administration area.
On the more ‘old school’ theme, students are also casting handles for tools using recycled aluminium from aluminium horseshoes. The finished casting can then be machined and knurled into a great looking tool handle.
If you have any comments or contribution to offer our Trades and Training Department, please get in touch and let us know…
Mark Boynton
Program Coordinator – Trades and Training
WACOA - Denmark