Why the competition?

Construction Skills Queensland is keen to acknowledge the learning that occurs within schools in relation to manual skills that are relevant to the construction industry. Therefore the primary purpose of the competition is to recognise outstanding work completed by both male and female students from yr 8 to 12, who are keen to pursue a career within the building and construction industry. This year it has been decided to accept existing work pieces being produced in school after February 1, 2009. The vision of the competition organizer is that the students nominated by each school will be encouraged to commence a school based apprenticeship, with the option of converting to a full time apprenticeship when all the parties are agreeable. The competition is therefore the vehicle whereby the judging panel can select and reward students deserving special recognition for manual dexterity, attention to detail and demonstration of skills applicable to the construction industry.

How does it work?

This year there will be four categories. Each school is invited to nominate a student to represent their school in each category. A student is nominated by submitting a school project the student has made during the first semester of 2008. The item submitted will be judged according to how well it meets the criteria below. All entries submitted will be displayed at the Mooloolaba Campus of the Sunshine Coast TAFE for the Sunskills Parent & Student Forum. This highly informative and interactive forum will be held on Tuesday 4th August 2009. All students who submit a project will be required to be present for the announcement of the winners at the Parent & Student Forum. Students are encouraged to wear their school uniform and be accompanied by both a teacher and parent/guardian.

Who can participate?

Any student who is currently studying an engineering or woodworking subject in years 8 to 12 is eligible to participate. It is up to the school to nominate one entry for each category, that will represent their school. The four categories are as follows:

• Best project from year 8 or 9 in 2009.
• Best project from year 10 in 2009.
• Best project from year 11 in 2009.
• Best project from year 12 in 2009.

What do they get out of it?

Each entry submitted to the Sunskills "Be Constructive" Competition will receive a "Be Constructive" prize pack and Certificate of Participation. The best entry for each category will be awarded a special prize pack. The winning students will also be provided with career counselling and support to assist the student pursue a suitable career within the construction industry. Each school that submits an entry will also receive a Letter of Acknowledgement and a promotional package.

What are the criteria?

The student is required to construct a piece of work that utilizes skills that may be applied to the general construction industry. The style, type of construction methods and materials are your choice however, they should reflect the skills and knowledge attained in your construction and industrial technology training. The piece of work must be accompanied by a drawing which includes: title, student's name, brief description of the article and dimensions.

The judging panel will select the winners based on the following:

• The overall size of the article is no larger than 750mm x 500mm x 500mm
• The piece of work is accompanied by a bill of materials including quantities and costs
• The overall finish of the item
• The standard of workmanship eg. quality of joints, fixings, tolerances, attention to detail
• Adherence to drawing eg. within measurements

If you have an entry that doesn't meet the above criteria please contact Keith to discuss

What is the timeline?

It is anticipated that all entries will be completed by the end of semester 1. Please email Keith to advise of the entries you are submitting prior to end of semester 1. The physical entries need to be received by Keith Murdock by no later than 4pm on Friday 17th July 2009. This will enable the judging panel to complete the judging prior to the Sunskills Expo 2009.

More Information

For more information, please view the Be Constructive Competition Flyer.
To submit an application, please complete the Application Form.

Whom may I contact for more information?

• Keith Murdock
  Regional Manager - Sunshine Coast
  Construction Skills Queensland
  Email: keithm@csq.org.au
  Phone: 0438 880 273