Holidays Serve Up Youth Fun
19 July 2019
MORE THAN fifty young people have been teched-up, upskilled and also found a way to beat the chill of the winter holidays with a range of free youth events.
The events are part of a Council program which aims to connect local youth with local opportunities for recreation, employment and volunteering.
A three-day workshop took maths and engineering whiz kids through 3D computer aided design, with participants learning to create mechanical drawings to be developed on a 3D printer.
Local draftsman and building designer Andrew Blake has been delivered CAD training for over 10 years and led the course for teens.
Mr Blake says the workshop expands on school based STEM or science, technology, engineering and mathematics education, which is seen as the fastest growing area for the employment industry.
Department of Education research reveals 75 per cent of all new jobs being created will require skills in STEM and demand for STEM-skilled employees is expected to continue to rise.
Acting mayor Anthony Michael visited the class on the final day and was impressed with the quality and complexity of designs created.
“There’s a lot of really challenging calculations and problem solving behind this sort of work and these young men are taking on skills that are highly sought after in the workplace”.
“It’s really rewarding to see some familiar faces from classes we have run earlier in the year and the fact these kids are spending three days out of their school holidays learning something new speaks volumes”.
“The best part is, they now have the free software on their own computer and can keep developing their skills”.
Following a 2D computer aided course earlier in the year, Mr Blake says he’s looking forward to a youth robotics class later in the year.
Meanwhile, the InSports Arena and Council teamed up to host two ‘come and try’ events which included three hours of indoor soccer, netball, volleyball and cricket.
The free event was led by InSports Arena’s Greg Sparke and Alex White thanks to funding from NSW Youth Opportunities and Council.
Cr Michael commended the enthusiasm and behaviour of all young people involved.
L-R Andrew Blake, Will Alliston, Eli King, Cr Anthony Michael, Alex Johnson, Hamish Smith, Jake Hicks and Josh Doogood.
Youth indoor sports ‘come and try’ event for teens.
Youth indoor sports ‘come and try’ event for ages 8-12.
For further information contact:
Fiona Adams | Inverell Shire Council | PO Box 138, Inverell NSW 2360 | 02 6728 8288 | Fiona.Adams@inverell.nsw.gov.au
