High School Students Transform Two Housing Trust Homes

A group of dedicated school students is helping build a brighter future, both for the community and for themselves. Over the past year, students in the Certificate II in Construction Pathways / Doorways to Construction (D2C) program have successfully transformed two rundown SA Housing Trust (SAHT) properties into safe, modern and comfortable homes for new tenants.

November marked a major milestone for the annual SAHT house renovation program, with students completing their sixth renovation project across Adelaide’s north and south. At Parafield Gardens, the proud new resident attended the official handover, receiving the keys to her newly refurbished home.

This year’s program was delivered through a strong partnership between ATEC, Reynella East College, Salisbury High School, CITB South Australia and SA Housing. A new cohort of students was trained across both sites, guided by the expertise of ATEC trainers Steve Patch, Josh Krenanovich, Damien Pawson, Nick Soulsby and Ben Naughton.

Over 12 months, students worked on two properties, one in Christie Downs and one in Parafield Gardens, provided by SAHT. Each home was renovated from the ground up, showcasing the impact of hands-on learning and collaboration. Students gained real-world experience across a wide range of trades, including demolition, gyprocking and flushing, carpentry, concreting, painting, fencing, installing doors and fitting ceilings and cornices. Their work brought the homes back to a safe, comfortable and liveable standard, ready for new tenants to move in.

For many students, the project provided more than just practical experience. It ignited genuine interest in construction careers, with several now considering apprenticeships and some already enrolled and undertaking trade training.

The Parafield Gardens project featured here officially wrapped up on handover day, marking a proud celebration of the students’ skills, teamwork and commitment. It is another successful build and another group of young aspiring tradies ready to take on their next challenge.

ATEC extends its thanks to all partners involved and congratulates the students for their outstanding effort and dedication throughout the year.

Explore current apprenticeship opportunities: https://atec.asn.au/employment/current-vacancies