Queensland students reshaping the city ahead of Olympic Games

In a national-first program, young students are getting the chance to re-shape and build the future of Brisbane City ahead of the 2032 Olympic Games.

In a national-first program, young students are getting the chance to re-shape and build the future of Brisbane city ahead of the 2032 Olympic Games.

As part of the Australian Industry Trades College (AITC) curriculum, students from campuses in Spring Hill, Gold Coast, Ipswich and Redlands get to work on major projects such as the Cross River Rail.

Tigh, Eva and Luke from Australian Industry Trade College with AITC CEO Mark Hands at South Bank. Picture: Richard Walker

CEO and founder of AITC Mark Hands said he founded the school in 2008 to be “deliberately different”.

“I’d been a principal at a ‘conventional’ school for 16 years … but conventional schools don’t suit everyone,” Mr Hands said.

“It’s a bit like having marathon runners in a 100 metre race - they come last, but when you put marathon runners in a marathon race, they come first.”

Eva Murrin said the school is far more engaging for her than a ‘conventional’ school. Picture: Richard Walker

Thanks to the industry based trades school, students say they’re beginning to enjoy learning all over again - including AITC Spring Hill student Eva Murrin, 15, who is pursuing a career in diesel fitting.

Ms Murrin said she’d always wanted a practical job and has never aspired to go to university.

“I love not having homework to do but honestly it is the best school community – everyone shows respect and genuinely cares for each other,” Ms Murrin said.

The student said she can’t complain, getting to spend half her school year out in the real world, practicing her trade of choice.

“It’s so much more fun and engaging and I really enjoy it”.