Lismore High School students build first tiny home

In an inspiring initiative that combines education with community service, students from a Northern Rivers high school have embarked on a project that is as innovative as it is impressive. See the pics.

Lismore High School students with their first tiny home which they will be auctioning on Thursday, as part of a program aimed at helping the teens enter a trade.

A group of Northern Rivers high school students have put the tools down and are ready to auction off a supervised build of their first tiny home.

Students at The Rivers Secondary College – Lismore High Campus – are building more than just tiny homes – they’re crafting their futures.

The Lismore High School Tiny Home Project, launched last year, offers Year 9 and 10 students hands-on construction experience.

The initiative is funded by the Regional Industry Education Partnerships (RIEP) program.

RIEP connects NSW high schools with industry, opening career pathways for students.

Local tradespeople, including plumbers, builders, and electricians, have mentored students in this project.

Principal Chris Williams said the students have benefited from making real-world connections while building a Tiny Home.

Lismore High School students with their first tiny home which they will be auctioning on Thursday, as part of a program aimed at helping the teens enter a trade.

The project addresses a critical need for sustainable housing post-2022 floods and a shortage of skilled tradespeople while also engaging students in practical learning.

While the pilot group was all male, female students are encouraged to join the next phase.

Students dedicated one day a week over three terms, totalling 35 days to get the tiny home complete.

Despite the time commitment, their coursework improved, Mr Williams said.

He said local tradespeople have been generous, volunteering their time even on dry days when they could work elsewhere.

The project has already led to apprenticeships for two students – one is now a full-time cabinet maker, while another has started a School-Based Apprenticeship/Traineeship (SBAT) in construction.

Lismore High School students with their first tiny home which they will be auctioning on Thursday, as part of a program aimed at helping the teens enter a trade.

A unique feature of the project is the use of reclaimed timber from the HMAS Hawk, a minesweeper sunk off Byron Bay, for parquetry floor tiles.

Funds from the Tiny Home sale will support the next project, starting in Term 2 with a new group of students.

Mr Williams said the project wouldn’t have come together without the support of the community and staff.

“They have been so generous with their time and support of the project, and our students have gained so much from working with them,” he said.

“It’s been wonderful to see students learning industry-relevant skills and working with local tradies to create this amazing tiny home.

“Our desired outcome is for the successful bidder to love the Tiny Home with as much love that has gone into making it.”

The project promises to equip more students with valuable skills while addressing community needs.

An open house for the tiny home will be held on Tuesday April 1 with Geoff Venn and Robert Menin from Lifestyle Group donating their services to auction the tiny home on Thursday April 3.

Funds raised will go towards the next project.

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