Ipswich trade college students to put skills to use in Cambodia

Students from a unique Ipswich trade college are counting down the days to the adventure of a lifetime, where they will put their hands-on skills to use for a renowned aid project in Cambodia.

Students at a unique trade college in Ipswich are counting down the days before flying to Cambodia to put their hands-on skills to use at an aid project.

The eight Australian Industry Trade College students were among 32 students across the six AITC Queensland campuses who will travel to Siem Reap in September.

Usually biannual trip, lockdown scotched the previous one so the anticipation was even higher this time around.

New Hope Cambodia is a not-for-profit providing free education, healthcare and community and crisis care support for preschool-aged children and youth.

Year 11 hospitality trade student Alice MacDonald said she could hardly wait to give help where it was needed most.

Australian Industry Trade College, Ipswich students are set to head to Cambodia in September for the New Hope program.

“They don’t have a lot, whereas I have a lot and I just want to give back to people,” she said.

“I want to help them and make their lives a little better.”

The joint project across the College’s campuses will provide housing in a new village.

Future AITC students will provide other infrastructure in the coming years.

Ipswich Industry Operations Manager, David Breeze, one of 15 staff accompanying the students, said it was much more than just an overseas trip for them.

“We continuously are looking at how employable our young people are, because we send them out to industry,’’ he said.

“Character development is a large part of our program and what we do.”

This year will be Mr Breeze’s third trip to support New Hope Cambodia but he said it changed his life in some way every time he went.

Students will put their skills to use at New Hope Cambodia.

“Once you’ve experienced it, you get a taste for volunteering and the impact it has on you as a person is life changing,’’ Mr Breeze said.

“I look forward to taking a group of young people from my campus back there, and hopefully, they will come away with the same experience as well.

“It is our intent to create outstanding citizens… who contribute positively to society.”

“It’s not a holiday. We have to go there to have an impact.’’

Year 11 nursing student, Chelsea Bayliss-Griepink, said she hoped to make a difference.

“When (Mr Breeze) showed us the video (of the Cambodia trip), I was so intrigued,” she said.

“Seeing people’s faces light up when they see they have new things and we have built this for them.”

“Seeing how excited people get is truly special.”

A student at the Australian Industry Trade College, Ipswich.

Mr Breeze asked Ipswich-area organisations to come forward and help.

“We offer a labour force and support in anyway – community is a big part of our (school) program,” he said.

“It helps our young people understand gratitude, and when we go and do a job for someone else, people are typically very grateful for our assistance.

“Often, our young people can walk away with a sense of pride and are proud of what they have done.’’

The students are fundraising for the project through GoFundMe.

Originally published as Ipswich trade college students to put skills to use in Cambodia