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11-Jun-2026 | Education & Training

Helping young people build their future in construction

For Construction Trainer Chris, the most rewarding part of his role is seeing where students end up after completing their training.

Through SYC's Building Links and Build Your Career programs, Chris has supported young people to develop practical construction skills, build confidence and take their first steps towards a career in the industry.

"Working with the students and witnessing their growth, not only building construction skills but also developing life skills that transfer into their personal lives and future employment, is incredibly rewarding," Chris shares.

Over the years, Chris has seen students go from uncertain beginnings to completing qualifications and securing apprenticeships that lead to meaningful careers.

Delivered in partnership with the South Australian Housing Trust, the Building Links and Build Your Career programs provide young people with opportunities to gain hands-on construction experience while completing accredited training. Through renovation projects, students develop practical skills, gain industry experience and build connections, all while contributing to houses that become homes for South Australian families.

The programs make a significant difference for many young people who may have found mainstream schooling challenging.

"Many of our students struggle with school and often get left behind," he said.

"Our programs supports students not only with any identified gaps in learning, but also with emotional or challenging circumstances in their personal lives that may create barriers to completing their qualification."

"Young people need to know that just because school may have been a challenging environment or difficult experience, it doesn't mean that you still can't achieve anything you put your mind to."

Former Building Links student, Hunter, is a powerful example of the impact these programs can have.

Now a qualified carpenter at 21 years old, Hunter joined the Building Links program while completing alternative learning and pursuing an interest in carpentry.

"It was a good first stepping stone into the pathway of being a tradesman," he said.

Looking back, Hunter said one of the most valuable aspects of the program was being surrounded by people who understood his experiences.

"School wasn't really my jam and I struggled a lot," he shares.

He credits Chris with recognising his passion for the trade and helping guide him towards a career in construction.

"As soon as I met him [Chris], I knew he was a legend. He could tell I had a passion for what I wanted to do and in small ways he tried his best to influence me on the right path both mentally and physically."

"Looking back, I could be pretty short-tempered but he still chose to sit with me and help me work stuff out."

Hunter later secured an apprenticeship and today works as a qualified carpenter.

Reflecting on the role Chris played in his journey, Hunter said:

"He's a huge part of why I'm qualified today. He took me on as a high school teen and helped me become a carpenter."

"He helped sow the seed of the job and position I'm in today and if it wasn't for that time he helped me, I don't know what I would be doing."

For Chris, hearing stories like Hunter's serves as a reminder of why the work matters.

"These programs deliver real results and leave a positive impact on our students' lives even years later," he said.

"It's a good reminder of why I continue to work in this program. Knowing that students appreciate the effort and go on to achieve their goals makes it all worthwhile."

Stories like Hunter's demonstrate the lasting impact of combining practical training with the right support. Through the Building Links and Build Your Career programs, we help young people develop skills, gain industry experience and create opportunities for meaningful careers in the construction industry.

Pictured: Construction Trainer Chris working alongside a current Building Links student.
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