Port Macquarie's leading builders have joined forces to help young upcoming tradies boost their start in the residential construction industry by providing two students with a development scholarship in the form of a $1,000 voucher each at Total Tools Port Macquarie.

The Sovereign Hills Display Village builders have awarded Newman College School-based apprentices, Finlay Barker, currently studying Certificate II Electrotechnology and Jack Edwards, completing Certificate II Construction, development scholarships based on their commitment and work ethic towards their trades by gifting them the opportunity to fill their tool kit with all the essentials required to make for a productive start to their day, week and even career.

Shane Clunes, Rob Tate Family Homes Construction Manager, commented, “It’s important to keep young and upcoming apprentices coming through to establish a constant trade base in the area, especially because of the constant sales and interest in this area.”

“I think it’s advantageous to our community to support these guys coming through and give them an incentive to continue and keep them on the tools… There’s a skills shortage in this field. It might be a reluctance in the physical work aspect, but something to incentivise more apprenticeships and skilled labour will ultimately benefit our region,” added Mr Clunes.

“Jack and Finlay are local lads, so they’re probably more likely to stay local for some time. We might not keep them all, but as long as we keep some, our apprentice base will grow,” commented Hotondo Homes Mid North Coast New Home Consultant Dean Thompson.

Open to Newman Senior Technical College students studying construction, electrotechnology, plumbing, bricklaying, furniture making, manufacturing, and engineering, students who applied described how this scholarship would help kickstart their careers in the residential construction industry. Newman College VET Curriculum teaching staff judged their application and evidence of their commitment to learning in this field. Scholarship recipients were presented at the College's final assembly on 15 December 2023 by representatives from the the display village.

Jack Edwards, who has secured an apprenticeship with a local builder while he continues his studies, was thrilled to be selected. “I’ve been saving up for tools all year, and this will help me get the complete combination of tools I need to keep me productive on site. I am so stoked to be awarded this voucher.”

Finlay Barker is also learning on the job as an apprentice. “I just got my licence and am saving for a car. Tools were next on the list, so I can now work towards setting myself up to get all the gear I need and maybe even a lockable toolbox”.

Forecast to construct more than 600 homes across the Mid North Coast, generating an estimated $300 million in local new home construction activity annually, the Sovereign Hills Display Village builders continue their support to develop a pathway for young people to take up the construction trades to keep the industry turning.

The Sovereign Hills Display Village is still the biggest display village between Newcastle and the Gold Coast, including 21 homes from 14 leading builders.

For more information about the Sovereign Hills Display Village, visit https://www.sovereignhills.com.au/display-village