Construction Training Fund (CTF) has partnered with the Clontarf Foundation to support more young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men to finish school and providing a clear pathway into jobs and apprenticeships in Western Australia’s construction industry.
Clontarf’s strength is its day-to-day presence in schools. Staff are there every day, on the oval and in class, building trust and keeping boys engaged. That routine and reliability are exactly what construction work demands - teamwork, discipline and hands-on mentoring.
A Natural Partnership
Clontarf’s model is simple and proven - build trust through day-to-day presence in schools, lift attendance, keep boys engaged through genuine mentoring relationships, then support the move into work or further training through deep ties with local employers, training providers and universities.
Kent Street Clontarf Academy Director Michael Goss says the key is consistency: “We’re here every day - on the oval, in class, at home with families. When boys trust you, they’ll back themselves.”
CTF Sponsorship
Under the 2025 agreement, CTF will provide financial support for Clontarf’s existing programs while strengthening the pipeline into construction for Clontarf Academy students.
The partnership will focus on creating practical, construction-focused opportunities for Clontarf students, including:
- Two Try-A-Trade taster programs offering safe, hands-on experience in different trades.
- Ten CTF Scholarships to complete construction pre-apprenticeships while still at school, with completion bonus payments for students.
- Site visits and mentoring with construction employers.
- Connections to the construction industry.
Through these opportunities, CTF is providing Clontarf students with hands-on exposure to real trades and a head start on a career in construction, all while still at school.
Why Construction?
For many Clontarf students, a career in construction is a great fit.
“Since 2022 we’ve had 16 graduates, and quite a few have gone into building and construction,” Mr Goss explains. “Our boys like working with their hands, the flexibility of the hours, and being outdoors - construction really suits them.”
“This year at Kent Street, three out of six Year 12 graduates are taking up Aboriginal school-based traineeships or apprenticeships in building and construction, while another is moving into steel fabrication alongside his father.
“With Perth and WA bursting with infrastructure projects, from rail lines to major roads, and housing in high demand, the opportunities are clear.
“There’s strong demand for workers, and our boys are stepping into those roles,” Mr Goss says.
Josh’s Story
Josh, a Year 10 student at Kent Street Academy, says the camaraderie and care Clontarf provides gives him a reason to turn up to school every day.
“The main reason I actually turn up to school is because of Clontarf. If we invest in them by coming to school, they invest in us and give us their time to help us out.”
Josh is already gaining workplace experience through a part-time job at IGA, learning skills such as discipline, customer service, and responsibility. Wherever Josh decides to take his career, he’s building the habits that matter: show up, listen, take responsibility.
“Clontarf looks out for us. It’s a good place to be - you’re never on your own,” he says.
Building Futures Together
The CTF-Clontarf partnership is about more than just funding – it’s about building futures. Every day in WA schools, Clontarf is helping young Aboriginal men build confidence, finish Year 12, and navigate a clear pathway into their chosen careers.
CTF is helping Clontarf students interested in a career in construction gain the skills, experience and support they need to step into a trade – and help become part of the next generation of tradies who will build the future of WA.
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