Try-A-Trade

Gain construction experience with CTF’s fully funded Try-A-Trade program. Participants get a taste of careers in the building industry and learn what to expect in various trades.

Our Try-A-Trade program gives students in Year 9 and above, school leavers and mature-age job seekers, a chance to try various construction trades. Selected Registered Training Organisations deliver the courses on behalf of CTF at locations throughout Western Australia.

Because CTF funds the program, there is no cost to students or schools to participate.

You can register your interest below:

Try-A-Trade Program Overview

The program allows participants to try different trades, find the right career path and learn critical skills needed for the job.

Participants gain real-world experience through practical activities led by an experienced professional. Each Try-A-Trade course runs for up to three days and focuses on two to three trades.

Once completed, participants will have gained a greater understanding of the necessary skills to start a career in construction. CTF’s Industry Training Advisors are available to help answer students’ questions and outline the next steps for education and career opportunities.

Our Try-A-Trade program aims to:

• Give participants practical and interactive construction experience through fun, hands-on activities
• Help students make educated choices about study options after school by showcasing the exciting pathways available
• Raise awareness of construction as a viable career

Try-A-Trade Program Requirements

The Try-A-Trade program is open to anyone with an interest in exploring a career in construction.

Participants are required to source and wear steel toe-capped boots and must also be able to travel to the campus where the program is offered.

School students must be in Year 9 or above and can choose to participate through school.

Available Courses and Trades

Try-A-Trade courses are offered in a range of trade areas with a particular focus on areas where there is high demand and skills shortages.

Trades available through Try-A-Trade include:

• Bricklaying and Blocklaying
• Building Design and/or Interior Design
• Cabinet Making 
• Carpentry 
• Civil Construction
• Concreting
• Design
• Drafting
• Estimating
• Glazing
• Mechanical Fitting
• Metal Fabrication
• Painting and Decorating
• Plumbing
• Rail Infrastructure
• Scheduling
• Solid Plastering
• Stonemasonry 
• Surveying
• Wall and Floor Tiling
• Wall and Ceiling Lining

Places are limited so it’s important to register your interest early to avoid missing out.

You can register your interest to be on our mailing list below:

For more information, please email ita@ctf.wa.gov.au or phone 08 9244 0100. We’re here to help.