From small things, big things grow. This is the premise behind a new life-skills project spearheaded by a Sunshine Coast independent school.
Pacific Lutheran College students are set to swap their pens and keyboards for tools of the trade as they build a fully functioning tiny home from the ground up.
And while the project result might be deemed ‘tiny’, the outcomes are predicted to be significant.
The Pacific Tiny Homes program will be launched at a community event on August 28, and the college is calling on those who work in construction, architecture, interior design, property and real estate to throw their support behind the project.
Head of Industrial Technology and Design Ian Learoyd said the project would connect classroom learning with the realities of the construction industry.
“The Pacific Tiny Homes project has been designed to provide students with meaningful, hands-on learning opportunities that connect directly to real-world pathways in the building, construction and manufacturing industries,” he said.
“Throughout the project, students will engage with industry professionals and local tradespeople, gaining valuable insights into workplace expectations, emerging technologies and contemporary construction practices.
“Partnerships with builders, suppliers and industry mentors will help students develop employability skills while building strong connections between learning and future career opportunities.”
Pacific Tiny Homes is at the centre of the Senior Industrial Technology Skills program, which will be introduced to students next year.
Year 11 and 12 students will be involved in the entire construction process, including planning, site preparation, framing, cladding, fixing, finishing and furnishing.
They will also learn about workplace health and safety, sustainable building practices, material selection, construction technologies, budgeting and project coordination.
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While the fate of the completed tiny home is yet to be determined, a decision with a “philanthropic focus will be made at a later stage to support a local community initiative”.
Additionally, funds will be reinvested into Pacific Tiny Homes to enable the program to continue.
Acting head of Middle College Industrial Technology and Design Sam Irwin said the tiny home represented more than a classroom task.
“It is a visible and purposeful community project that showcases student capability, innovation and collaboration,” he said.
A free launch event will be held at Moffat Beach Brewing Co’s Production House from 3pm on Friday, August 28. Registrations can be made through Humanitix.
