Lendlease building futures

Yarrabilba high school students have experienced the world of work with Lendlease, a multinational construction and real estate firm. 

As part of Catapult Connects – a new Logan City Council initiative that pairs young people with local business mentors – Year 9 students from Yarrabilba State Secondary College had the opportunity to gain industry exposure throughout Term 4 last year.    

The sessions included career planning talks hosted by industry professionals, office tours and site visits with a focus on community master planning.  

Students visited spots like Borrol Lookout Park to explore how cultural heritage is incorporated into design and space. 

Representatives from the Australian Training Company also presented the students with apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities in residential construction.  

Social Impact Manager Terry Hamilton says it’s important for students to gain real-world insight before choosing a profession.  

‘Yarrabilba works with Council’s Economic Development team on several workforce participation activities, and we’ve been engaged with the Catapult program for quite a few years now,’ she says. 

‘We ran “Careers in Property” days several years ago, so this was a great opportunity to bring it back to life with a younger cohort of students.’ 

At the end of term, students pitched their own design ideas for Yarrabilba Town Centre’s main street. 

This activity was designed to provide meaningful practical experience beyond the classroom.   

‘The students were wonderful to work with and full of great ideas,’ Terry says. 

‘All these experiences helped them appreciate that anyone can pursue a career in property, no matter where their skills lie.’  

Another cohort of students from Woodridge State High School broadened their horizons by working with staff from Loganholme Hyperdome Shopping Centre.  

Learn more about the Catapult Connects program and Lendlease.