From the Workshop to the Workplace: A Day of Discovery at Kennards Hire

For young people who’ve already experienced the hands-on impact of a TRACTION Build program, TRACTION Connect offers the next step - a bridge between the workshop and the workplace. Designed for students in Year 10 and above, this one-day showcase excursion opens the door to real-world experiences with partnering organisations.

Small groups of 6–8 young people are immersed in the day-to-day workings of a business, guided by experienced TRACTION youth engagement facilitators and welcomed by staff across various functions. These excursions aren’t just about seeing how a workplace runs - they’re about feeling what’s possible. From improving communication and building confidence to discovering new career pathways, TRACTION Connect helps young people imagine their future and start developing the skills to get there.

It’s a day full of conversations, questions, hands-on insights, and connection - with peers, with mentors, and with a world beyond the classroom. For young people who learn best by doing, Connect is a powerful step towards life after school.

It was anything but an ordinary school day for the six enthusiastic young people from Park Ridge State High School who attended the TRACTION Connect Excursion on. An exciting visit to Kennards Hire was planned for the group who entered an action-packed day with career workshops, hands-on tasks and motivational stories.

After a heartfelt Acknowledgement to Country, led by TRACTION mentor Mike, and an ice breaker activity that had the adults and young people alike engaging in some friendly competition, the guided tour of the Kennards workshop began. The group was given a behind the scenes look into the transport logistics control room and the inner workings of the Kennards storefront and workshop. 

As the morning progressed, the young people participated in an employment skills workshop where they gained insider knowledge on creating a resume and cover letter, nailing interviews and creating a strong first impression with that ‘wow’ factor. The session sparked questions and conversation amongst the group, highlighting the relevance of this important topic.

Nothing quite compared to the thrill of the hands-on experience. The group split into teams and got to operate real machinery: driving a scrubber vehicle, testing out a scissor lift, and powering up a pressure washer. The scissor lift was clearly a fan favourite, with some bravely volunteering for a second round.  

Following a vibrant lunch where Kennards staff, TRACTION mentors and the young people shared laughs and conversations, the group listened to three powerful personal stories from current Kennards employees. Their journeys through the company struck a chord with the participants who had thoughtful questions for the presenters and showed an interest in what a future at Kennards could look like.

In one-on-one chats with TRACTION mentor JL, each participant shared their goals for the future, including a Diesel Mechanic apprenticeship on the horizon and a Certificate II in Hospitality underway as a stepping stone to a trade as a Baker. One young person is already engaged in the NRL community and has a job lined up with them post-graduation. Another has their mind set on a career in carpentry, while several of the participants expressed curiosity about work experience with the Kennards team. 

By the end of the day, it was clear the group had been given lots to think about and gained valuable knowledge. They were now prepped with tools in their hands, inspiration in their ears and the thoughts of the possibilities ahead on their minds. 

Kennards might just be welcoming a few of them back sooner than we think!