Trades
Skilled trades programs emphasise applied skills, safety, and learning through hands‑on projects. The Award strengthens trades learning by providing a clear framework to track improvement, reflect on process, and document competence over time. It supports pride in practical learning and reinforces transferable workplace skills.
Building Your Award:
Find classroom examples to support activity planning
Class activities you can count: Safety routines, tool skills, builds, troubleshooting, measurement/drafting, process checklists, project reflections etc.
Example SMART goal:
Over the next 13 weeks, I will improve my applied trade skill by completing one weekly practice task and using feedback to reduce errors over time. I will upload evidence and write a weekly progress reflection.
Example Assessor:
Trades teacher.
Example ORB log:
I improved accuracy today by double-checking measurements before cutting. Next week I will use a checklist before starting to reduce mistakes further
Class activities you can count:
Physical training supporting safe work habits, PE participation with improvement goals, fitness routines or training plans, school team training, intramurals or sport clubs, outdoor conditioning etc.
Example SMART goal:
Over the next 13 weeks, I will improve strength and mobility by completing two weekly sessions and reflecting on how it supports stamina and injury prevention.
Example Assessor:
Coach or teacher.
Example ORB log:
My posture improved during shop tasks after stretching. Next week I will add a 10-minute mobility routine before long standing periods.
Class activities you can count:
Repair/build projects for school or community needs, equipment support, maintenance help etc.
Example SMART goal:
Over the next 13 weeks, I will volunteer 1 hour per week using my skills to help others through a repair/build/support role. I will document what I did, who it helped, and what improved each week.
Example Assessor:
Teacher or community supervisor.
Example ORB log:
I supported a repair task and improved by planning steps before starting. Next week I will confirm materials first and follow a checklist.
General activity:
Plan a journey with a “built environment” purpose: document infrastructure, safety features, or design decisions and debrief what you learned.
Example team SMART goal (Bronze AJ):
Over our overnight journey, we will strengthen teamwork and problem-solving by documenting community design/safety examples and completing a group debrief connecting findings to our learning.
Example Supervisor/Assessor:
Teacher or adult supervisor.
Example group debrief:
We improved our teamwork by assigning observation roles and staying on schedule. Next time we would choose a clearer focus question so our findings are stronger.
