Students find purpose in repurposing

Students from the Geelong Technical Education Centre (GTEC) are learning the value of sustainable business practice from start to finish – embarking on a new project to build and sell furniture from recycled timber.

The first line of products known as ‘Babushka Boxes’ were created by timber sourced from dismantled fences – a product which is typically sent to landfill.

“We received such a positive and overwhelming response to the Babushka Boxes that it was clear there was demand and opportunity to grow the concept,” said GTEC teacher Brett Smith, who spearheaded the idea.

“Sustainability is a priority within the GTEC curriculum, so growing this project ticks numerous boxes: it fits within the Gordon (TAFE) vision for environmental responsibility, it engages students with valuable skills and life experience, and it results in a successful outcome for all involved,” he said.

In just one term students built 70 items of furniture, after first dismantling old fences and restoring the timber to create a number of outdoor industrial-themed seating options.

“The creativity and enthusiasm of the students has been really impressive,” said Brett.

“The stackable Babushka Boxes have been the most popular, sought after by cafes, people with townhouses or with limited space – even for weddings and events”.

GTEC student Nick Clissold speaks with enthusiasm about this different learning style and experience: “We thought our teacher was joking when he showed us the old fences and said we were going to make furniture out of them.  When we completed the products we started thinking – what else could we do with this old timber?”

GTEC is now investing more time and resources into the concept, working to package the curriculum together for other training providers and organisations to pursue.

GTEC also hope to utilise funds raised from the furniture sales to travel to Cambodia in the future, where they plan to build a playground for the disadvantaged school ABCs and Rice.

The Geelong Technical Education Centre is part of the Gordon TAFE, offering a unique program designed for students who have completed Year 10 and who aspire to take up a trade. Their integrated three-part program includes VCAL (Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning), TAFE trade training, and real work experience leading to apprenticeship opportunities.

For further information contact Brett Smith at the Geelong Technical Education Centre [email protected]

For a behind-the-scenes look at the project, check out the students’ video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63nq77CngKw