Students at Hunters Hill High School have swapped the four walls of the classroom to build the four walls of a tiny home.

Beginning last year, 12 Year 10 students have been working on the structure from the ground up, getting hands on with every single element - from building the frame, installing insulation and cabinetry to decorating the house.

Now in the final weeks of the build, the students will be applying the finishing touches by adding a final coat of paint and installing the kitchen.

Year 11 student Sasha Smith is eager to work in construction after school and wanted to learn some foundational skills.

“The Tiny Home Project will really help me achieve my goals of getting into the construction industry. I have such a solid basis thanks to the micro-credentials and practical learning,” said Sasha.

“I really enjoyed working with the trainers, and it was fun being so hands-on. I was able to practice and hone my skills, and it was so cool to see an actual house at the end of it.”

The school has paired up with the NSW Institute of Education & Training (NSWIET), who has sourced licensed tradies like Sydney Builder Chick, to supervise the students, organise micro-credentials for them and have them career ready.

NSWIET CEO and Founder, Alex Cantali, said the experience provides students practical experience working on an authentic building project while they are also gaining micro-credentials towards their construction certifications.

“Students are learning about construction workflow, safety requirements, how to use tools and are and get hands-on with the industry. It has been great mentoring the students and to help them with a vision to set up their careers,” Ms Cantali said.

Hunters Hill High School careers advisor, Nikki Polak, said the experience aims to inspire students to explore pathways in construction and take up a VET course and apprenticeship.

“Our job is to set up students for post-school success by broadening their prospects and working with industry to create opportunities,” Ms Polak said.

“I’m very grateful to our supportive P&C and principal for helping us get this project off the ground.”

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan inspected the tiny home and chatted with the students about their work.

“For many students, this program is the first step towards further training, apprenticeships, traineeships and rewarding careers,” Mr Whan said.

“By equipping students with real-world skills and experiences, we’re building a workforce that will power our economy for decades to come.”

The tiny home will be auctioned off on Sunday, 29 March with proceeds going into another Tiny Home this year. Keep an eye out for details of the auction at the Hunters Hill High School Facebook page and NSWIET website.