Over the past two decades, there has been a substantial push by governments to introduce information and communication technology (ICT) into all facets of classroom learning. This policy was known as the Digital Education Revolution. The idea was simple: integrate as much technology as possible into lessons so students would be job-ready and future-proofed.

Fast forward to today, and with the rise of AI and social media shorts, we now have a generation of teenagers who often struggle to concentrate and rely heavily on connectivity for answers to their questions. So it’s worth asking the question: Can technology or AI change a tyre on the side of the road, fix a broken drawer, or weld a gate?

As a former tradesman, I may well be a little biased, but I value manual hand skills as I understand the importance of them in the trade. While AI may replace some white-collar roles in the future, trades such as plumbers, electricians, carpenters, custom furniture makers, and fitters and turners — jobs that require work that can’t be mass-produced — will remain valuable and in demand.

In the workshops at Calvary, we’ve been busy getting back to basics. We’re placing a strong emphasis on accuracy, patience, and hand skills. We have developed a program from Years 7–10 that builds basic hand skills in Stage 4 and progresses into machining techniques in Stage 5. These skills are consolidated in the Stage 6 QCAA syllabus.

We’ve recently invested in a new metal lathe, milling machine, and spindle moulder, which we’ll be bringing online later this year. Mastering these machines can lead to highly skilled — and often lucrative — trade careers. Most importantly, we want students to have a go and not be afraid of making mistakes. After all, mistakes build persistence, and persistence creates confidence.

Future-proofing students isn’t about more screen time. It’s about leaving devices at the door, rolling up sleeves, and getting back to basics. And what better way to do that than by creating a handmade product they can take home and proudly share with their family?

Mr Mitchell Hartmann

Learning Designer - Industrial Technologies & Trade

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