Select students from Lismore High have been working on a special project - a tiny home they are building to sell.

In a joint initiative between RIEP (Regional Industry Education Partnerships), the Rivers Secondary College, Lismore High Campus and several businesses in the area, the students are given an opportunity to be involved. Thirteen year 9 and 10 students applied for the privilege of being admitted to the project.

“We couldn't have done this without the startup support of REIP and we're really fortunate that we've got passionate staff,” said Chris Williams, the school principal.

“It's given the students something to look forward to, that they've got ownership of, and they can see a tangible result at the end of each week, and they're really proud of what they're doing.”

The students work on the tiny home on Fridays. As part of their application to work on the tiny home, they signed an agreement to catch up on classes they missed due to the work on the build.

“They've really taken on foreman roles within the crew. The kids rotate who the site manager is for the day and allocate tasks within. They've really stepped up,” Chris says, “They're so engaged that they treat it like a real work site and take it in turns every week to work out who's going to bring the sausages for lunch and fry them up.”

(The sun's rays shining down on the work that they have done)

Jill McCall, a Senior Project Officer from RIEP explains the opportunity, “The Regional Industry Education Partnership program is about developing events and activities that link or connect students directly with industry. 

“This is one of two tiny house projects in the state, and the idea is that the students will get lots of hands-on experience and also make direct connections with the industry that are participating and supporting the project.”

The crew is at the halfway point - week 15 of a 30-week schedule.  

Dean French, the Tiny Homes Coordinator, said the students have completed a white card course as part of the build and a few excursions to see first-hand how trade businesses operate. 

The kids have had 12 days on the build so far, “which is pretty impressive - what we've been able to achieve in that time. Next week, the roofers are coming to finish off, and the plumbers so it'll be fully finished outside.”

There is a bit to do on the inside, “The flooring will take a considerable amount of time because they're actually making parquetry panels to go on the floor and the kids are all going to make their own panel.”

(The internal cladding going up with full effort from the team)

Speaking to the young adults working on the build, Jesse said, “I'm loving it. Just really having a go, getting into the trades. It's a really good opportunity for everyone, especially if you are looking at a trade as a career option.

“You get to try it out without going through the qualifications. So, if you do this and find out it's not for you, you can make the decision earlier. 

“I'm thinking this might be for me, yeah. I’m looking at being a sparky, an electrician.”

Jesse goes on to describe the specs for the Tiny House, “It's six metres long and about two and a half metres wide. To the peak of the roof, it's about three metres. So it's decent sized for a tiny home, and it's still small enough to be quite mobile. 

“The way it is designed, we have a bedroom, and then we've got a loft upstairs that is big enough for kids, or they can use it for storage. 

“And then we're thinking about having a fully equipped kitchen, oven, fridge, sink, everything. 

“Then we've also got the bathroom at the end, which has got a toilet, shower, sink, it'll have a couple of power outlets as well for hair dryers, things like that.”

Laura also loves working on the project, particularly the design. She said it has inspired her to consider pursuing that career.

(Laura working on preparing the wall panels that were a big part of today's work)

Dean said the external shell came as a kit, and “the kids have really gone into the design element with the interior and customised it so that it's one of a kind.”

Tom, another student, explained the back wall and other features, “It's old hardwood from a flood house.” The timber is from 100 year old houses in Melbourne that were flooded, their timbers salvaged and refinished for a new purpose.

“We're going to have sensor lights that go across the top of the ceiling, and we're going to build a deck with lights at the front.”

The school has been really pleased with the industry response and assistance they have been provided in the community.

Chris says, “We've been very fortunate in that we've had a lot of people come in and work with the kids every week. We've had electricians come in and help them do the wiring and the fit-out. 

“We've been really lucky with a flooring mob who've come in and got some really beautiful feature walls that are quite unique. We've had a roofing crew come in and spend a lot of time working with the kids to actually screw off the iron and get it all looking like it is.

(Jill McCall standing out the front of the tiny home, and the sponsors helping with the project.)

The tradies working with the team are looking at their future as well. Chris says, “They're interested in putting on apprentices, and they’ve said they're really interested in keeping an eye on particular kids. So it's feeding directly into getting kids into local trades, where there's a massive need at the moment.

“The tiny home really is a great project because, as we know, there's a massive shortage of affordable housing in the area. This will be affordable housing.

“It'll be auctioned off, and the proceeds will be used to fund next year's project. 

“I know it's going well because I've already got kids in Year 8 coming up an asking, how do they apply? How can they be part of it next year? 

“We've had really strong positive feedback from the parents. When they collect their kids, they want to bring them down and show them what they've worked on for the day.”

The million-dollar question - are the students keeping up with their agreement and doing their other schoolwork? 

“Absolutely. I've not had to have a conversation with any of them about falling behind.”

If you are in the market for an affordable home in the next couple of months, keep an eye out for a unique tiny home with specialised features and a great local back story.