As part of the apprentice training at tafeSA Gilles Plains I have set up a Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/beckett5361?ref=tn_tnmn. The first reaction shows real promise, a post of some work completed by a student and almost instantly the engagement began. The post read the best example of this project by a student in 7 years. The response, while a bit inflated “And that’s how it’s done people!” showed the first sign of pride in achievement.
Secondly the profile picture on one student showed him playing a guitar, a conversation began about music and guitars. A small but positive start to the engagement process and as a result this group of apprentices has a more defined relationship with each other and me and as they move through the experience of training and becoming the professional tradespeople, employers and builders that association should offer them industry contacts, mentors and support.
A better start to this project I could not have asked for… “Unless you try you never succeed, unless you fail your not really trying…”
The Facebook page Update
It is gathering pace as students get to know where it is and how we can use it to communicate and network with other apprentices and industry workers. The best part is that they are beginning to assess each others work via photos and comments (Peer Assessment) and communicate via the electronic format for work purposes not just about their weekend drinking. Here’s the link. http://www.facebook.com/#!/beckett5361