Housing Trust home given new lease on life after unlikely renovation

A rundown of character homes has been given the makeover of a lifetime by a group of unlikely renovators …

A rundown of character homes has been given the makeover of a lifetime by a group of unlikely renovators.

Fifty-eight Year 11 students from across the northern suburbs spent the year learning vital trade skills by renovating the aged Elizabeth Downs family home.

Following 12 months of hard work, the now unrecognizable property has been handed back to Housing SA to be passed onto new tenants.

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Doorways 2 Construction program participant. Supplied by South Australia Construction Industry Training Board.

As part of the Doorways 2 Construction program, students stripped back the property and installed modern features, including modifications for tenants with disabilities.

Playford International College student Paige Fewings, 16, took part in this year’s program with hopes of gaining industry exposure.

“Doorways has given me experience about what employers are looking for and this has helped me get a job offer with an electrical company where I will start an apprenticeship next year,” she said.

The Elizabeth Downs home following the renovation. Supplied by South Australia Construction Industry Training Board.

Although many attend for industry experience, Paralowie R-12 student Tyson Hughes, 16, said the program gave him more focus for his future goals.

“Learning about house renovations has given me training and experience that has helped me become more focused and organized,” he said.

“I think this will help me in the future with a job in construction.”

…and before. Supplied by South Australia Construction Industry Training Board.

Handing the keys over to Housing SA this week, students were able to visit the property and see the final results before it was handed over to new residents.

Doorways 2 Construction is an alliance between the SA Construction Industry Training Board, Department of Education and Department for Industry Skills.

Currently, the program runs in 40 schools across the state with over 1000 students participating in the program each year.