Secondary Catalogue

Engineering, construction and structural design have come a long way since humans first got here. This clip looks at modern design and construction materials, and provides glimpses of the future, as technology and our understanding of environmental impact and sustainability shapes our approach. It examines preferred futures, modern techniques and materials, and provides an insight to the design and construction of Dubai’s towering Burj Khalifa. Show Less

Human structures must be designed to withstand a range of forces. Here, three types of forces causing stress on structures are highlighted – bending, torsion and shear. Each one is defined, and different construction techniques are examined, with a particular focus on bridge-building. This clip provides secondary and vocational design and technology students with an insight to how structural design and construction techniques overcome massive stress forces. Show Less

A number of different design and structural elements are used in constructions – from the most simple to highly complex. This clip explores three common construction elements – columns, beams and cantilevers – defining each and providing different examples of where they are used in a range of different structures. Secondary and vocational students of design and technology will find this a useful and engaging learning resource. Show Less

Over millennia, human-built structures have become bigger, more complex and quicker to build. A key to this has been understanding how forces behave. This clip looks at two types of opposing forces – tension and compression – defining them and presenting a range of real-world examples and how those forces impact on structural design. It is an ideal resource for secondary and vocational students of design and technology. Show Less

Any construction project has a multitude of plans and documents associated with it and it is critical that any construction worker is able to accurately read and interpret those that are relevant to their roles onsite. This video looks at the range of various plans and documents that are used in construction and why they are so vital to the work done by all workers on any construction project. It covers the differences between plans, specifications and schedules and highlights the $45 million Geelong Library and Heritage Centre construction project as a case study where thousands of different plans and documents were involved. It features interviews with representatives from both the architects and construction company responsible for the Geelong Library Project – Technical Director for ARM Architecture, Wayne Sanderson and Contracts Manager for Kane Constructions, Pat Clements. Perspectives on reading and interpreting plans and documents on smaller, domestic projects are offered by Chisholm Institute Carpentry and Joinery Trainer, Ian Malcolm. Show Less

Fundamental to the work done by just about anyone on a construction site is the ability to measure accurately and calculate various quantities of materials required on building projects. This video starts with an overview of the types of measurements and calculations typically used in construction, then covers a range of practical examples involving length, area and volume. Calculations for each of the quantities covered are are worked through with General Manager of Byrne Constructions, John Grasso. The video concludes by looking at the consequences of inaccuracy and ways to ensure that measurements and calculations are performed right every time. Show Less

One of the skills that employers in the construction industry value most in their employees is the ability to plan and organise work. Construction projects are complex and many tasks require detailed planning and organisation to complete. This video begins by examining why planning and organisation is so critical to working in the construction industry and then profiles three people enjoying successful careers in quite different roles within the industry. It features interviews with Careers Manager for the Master Builders Association of Victoria, Jarrod Flanigan; award-winning construction managers – Tim Fowler, Project Manager with Kane Constructions and Matthew Maud, Site Manager with Hacer Group; and Chisholm Institute Carpentry and Joinery Trainer, Ian Malcolm. Show Less

The construction industry employs more than a million people Australia-wide in hundreds of different trades-based and professional roles. For anyone entering a course or trade, it is vital to understand what is required to be an effective worker in this industry. This video provides an overview of the construction industry – the three main areas of construction: domestic, commercial and civic – the role of different levels of government and the industry’s contribution to the Australian economy. It also examines a range of pathways into the industry for school leavers and mature-age entrants and the importance of identifying personal learning needs and undertaking further training for career advancement. It features interviews with the CEO of the Master Builders Association of Victoria, Radley de Silva, and the Association’s Career Manager Jarrod Flanigan, and Site Manager for Hacer Group, Matthew Maud. This is an ideal video for learners undertaking a construction-related apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship or any other pathway into the industry. Show Less

Construction sites are potentially highly dangerous working environments. All workers must have a sound understanding of the importance of workplace health and safety in every aspect of what they do. This video examines the importance of workplace health and safety in construction, identifying and assessing risk, and various ways in which hazards are controlled on a construction site. It features interviews with CEO of the Master Builders Association of Victoria, Radley de Silva, and the Association’s Career Manager Jarrod Flanigan, Kane Constructions Project Manager, Tim Fowler, and Chisholm Institute Carpentry and Joinery Trainer, Ian Malcolm. This is an ideal video for learners undertaking a construction-related apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship or any other pathway into the industry. Show Less

The ability to communicate effectively is one of the most important skills any construction industry worker needs. Poor communication can have disastrous consequences, including endangering the safety of workers and hindering productivity and efficiency, which costs money. This video looks at the key aspects of effective communication in construction, including how to ensure verbal, written and visual communication is effective, receiving communication as it is intended, including active listening and protocols for signage and visual communication in the workplace. It features interviews with Technical Director of ARM Architecture, Wayne Sanderson, Kane Constructions Project Manager, Tim Fowler and Contracts Manager Pat Clements, and Chisholm Institute Carpentry and Joinery Trainer, Ian Malcolm. Show Less

This video comprises of basic communication skills as they are applied within industrial or commercial trade settings such as construction sites, engineering or fabrication workshops and manufacturing enterprises. We explore why clear communication is critical in ensuring that the working environment poses minimal or no risk to workers, and work tasks are completed correctly and quality is maintained. Workers can come from a wide range of cultural and linguistic backgrounds. It is vital that communication in all its forms is appropriate and inclusive for all. Communication with CALD workers is examined as well as using the phone and face-to-face verbal communication. Units of Competency: BSBCMM101A - Apply basic communication skills; CPCPCM2039A - Carry out interactive workplace communication. Show Less

Environmental sustainability is about designing and implementing practices and processes within a workplace that do not waste or exhaust natural resources or cause ecological damage. It not only minimises an organisation’s environmental footprint – there is also potential for significant bottom-line gains. This resource focuses on environmental sustainability in manufacturing and light industry, where technology and innovation have contributed significantly greater efficiency in both resource use and productivity. Areas covered include identifying resources and environmental issues; compliance with regulations; and improving resource efficiency. Award-winning Melbourne-based printing company, Vega Press, is an excellent case study and a range of its initiatives are examined. Further expert comment is offered by an industry trainer from Kangan Institute’s Centre for Competitive Operations. It is an outstanding resource for senior and post-secondary students in various disciplines who are examining contemporary issues in today’s workplace. Interviewees: Robert Nugent – Vega Press; John Ferraro – Kangan Institute Show Less