
HOPETOUN P-12 College students are helping to construct a new building at the Lake Lascelle Mallee Bush Retreat as part of the Hands On Learning program.
The program was first implemented at the college in the second half of 2013.
The aim of the program is to keep students engaged in their school and community.
Hopetoun P-12 College program facilitator Dorian Doti said five students ranging from year eight to 10 were involved in the program.
He said himself and integration aide Julie Overall accompanied the students outside of the classroom one day a week to work on real life projects.
Stage five of the retreat is currently under construction by builder Mal McLean.
Hands On Learning students Adam Curren said the group had been working on the building for five weeks.
"We came in just after they had put the frame up," he said.
"I have done some building work before, but working with the angles has been the hardest part."
He said he was learning a many skills including filing paperwork.
"Mal is helping us make a name for ourselves so we can pick up more work with people around town," he said.
Mr Doti said it was great the students could work on such a prominent building and help build part of a Hopetoun icon.
"It's great for students, when they are here fishing, skiing or swimming, to able to point to it and say they helped build it," he said.
"The Wimmera Southern Mallee Local Learning and Employment Networks have been extremely supportive in this program and we hope it can continue for many years to come."