Kicking Goals Together: CITB Trade Up teams with SANFL to inspire SA’s Future Tradies

July 10, 2025

The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and SANFL are proud to announce an exciting new partnership to inspire the next generation of South Australian tradies while strengthening community connections right across the state.

The new collaboration will see the CITB’s Trade Up campaign connecting with local footy fans at SANFL events throughout the year, including a major presence at the THINK! Road Safey SA Country Football Championships this weekend, where regional pride and grassroots spirit take centre stage.

CITB CEO Holly Willcox said these activations are all about sparking meaningful conversations, building awareness around construction careers and showing young people that the trades can offer a rewarding, team-driven path – just like the sport they love.

“Our partnership with SANFL is a celebration of everything Trade Up stands for – community, opportunity and pathways,” Ms Willcox said.

“Supporting the 2025 Country Championships is a perfect opportunity for us to recognise how sport brings people together, and how the fundamental skills developed on the sports field can be built into a rewarding construction career – especially for our incredible regional communities.”

SANFL CEO Darren Chandler said the SANFL was thrilled to be partnering with CITB to help connect footy participants and supporters across the State with career pathways in the construction industry.

“We’re very proud to be teaming with CITB and helping to kickstart apprenticeship opportunities in building and construction for young people involved in our game,” Mr Chandler said.

Through the new partnership, CITB’s Trade Up will deliver game-day activations, hands-on experiences and access to practical career information to help fans explore where a career in the trades might take them.

Whether it’s carpentry, plumbing, electrical or any number of in-demand construction careers, Trade Up is about helping young South Australians find their fit and build strong, meaningful futures.

Importantly, this partnership also supports the CITB’s mission to challenge outdated stereotypes and champion diversity across the industry.

Trade Up is a platform to show that construction is a place for everyone, including more women, First Nations people and those from underrepresented backgrounds.

There is also even more incentive for regional tradies to get involved right now.

As part of the Trade Up ‘Built in the Regions’ campaign, CITB is calling on regional South Australian apprentices and recent graduates to nominate themselves (or a mate) for a chance to win two incredible cash prizes.

One $2,500 prize will support the winner’s career development, for things such as tools, training or new gear, with another $3,000 to go to their footy club for improvements.

If you live and work in regional SA, are completing or have recently completed a construction apprenticeship and are passionate about your trade and community, this is your moment.

Built in the Regions celebrates regional tradies who are not only skilled on-site but are also giving back and making a real impact off-site in their local communities.

Whether you’re cheering on your team at the footy or laying foundations on the job, now’s the time to be recognised for your contribution.

Nominate a deserving regional tradie via TradeUp.org.au/BuiltInTheRegions now and help showcase the strength, spirit and talent of South Australia’s regional tradie community.