Rock Challenge a chance to learn skills

Since 1988 over a million young people aged 16 to 19 have taken part in a phenomenon known as the Global Rock Challenge in 120 different locations across the world.

In Australia alone, nearly 400 schools and 30,000 students compete in the unique performing arts event, Rock Eisteddfod Challenge, made by and for students.

With the events staged at major professional venues, students gain exposure to the event and entertainment industry with some choosing to be on-stage, while others work behind the scenes in areas such as staging, lighting, production, set design and construction, make up and costume creation.

For many students it may be the first time they explore career opportunities in vocational and trade skilled areas.

Teams as small as 10 or as large as 140 plan an eight minute performance based on a theme of their choice. Students, teachers and entire communities work together over a period of months planning and rehearsing every element of their performance before competing against other schools.

During the Rock Eisteddfod Challenge students have the opportunity to gain benefits that help prepare them for their working life:

• Communication skills
• Problem-solving skills
• The ability to work as part of a team
• Self-confidence
• Life skills

When the dates for 2008 are distributed to schools, students and teachers will be encouraged to consider SkillsOne to take the experience of the Rock Eisteddfod a step further, says Executive Producer Peter Sjoquist.

"We have to get people's attention when they are young so they have a sense of purpose about who and what they want to be," he said.

"SkillsOne is a great tool for Rock Eisteddfod participants to think about whether performing-arts related trades or other trade skills are of interest to them."