What inspired you to start an apprenticeship in the building industry?

When I was 10, my parents separated, and I experienced the housing crisis firsthand. This encouraged me from a young age to think about what I could do to make a difference. I had an interest in carpentry starting from a very young age and I reckon Bob the Builder can take some of the credit for that. I quickly moved onto Grand Designs and that laid a solid foundation for my interest in building innovation. In Year 10, I completed a 2 week Productivity Bootcamp in Nowra, which introduced me to the different trades involved in the Construction industry. I was fortunate to be able to do a number of TAFE short courses also in Year 10 that helped make the progression into Carpentry a more solid goal for me.

What trade did you choose and why?

When I was in Year 10, Keira High School adopted the School Based Apprentice/Trainee program (SBAT). I signed up the following year, undertaking a Certificate II in Construction Pathways. This exposed me to on the job industry experience and furthered my passion for building, and what I suspect will be a lifelong compulsion to buy power tools. After I graduated High School, I managed to land an apprenticeship, started the certificate III in Construction and haven’t looked back since. I love working with timber and seeing it being used to create functional, well designed spaces and furniture.

Where are you working at the moment?

I work for Innovation Building Group in the Illawarra Region, where I am privileged learn from a team of highly experienced Carpenters working on Architectural new builds and
renovations. I particularly enjoy the challenge of tying the old sections into the new and aiming to leave the job site better than I found it.

How did you discover Master Builders NSW Apprentice Services?

When I was nearing the end of my school based traineeship, my SBAT engagement officer Megan Jackson-Lee strongly encouraged me to sign up with Master Builders to be promoted as a potential apprentice. So, a big thank you to Megan for her persistence.

What previous qualifications do you have? Or school level you completed?

Over year 11 and 12, I completed the Certificate II in Construction Pathways alongside my High School Certificate, which I am grateful for, as that extra dollar an hour makes all the difference on an apprentice wage.

Have you worked in a different industry?

When I was undertaking my School-Based traineeship, I worked for Havenwood Tiny Homes building prefabricated mobile affordable housing in a factory. Rick Smith the owner informed
me that a large percentage of the customers where first home buyers and single mums. I am very grateful for the foundational skills and confidence I was able to develop working one day a week and on school holidays with the Havenwood team. In year 12, I was nominated for and awarded the School-Based Apprentice/Trainee of the year for the Illawarra and Southeast NSW Region. This led to me becoming a Vocational Education and Training Ambassador with the NSW Department of Education. I get to speak to young people about my journey into my trade and encourage them to consider VET pathways while they are still in High School.

How has the apprenticeship helped you reach your goals?

My apprenticeship has helped me to greatly diversify and increase my skills and competence on job sites. I aim to approach all new tasks and challenges with a learner mindset and a “can do” attitude. I recognise that I now have the confidence to tackle increasingly more difficult projects at home as well.

What specifically is your favourite part of the course?

I really enjoy it when I study something new at TAFE, then within a short period of time I am able to apply that knowledge on the job and at home. I have found that this has helped to
embed that knowledge and skill set.

Can you describe a moment the trainer may have gone the extra mile to explain or demonstrate something?

My boss James Madigan took the time to teach me how to do a site Setout for one of our jobs. I really appreciated him taking the time to teach me, his first year Apprentice this skill.

Is there a stand out topic or skill or something really significant that you learnt in the course that has proven to be really useful to a certain project you are working on now?

Something I have fostered during the course is a willingness to problem solve whatever task is put Infront of me first, then draw upon the wisdom and diverse experience of the people I
work with if it is beyond my scope of experience. Having this perspective had led me to developing skills and the confidence to tackle tasks I never would have imagined having a year ago.

Describe how Master Builders NSW supports you in your apprenticeship?

I appreciate the site visits from Karen Refalo and knowing that if I have any questions or concerns about my apprenticeship I have her support. I like how easy it is to log the hours I’ve worked and the transparency around my rate of pay and any additional payments I may be eligible for. The free PPE is also greatly appreciated.

Do you have any hobbies or other activities outside of work and training?

I enjoy being out in nature on bush walks and my CrossFit community inspires me to keep fit. Giving back to my community is important to me. When I was in High School, as a kid being raised by a single mum, I sold homemade Chocolate Caramel slice to staff and students to cover the costs of my Year 12 major woodworking project. I made a tidy profit, which led to also funding my Captains initiative, which is an ongoing project I support. A formal clothing wardrobe was established for students to loan from for events such as job interviews and formals. I have also created a small annual scholarship, to be awarded to promising Industrial Technology students at Keira High School, to afford materials for their major project.

Have you developed any new friendships during your training or on the job?

I work with an awesome team at Innovation Building Group that has a broad perspective on life and work. One of my work mates has managed to persuade me to look into paragliding asmy next hobby and my sassy family have taken to calling me Icarus.

If you were to recommend us to a friend, what would you say?

Doing an apprenticeship through Master Builders Association provides a level of wrap around support, combined with an expectation of working towards excellence in the building industry.