It wasn’t easy. At first, I wanted to become an electrician and I did some courses while I was still at boarding school in Townsville. I applied for electrician apprenticeships but wasn’t able to get one because it’s very competitive.
I returned home to New Mapoon when I finished school to have a break, look at what my options were and try and decide what I wanted to do.
My uncle David from OWSIC contacted me and told me that HC Construction were looking for apprentices to do carpentry in the NPA. I agreed to give it a go and he helped me get the job and enroll in the apprenticeship.

I am doing on the job training and also on line training.Most of the course work is on-line – all the learning materials and assessments. Someone from Major Training comes in every 3 months to work with the apprentices for 1 one week so I am able to spend time with a trainer. Doing on-line training means I have to be disciplined to do the learning modules but I am enjoying it. I don’t have to go away to do training and I don’t have to take time off work.

I am loving it now. I grabbed the opportunity to do a local apprenticeship with both hands and I am really enjoying everything about the job: turning up every day for work, learning new skills and applying them to build houses, being with mates and being part of the work crew. They are good tradespeople at work and they help and support me.

It means so much. I will be set up my future knowing that one day I will be a fully qualified tradie. I also a regular income and I can buy the things I want and be independent. I appreciate the opportunity that has been given to me by my employer.

Keep trying, there are opportunities that come up although it is competitive. Whatever comes your way, give it a go. Doing school-based courses is a good place to start and helps get you ready for the workforce and training.

I love all sports, but I like to play Touch Football. I like diving for crayfish, fishing and camping.