Success story
Here is an example of someone who has discovered the benefits of doing an Australian Apprenticeship.
Luke Norford: Certificate III Civil Construction
Luke Norford signed up for a Certificate III in Civil Construction as part of his Australian School-based Apprenticeship, supporting it with Level I Certificates in Engineering, Furnishing and General Construction. He really enjoys working on building road infrastructure and laying pipes using big equipment and at the end of Year 12 decided that he wanted to continue his apprenticeship. “I prefer to work with my hands and an apprenticeship would give me a head start in my career, plus, I could earn some money while I studied,” Luke says.
So what is it like for Luke, working on a big land development housing estate? His day starts at 6:50 am with his supervisor setting out the work that needs to be done for the day. The day can vary from operating machinery such as pad foot rollers, twin drum rollers and flat drum rollers, to using graders and back-hoes, laying electrical and water piping, taking levels for roads and piping, surveying and earth works.
“What I like best is the group of people I work with. I am in a crew with three other young people and a couple of older, very experienced machinery operators. Its heavy work at times and the change from school was really hard. There’s a big difference between working block placements in school holiday time and true full-time work,” he says.
The company Luke works for provides everything he needs to do his job, so he doesn’t need to buy anything himself while he gains the skills, machinery tickets and certificates that are so important in today’s employment environment.
Luke says the qualifications he has completed through vocational studies and as an Australian Apprentice have already opened doors for him, including being the face of a recent public awareness campaign in Townsville and surrounding areas to get young people into the trades.
He is keenly aware of the rewards his training could bring. “Five years from now, I would like to be a foreman with the company I’m now with. For the moment though, I’ll focus on finishing my apprenticeship and work closely with my mentor to continue building my knowledge and skills in this field. There’s also the option of going to uni down the track to study a civil engineers degree,” Luke says.
Luke’s parents are very proud of his achievements, encouraging him every step of the way. He too, is understandably proud of his achievements. “I am honoured to have received a number of awards in 2006, in particular, the Highest Achieving Indigenous Student In Queensland award, and I am committed to doing well in the career that I have chosen,” he says.
Luke is proud of his Indigenous heritage and encourages other young people to actively explore the many opportunities existing in the trades. if you have an area that you believe you would like to work in, talk to people in that industry, talk to your school career counsellor or your local Australian Apprenticeships Centre . They can provide you with information on taking up an apprenticeship. You will obtain skills that you can always fall back on throughout your working life and you never know where it may lead. You may end up running your own business as a result of that apprenticeship, going onto university or perhaps you will be able to teach others the skills you have learnt”.