After undertaking a mature-age apprenticeship and carpentry qualification through Skill360 (RTO:1607), Stephen has now progressed to Project Management and General Management of a construction company. (Stock photo)
The 14th Annual National Skills Week launched this week and will again focus on the talents, skills, career pathways and value of apprentices and trainees across Australia. Building a skilled workforce is essential to Australian industry and economic success, making us a stronger country overall, and the week is dedicated to raising the status of skills and vocational learning.
Skill360 is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO:1607) and a part of The BUSY Group, an Australian community organisation offering apprenticeship services, employment, education, health and training programs to support individuals with their careers and businesses with their human resourcing needs. Delivering skills for the construction, business and hospitality industries, Skill360 has a long history of supporting apprentices and trainees to complete qualifications and succeed in their career paths.
Stephen was a mature age apprentice who undertook a carpentry qualification through Skill360. His past career path was not giving him the job satisfaction he was seeking – he really wanted to visually see a physical achievement from the work he performed each day. After a holiday in Europe, Stephen gained a real interest in architecture, igniting his interest in pursuing a carpentry building career.
With a young family, Stephen had a bit to consider during his career change, stating, “As a mature age apprentice, I needed to earn and learn at the same time due to family commitments. A trade apprenticeship enabled that path.
“My trade and previous life experience enabled me to complete a diploma during COVID. Once this was achieved, I was able to move into Project Management and General Management of a Construction Company. Moving up in salary packaging has assisted my family with our day to day living and has now enabled me to invest in property.”
Stephen’s trainers at Skill360, both experienced carpenters and builders, Bruce Batchelor and Tim Simpson, provided invaluable guidance during the completion of his qualification, offering industry insights, carpentry skills and general information that assisted Stephen to progress in his career with the day-to-day operations in the construction industry.
It is estimated that most Australians will pursue up to five different career paths in their lifetime and vocational skills training is instrumental in achieving those transitions and opportunities. As well, transferrable skills assist greatly, often offering Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) that contributes to your qualification and new career path.
Stephen’s advice to others wanting to gain skills for a new career path is relevant, stating, “Although changing and starting a new career can be confronting due to new environments and salaries it is worth the commitment in the long run! To be involved in an industry you enjoy with the ability to follow multiple career paths is exciting.”
We agree – life is too short to be stuck in a career that doesn’t engage or excite you. This National Skills Week is the perfect time to reflect on your career path and consider where your acquired skills can take you next!
Find out more about accredited qualifications and vocational courses with Skill360!
