Andrew - Certificate III in Carpentry
Why did youchoose to complete an apprenticeship?
I decided tocomplete an apprenticeship as I prefer hands-on, physical work. I chosecarpentry as there are so many different aspects and it's always verychallenging.
What were the best elements of your training?
I found my apprenticeship through a friend who is also acarpenter. One great thing about a trade is that it’s generally very easy tofind work through mutual acquaintances, especially once you've been in theindustry for a few years.
What did you learn that you didn’t expect?
I found I learnt the most when working on very old homes, doingrenovations and extensions. It also helps to never be afraid to ask a question— if you're not sure, just ask. It's the best way to learn.
At the very start, I didn’t think that carpentry would be so vast.Almost six years after I started my apprenticeship, I’m still learning newthings and re-learning new ways to do things that I already know.
Where has theapprenticeship led you?
Completing my apprenticeship has resulted in me starting my ownsmall business. The main reason I did this is because I always loved achallenge and, when working for yourself, all responsibility is on you. Takingownership of my work is incredibly rewarding.
Before I started my business I tried to get as much advice fromother carpenters and tradesmen who had started their own businesses. It was agreat way to learn from their experiences, especially where they had made goodor bad decisions and how it affected them and their business.
One piece of advice I would give is to be patient — you will knowwhen it's the right time to go out on your own — and to not expect it to beeasy or think that it’s going to happen overnight. It’s a slow process, buteventually you build a strong client base and the contracts start coming in ontheir own.
What advice would you give to students considering anapprenticeship?
I always found that it was very important to get along with myemployer. Other than that, don’t be afraidto make mistakes — it's how you learn — and remember that the key to being agood tradesman is your enthusiasm and willingness to put in effort.
Itwould be great if he could add something along the lines of what was greatabout the actual apprenticeship, e.g. being able to train in an area ofinterest or having direct access to an employer.
Interested in a career in carpentry? Find out how to become a carpenter and search for related courses.
