The construction industry offers a whole world of opportunities for those eager to learn, grow, and make a tangible impact on the world around them. For Jerome and John, two dedicated professionals in the carpentry biz, their careers are more than ‘just a job.’ They’re doing what they love and enjoying every minute!
Both interviewees started out as apprentices, learning the ropes and honing their skills with the help of experienced professionals. Over time, they both developed a deep understanding of the industry, from hands-on work to project management! Their respective journeys show just how far an apprenticeship can really take you, and why it could be a great option for you!
Tune in to their super insightful interview to discover:
- Why apprenticeships are the best way to kickstart your career
- All the best bits about a career in the trades
- The top skills you need to succeed in an apprenticeship
- Why their roles are so rewarding
And much, much more!
Find Out More
If Jerome’s story has inspired you to explore a career in construction, Master Builders Victoria (MBAV) can help you get started. Established in 1875, MBAV has been a top-tier advocate for the building and construction industry, aiming to show young jobseekers just how rewarding a career in the trades can be!
Regardless of what you want your career to look like, Master Builders Victoria wants to help you find your perfect fit. Their team are dedicated to demystifying employment pathways and helping you find your dream job; all you need to do is ask!
So, what are you waiting for? Head over to their MBAV’s employer profile and kickstart your career today!
Video Transcript:
Jerome:
“Starting this apprenticeship, especially with John doing renovations, is a lot more involved than people think.”
John:
“G’day, my name’s John from Quickset Carpentry. I’ve been managing director since 2017.”
Jerome:
“My name’s Jerome, I’m a fourth-year apprentice. I’ve been with John at Quickset Carpentry for three years. I’m currently team leader for the other two apprentices and I’m being coached to becoming a supervisor.”
John:
“My current role at Quickset Carpentry is managing director and builder. I started a pre-apprenticeship when I was 16 through school and then progressed through my career. I formed a business at the age of 21 or 20, then moved through as a carpenter. I always worked through my apprenticeship on extensions and renovations, and now that’s what our business model is based around.”
Jerome:
“So I’m currently a Team Leader and overseeing two other apprentices. I’m a fourth-year apprentice. I started my pre-apprenticeship at 16 as well. I then went on to my apprenticeship through school doing a SBAT (school-based apprenticeship). I started with my dad, did a year with him, and we did maintenance — just private maintenance and private homes — a bit of everything. Then I moved over with John during my second year apprenticeship.”
John:
“One of my favourite aspects as a builder is client satisfaction and the joy you can actually bring to a client at the end of the job. A second favourite aspect of being a builder is watching your young team, especially apprentices, grow into mature carpenters and then progress to being builders.
Jerome:
“My favourite aspect is probably job satisfaction — looking back at the end of the day, or at least the end of the job at least, and seeing that you put all your work into it and that it’s been done to a high standard.
“In school, there were all these ideas that doing a trade was for people who didn’t know what they were doing. But really, starting this apprenticeship — especially with John doing renovations — showed me it’s a lot more involved than people think. You have to know a lot about the industry, regulations and codes — there’s so much you have to know. You actually need to be pretty intelligent to do the trade.
“And what I’ve learned is that you never stop learning in this trade, and that’s what I really like about it — you always have to adapt and overcome the issues.”
John:
“Becoming a building practitioner means you need to know everything, from plumbing to electrical. It really puts a different perspective on problem solving and the way you go about your daily business. Teamwork and problem solving, and you’ve got to be hardworking and dedicated to what you’re doing.
“The last thing I would recommend is to collaborate with everyone and understand your peers. You’re all in the same category as each other. No one is better than each other and just work together.”
John:
“Communications – be able to work well in a team to convey your ideas to others. Another skill is dedication, like John said, to be able to be dedicated to the job, to keep working your skills, and also have good management skills.”
