After leaving school in year nine, Brody Coughlan couldn’t contemplate a career path.
“I was just floating around,” the Armadale local said. “I was doing labouring work on and off but I didn’t have any direction.”
Today, with support from not-for-profit employment service provider Workskil Australia, Brody is six months into a four-year plumbing apprenticeship, with a renewed outlook on life.
Workskil Australia helped Brody undertake a Certificate II in Plumbing and gain formal work experience. He was also supported through the organisation’s Geared 4 Work driver mentoring program helping participants position themselves to gain their license.
“It’s been the break I needed, that’s for sure,” Brody said.
“I was the only student in my class to get an apprenticeship.”
Brody is part of NextGen Skills apprentice program and is hosted by local family business, Perth Plumbers.
A typical workday for the now 19-year-old starts around 6am and could take him “anywhere across the city.”
“I love the variety,” he said. “Some people think plumbing is just about unblocking toilets. You have to do that but there’s heaps of other jobs. I love doing tap services, bathroom renovations and installing hot water units. You get to go to a lot of different places and meet people along the way.”
Workskil Australia Chief Executive Nicole Dwyer said this week (National Apprenticeship Week) is the perfect opportunity to highlight the importance of apprenticeships and traineeships for the economy and community.
“Apprenticeships and traineeships create real employment pathways and exciting futures, particularly for young job seekers,” Ms Dwyer said.
“It’s how many people get their first break; the chance to earn while they learn a highly sought-after trade.”
Ms Dwyer said apprenticeships and traineeships also helped address critical skills shortages in key industries.
“Skills shortages, especially in trades and services, is a huge challenge for many businesses right now,” she said. “Apprentices and trainees are helping take some of that load.
“It is an investment but one that employers see as very important for the apprentice, as well as the future.”
NextGen Skills Apprentice Employment Consultant Rob Posney said: “Work-based learning is a game-changer as it allows individuals to test drive a career. We see the positive impacts on people like Brody every day”.
And Brody said with a work pipeline stretching “way down the track”, he was grateful to have the chance to hone his skills in a secure industry and a positive work environment.
“I don’t have bad days,” Brody said.
“Not everyone has seen what my employer has seen in me and I appreciate that.
“He’s got a plan for me so I want to do well.”
