While keeping up to date on industry news and events is an intrinsic part of what we do at Construction Training Fund, we are also advocates for the individuals in the industry achieving personal goals, redefining career success, and leading the way in championing change.
35-year-old builder Matt Vickers always knew construction was the career for him, but he had to try out a few trades before he found the right fit. Now, with 13 years of experience under his (tool) belt, he tells us why building is the job for him. Life in the fast lane as an automotive technician “The first trade I got into was mechanics, and I qualified as an automotive technician,” says Matt. ‘I’ve always been practically skilled, so a […]
The construction industry offers many rewarding career opportunities beyond working with the tools. While many people associate careers in construction with trades like carpentry, electrical work or plumbing, there are also a variety of office-based professional roles essential to keeping the Western Australian construction industry moving forward. The new industry-recognised Certificate II in Building and Construction (Pathway—Technical Support) is a great opportunity for anyone looking to enter the building industry in an administrative role. What does the new Certificate II […]
The CTF Capital Grant Program was launched to boost the training capacity of private Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) in the building and construction sector. Announced on 5 November 2023, the Capital Grants Program is fully funded by the Construction Training Fund with an allocation of $5 million to help support the building and construction industry. Applications for the 2023-24 capital grant program were open from 1 March 2024 to 22 April 2024. After a thorough evaluation process, the Grants were […]
28-year-old apprentice carpenter Andrew Sims didn’t come straight into the construction industry. Instead, he started a paramedical science degree at university, then considered joining the army. It was a suggestion from his sister, an architect, that propelled him into the construction industry. Now, as he approaches the completion of his apprenticeship, he shares his story with us. From university to a mature age apprenticeship in carpentry “I did university for one year but I failed a unit in my second […]
21-year-old electrical apprentice Raya Hukin’s career nearly took a very different path. After starting a university degree, Raya knew three months in that her heart – and her skillset – lay with the tools, and she started an electrical apprenticeship instead. From university degree to an apprenticeship “I worked in hospitality after I finished school. I always loved being hands on, but I thought I needed to do something different so I did a bridging course to get into uni,” […]
22-year-old wall and ceiling liner, Cody Outen, won the Apprentice of the Year award from the Association of Wall and Ceiling Industries (ACWI) two years in a row (2022 and 2023). He was also named their 2024 Apprentice Challenge winner. But it’s not just a trophy chest full of silverware that makes him passionate about his job. Life as a wall and ceiling liner “It’s the foundation of everything,” he explains. “Whoever hangs the ceiling, it needs to be done […]
Building company owner, registered builder and carpenter Ashleigh Hiemstra, who was last year crowned Tradeswoman of the Year at the HIA Awards, shares her journey into the construction industry and why it was starting a family that gave her the push to go out on her own. Becoming a builder “I made the choice to take [my company] Merge Building further after the birth of my son,” Ashleigh says. “I liked that working for myself meant I had the flexibility […]
24-year-old roof plumber, Sam Carter, began his career in construction as a roof plumber by doing “little jobs” for his dad. Nominated for the Emerging Youth Award at the Heritage Awards, Sam shares his pathway into the construction industry and offers some advice for those looking at starting out in the industry as a heritage roofer. How Sam began working as a heritage roofer “I was desperate to get out of the classroom,” laughs Sam. “I’m more of a hands-on […]
22-year-old carpenter, Rabia Choolun, who won WA’s prestigious pre-apprenticeship of the year award, before going on to take out a gold medal at WorldSkills for carpentry and joinery in 2022, shares her journey into construction and explains why working as a carpenter ticks all her boxes for fulfilment and work-life balance. Becoming a carpenter It was Rabia’s stepdad, a handyman who spent his spare time during renovations that fired up her interest in carpentry. “He always told me that a […]
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The Construction Training Fund acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land throughout Western Australia and pay our respect to the Elders both past and present. We thank them for their ongoing custodianship of the lands and waters, and celebrate their rich culture of art, song, dance, language, and stories.
