Case Studies

Below are a group of case studies featuring success stories from a hand full of apprentices accross different industries. Please click on the job description below to jump to the case study you are interested in. *

Cathy Andrew : Light Automotive

I would encourage anyone to do an apprenticeship, they are highly beneficial and help with your self development and discipline and you also get to work, train and be paid at the same time. The greatest part is that you will come out with experience in a profession that you actually wanted to do!”

For some people the idea of sitting at a desk all day and shuffling paper is not such an appealing concept and this was true for Cathy Andrew.

After finishing school she really didn’t want to go and get an office job so she decided to go and do some work experience at her local Holden dealership with a view to obtain an Australian Apprenticeship.

Cathy has always had a passion for working with her hands, performance vehicles and drag cars so when offered an apprenticeship focusing on automotive light vehicles she jumped at the opportunity.

“I chose the apprenticeship in light automotives because I am only a small framed person and I would have really struggled with trucks or anything big”

During Cathy’s apprenticeship she got to work at numerous dealerships and workshops in the automotive industry. “I was leased out by my host employer to various different companies where I carried out maintenance and repairs to all sorts of light vehicles.”

“I was lucky enough work at Holden, Mazda and Volkswagen during my apprenticeship and I got invaluable hands on experience” says Cathy.

“The best thing about doing my apprenticeship is that I now have the ability to work on my own car and I have the knowledge of how tools work. I also got to work in a wide range of mechanic shops and have seen how they all operate.”

Despite having a love for cars and an enthusiastic approach to work Cathy still had a few hurdles that she had to overcome working in a male dominated industry. “It was a bit daunting at first and you have to try and earn respect in such a male environment.”

Cathy didn’t let this stop her though and through her apprenticeship she had the opportunity to apply for the Apprentice of the year and finished as a runner up in the state division and won the Brisbane regional part of the competition.

Cathy has finished her Australian Apprenticeship and is now employed full time at Austral Honda working on brand new Hondas and loves her job! “I would recommend an apprenticeship to anyone and everyone. Just go for it, don’t give up and don’t look back. You can only gain from it and it will be highly beneficial and you won’t have any regrets

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Andrew Fox :Baker

A chance conversation with a neighbour, who was a baker, ended with Andrew convinced that he should give the trade a try. Andrew started his trade indentured to East Coast Training, a training company that places apprentices into host companies and co-ordinates their training throughout the duration of the apprenticeship.

“I found East Coast fantastic to deal with and believe that companies such as these have ensured the smooth transition for apprentices like me,” he says. “Their ultimate goal is to make certain that apprentices become fully qualified in their chosen trade with the minimum of fuss to all concerned.”

Fast forward five years and Andrew is now training apprentices in his own right. Andrew believes one of his most important roles is to support first year apprentices through their initial 12 months of training. “I still remember how difficult it was trying to adapt to unusual start times and living on first year apprentice wages,” he says knowingly.

Andrew is so passionate about his trade that he was even able to convince his brother, a graduate in International Business and Information Technology, to become a baker. “I can see us running our own Fox Brothers’ Bakeries one day,” he states proudly.

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Aaron Warner, 21: Apprentice Chef

Having only just turned 21, it has to be said that Aaron Warner is a young man destined for great things, at least in the culinary world.

It was only several months into his Year 11 at high school when Aaron finally admitted to himself that what he had suspected for a while was actually true – academic study and senior high school were definitely not for him.

Not being the type of person to sit back and waste his time, Aaron met with a career advisor and, with the support of his school, embarked on an ambitious plan to find and establish himself in a rewarding career.

Aaron’s plan was simple - he would make himself available for work experience in a number of different vocational fields. First cab off the rank was a stint doing work experience on a number of carpentry placements but though they had appeal, there was something missing. Hearing that a new restaurant had just opened in his hometown of Canberra, Aaron decided that this would be the next place to check out careers. “As soon as I stepped into the kitchen my mind was completely blown away,” Aaron says.

Becoming an apprentice Chef in May 2001, the 16 year old quickly became an asset to his employer, evidenced in 2003 when he secured third place in the Restaurant and Catering Association Apprentice Chef Cookery Competition. Nonetheless, this feat was significantly eclipsed in the following year when Aaron not only won first place in the same competition but also took out first place in the Australia Hotel Association Apprentice Chef of the Year award and first place in the Canberra Southern Cross Graduate Cooks Award. “The last award had a fantastic prize attached to it that now allows me to spend 14 days in Hong Kong visiting some of the finest, most prestigious restaurants on the island studying different styles of cooking,” Aaron says excitedly.

From Hong Kong, the 21 year old travels to the other side of the world to take up a position in London, England, working in a restaurant owned by Gordon Ramsey, one of Great Britain’s highest profile, celebrity chefs. “I knew that I couldn’t just sit back and bask in my successes to date. These are very early days for me and it’s important that I continue to work hard to build up my experience and career,” Aaron states with certainty.

“…These are very early days for me and it’s important that I continue to work hard to build up my experience and career.”

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Sandra Buckles, 57: Trainee Florist

Sandra Buckles attributes her late successful career change to the diligence and persistence of her current employer, Pennie Targenza, owner and manager of ‘Country Flowers’, a gift and florist shop in Yarrawonga, a rural town on the Murray River. “If it wasn’t for Pennie’s foresight and her dogged belief in me, I probably wouldn’t have ever considered an apprenticeship at this stage of my life,” admits Sandra. Having negotiated with Sandra to come for a trial at her shop, Pennie recognised Sandra’s keen eye for colour, perspective and the gentle touch and attention to detail that is so important in working with flowers. Combined with a work ethic developed over 40 years of solid employment, Pennie saw that Sandra was an opportunity waiting to happen.

Sandra had previously worked, for a significant number of years, at a Albury Hospital, initially as a residential carer, then within the hospital’s mental health unit and finally as the Executive Assistant for the Director of the hospital’s Department of Emergency Medicine. “I really enjoyed my time with the Albury Hospital and had no real intention of leaving the health industry, at least within the foreseeable future.” However, though taking great pride in her job as an Executive Assistant, at the end of the day the 200 kilometre round trip from home to work each day was taking its toll and eventually Sandra needed to give up her coveted position and seek work closer to home.

Completing a short course in floristry and taking up Pennie’s offer of a trial period at Country Flowers became the turning point in what could have been quite a sad story. Aware of Sandra’s rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis, it was her employer Pennie who suggested she shorten her work hours to better manage the condition. As a consequence Sandra currently works one day on, one day off, throughout the week. Pennie also wanted to ensure that Sandra’s disability did not prevent her from undertaking further training, particularly in light of her very evident aptitudes and abilities, so she convinced her latest staff member to take on a New Apprenticeship. Eager to make the most of the break being given to her, Sandra started her New Apprenticeship in Cert 3 Floristry in March, 2005.

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Nicole McNamee:  Hairdresser

For Nicole, getting paid to learn is just one of the best things about doing an apprenticeship. “I love training in and out of the salon. It really does help learning hands on. I've been able to grow as a hairdresser developing my own clientele and learning new and exciting services and techniques to offer them. Although working is a full time job I’m still able to train and learn as I go.”

Nicole McNamee graduated Yr 12, obtaining her HSC in 2003. When she finished school she started a trial at a hairdressing salon, and today she’s working there and completing her Australian Apprenticeship. Nicole figured that, “although there are other ways to get a certificate in hairdressing, an apprenticeship was the best opportunity.”

Why hairdressing specifically? “I love all facets of the industry. I enjoy interacting with people of all ages, sex and background. Making each and everyone of them feel relaxed pampered and beautiful.”

Nicole lives in Albury NSW. Her salon, The Parlour On Olive, offers “a range of hairdressing services as well as waxing, manicures and spa pedicures.” Doing an apprenticeship has allowed Nicole to grow in her workplace and career - “I first started sweeping floors, making tea and coffee, gowning up clients, shampooing and treatments both for senior stylists, reception duties and stock control. I began consulting my own clients through staff training and from there I built my own clientele, servicing them in chemical services, cut, colour and styling.”

Nicole’s not the only Australian Apprentice – the salon also has a first year apprentice in training, along with the two full time staff, and two part time staff. Nicole says her employer “offers regular staff training and access to training outside the salon which gives us a lot of motivation and skills we can bring back into the salon.”

For Nicole, getting paid to learn is just one of the best things about doing an apprenticeship. “I love training in and out of the salon. It really does help learning hands on. I've been able to grow as a hairdresser developing my own clientele and learning new and exciting services and techniques to offer them. Although working is a full time job I’m still able to train and learn as I go.”

It is Nicole’s belief that we learn best through experience, which is why doing an apprenticeship is exactly the kind of training she went for. “It’s a great opportunity to get hands-on in your chosen industry. I believe that you learn more from hands-on experience and day-to-day life within the salon"

Nicole’s only idea to improve her apprenticeship experience is changing the four year apprenticeship to three years, as the certificate itself is only a two year course.

So why did Nicole choose to do an apprenticeship rather than just studying? “Doing an apprenticeship gives you skills for life. Having your HSC is a good asset for university and for some employers. But with the national skills shortage you’re well looked after as an apprentice by the government with many incentives. You are guaranteed work both in Australia and overseas just about. Most university courses don't guarantee full time work once you've completed your course.”

“In most industries, being an apprentice is the best option. You often go to trade school once a week or in week-blocks depending on your location and course timetable. You get on-the-job training where you feel you get most of your skills from, and you get to meet a lot of different people and experience a range of working environments. You wouldn't get these doing a crash course at a college or non apprenticeship based certificate.”

Nicole is happy working at the salon and plans to continue working there, but she also hopes to spend some time traveling and working overseas in the future.

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James Cuthbertson,  Apprentice Electrician

As a high school senior, James Cuthbertson didn’t find the thought of going on to university at the end of Year 12 particularly appealing.

“But I knew I needed to do something more after I left school, particularly if I was to establish a secure employment future for myself,” James outlines.

James was eventually given the opportunity to become an electricians’ apprentice, which included the need to enroll in a Certificate 3 in Electrical Technology (Systems Electrician) at a nearby TAFE.

As with taking on anything new, the apprenticeship didn’t come without its challenges. “Math really was my weak point at school and unfortunately being an electrician requires a sound grasp of the physics behind electricity. As you can imagine, I was on a very steep learning curve for a while,” the young apprentice admits.

James is very keen to finish his trade and is excited about the opportunities that will arise for him once he is qualified. “For instance I could also go on to university and study an Electrical Engineering degree if I wanted,” he says.

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Aimee Hammersley: Fitness

take the opportunity with both hands, there’s not many ‘breaks’ out there where you get this much of a career starter, not only are you being trained by a professional, learning in your work environment, but you’re also getting paid!”

Meet Aimee Hammersley. A year or so ago, Aimee would have told you her goal was to become a personal trainer, but now she can tell you she is well on the way to achieving that!

Aimee is completing her Australian Apprenticeship with a company called Rione Consulting – a new business designed to promote and implement training systems to help combat obesity in adults and children. Promoting the course Feeling Good Naked it has adopted a professional approach to teach trainees the highest quality of personal training both in a gym environment and as an outdoor business.

Aimee’s employer, Charlie, has been working in the fitness industry as a personal trainer for seven years, having extensive experience in all fitness and business aspects. So Aimee is thrilled that “not only is she a positive role model, she’s also supportive and willing to share her knowledge to provide the best training.”

When Aimee found out about Australian Apprenticeships from her TAFE College in Sydney and her employer, she jumped at the chance to be working with a professional in the field. “The best thing is you actually get to work and learn in the gym environment, putting what you learn immediately into practice. There’s no better way of gaining experience, with the added benefit of having a professional to guide you”.

So far Aimee rates gaining confidence, valuable experience and knowledge as the best things she has learnt. But what does Aimee actually do in her apprenticeship? Her TAFE course will see her attain a “Fitness – Certificate III Personal Trainer” qualification, meanwhile she says she’s learning about every aspect of Rione Consulting “from the sales and business to the correct technique of exercises”.

So has there been a down side yet? “What is there to dislike when you’re learning and training in a field you love and getting paid for it?”

Aimee has always been interested in working in the health industry – “Personally I love being active and the benefits it has on both your body and mind, and would like to help others feel better about their bodies and their overall health, both inside and out.” What made her commit to doing an apprenticeship was her belief that there is no “better way to successfully head start your career.”
Aimee is enjoying her experience so much that once she completes her apprenticeship, she hopes to continue working at Rione Consulting. She’s confident that with the experience and training she’s receiving now she will start her career successfully.

Well on her way to achieving her goals, Aimee has this advice to offer others out there thinking about the opportunity, “take the opportunity with both hands, there’s not many ‘breaks’ out there where you get this much of a career starter, not only are you being trained by a professional, learning in your work environment, but you’re also getting paid!”

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Sarah Karydisimee : Business

A major and very painful operation to correct a degenerative spinal condition called Scoliosis saw Sarah absent from school for a large part of her Year 10 studies. Following her operation and ensuing months of rehabilitation, Sarah made the decision not to proceed to senior schooling. Instead, the 16 year old approached Incat, one of Australia’s leading boat builders, to carry out unpaid work experience as a way of testing the water on possible career choices.

The company was so impressed by her performance that they offered Sarah a traineeship in business and office administration. Accepting the offer immediately, Sarah once again found herself back to study, part-time at least, undertaking her Certificate 2 in Business and Office Administration through Northern Group Training (NGT).

Sarah’s traineeship was a joint arrangement between her host employer, Incat, and a group training company - NGT. Essentially NGT administered the traineeship and all the appropriate training components and Incat focused on providing the critical on the job training.

Sarah graduated with her Certificate 2. Incat was keen to retain her services and immediately employed Sarah full time within their administration team.

Currently Sarah is a training advisor and is working diligently towards meeting her objective of becoming a training manager within 5 years.