20 September 2022
Our four-week bricklaying Job Ready program has seen three young students commence apprenticeships with Prosperity Gateway this month.
Although having varying journeys to the apprenticeship, Deakyn Narkle-Hill, Sam Pickett and Hayden O'Neil all completed the Bricklaying Job Ready Program at our Balga campus.
Aboriginal students Deakyn and Sam gained an interest in a trade following a one-day bricklaying trial sponsored by Brick and Block Careers, while Sam also previously took part in the Construction Training Fund's (CTF) four-day Try-A-Trade program.
Rebecca Moriconi from Brick and Block Careers was impressed by the boys’ work ethic and skills following the trial and Job Ready Program, that they were placed with Prosperity Gateway for work experience.
"I have worked with and mentored these boys over the last couple of months, and they showed immense motivation to build their careers in bricklaying," Rebecca Moriconi said.
"These boys should be extremely proud of themselves for obtaining an apprenticeship at 16 years old; we look forward to what the future holds for these students.”
NMTAFE’s Koolark Centre for Aboriginal students played a big part in Deakyn and Sam's success while all three also received assistance from the Jobs and Skills Centre throughout their journey.
Sam said he was grateful for the support and mentoring he received from Tim Gilbertson from the Koolark Centre and NMTAFE lecturer Eddie Campbell in helping him secure an apprenticeship.
“School just wasn't for me, but I've really enjoyed starting the apprenticeship and having some money and am looking forward to the future," he said.
Hayden shared Sam's views. "For me it was after I fell asleep in my maths class that my teacher suggested that there could be other opportunities I'd be interested in," he said.
"I love being outdoors and using my hands, so I looked into the Bricklaying Job Ready Program. I'd recommend TAFE to others like me; you can build a good career and make good money.”
Prosperity Gateway’s Apprentice Master, David Morrison said he was impressed at the level of skill and knowledge the three boys already possessed at such an early stage.
“They are at a level similar to someone who has been working in the industry for several months," he said.
The trio signed on for their apprenticeships with Prosperity Gateway at a celebratory event last month, held at our Balga campus.
Find out more about the Bricklaying Job Ready Program.
If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander student and would like assistance, please contact our Koolark Centre.
Our Jobs and Skills Centres can also provide free career and study assistance.
Photos:
Hayden O'Neil and Sam Pickett.
Hayden O'Neil and Sam Pickett with Koolark mentor Tim Gilbertson.
Deakyn Narkle-Hill signs his apprenticeship with Prosperity Gateway owner David Marks.
Sam Pickett, Deakyn Narkle-Hill and Hayden O'Neil with their lecturer Eddie Campbell.