Jake lands his dream job

TAFE NSW Wyong has helped a Central Coast teen land his dream job as an apprentice plumber, as the region continues to grapple with an ongoing trades skills shortage.

Jake Wall, 18, is a powerful example of how TAFE NSW pathways can lead to rewarding careers, even while students are still in high school.

A third-generation tradie, Wall felt stifled in the high school environment and yearned to be outdoors and using his hands.

He attended a Try A Trade event at TAFE NSW Wyong while he was in Year 9 and fell in love with plumbing.

Desperate for another taste of the trade, he took part in a range of TAFE NSW pathway programs while still at Brisbane Water Secondary College, including the Start Your Future program and even took plumbing as a TVET course.

During his mandatory TVET work placement, Wall was offered an apprenticeship at Reef and Rural Plumbing, where he’s now a proud first-year apprentice.

Plumbing contributes 9% to Australia’s GDP and supports thousands of trade jobs in Australia.

A growing skills shortage is increasing wages and job security for qualified plumbers, according to Master Plumbers Australia.

“I didn’t like the monotony of school and wanted to leave in Year 10 but there were so many opportunities to attend TAFE NSW while I was still at school and get a taste of the trades,” Wall said.

“I was really nervous at my first Try A Trade course but once I experienced the basics of plumbing, I knew I’d found my life’s calling.”

In Year 10, Wall enrolled in a TVET course, spending one day a week for an entire term at TAFE NSW Wyong gaining hands-on skills in the plumbing trade.

When he secured an apprenticeship during his TVET work placement, he was given credit for the units he’d already completed.

“I just felt so giddy when I was offered the apprenticeship; I was rapt,” he said.

“I’m loving every day of my job.”

Wall attends TAFE NSW Wyong one day a week during term to hone his job-ready skills.

“TAFE NSW is great because you’re around like-minded people who all want to be there,” he said.

“I’ve learned so much from my teachers and the workshop is huge.

“I’m not able to do bathroom rough-ins on the job as a first-year but I’ve been learning them at TAFE NSW and it’s really helped.”

Wall said he eventually wanted to open his own business.

TAFE NSW Wyong plumbing teacher Ken Donnelly said Wall’s success was testament to his passion for the job and the many avenues high school students could explore at TAFE NSW to get a taste of trade careers.

“There are so many opportunities to make a difference in a rewarding plumbing career, and our skills-based courses allow students to hit the ground running,” he said.