Read about our amazing apprentices

"I am currently a third year spay painting apprentice at McHarry’s Bus Lines in Geelong.
I first started working at McHarry's as a School-based apprentice, which allowed me to complete my Year 11 and 12 and receive my VCAL certificate. 

I work with lots of apprentices at The Gordon so I am always making new friends and learning new things from them. I’m also learning how to do jobs with the latest in technology, tools and paint products. 

I have always loved spray painting and airbrushing. I have a love for cars and spend a lot of time at various car show and always have admired the effort and end result on cars that have had paint work done. I would like to manage or own a custom shop one day."

Matisse Kirakosian 
Certificate III in Automotive Technology

"I am currently completing my apprenticeship at the Tinamba Hotel in Gippsland. From childhood I enjoyed being in the kitchen, so I feel extremely lucky to pursue a career doing what I love. 

The high level of training I received at The Gordon, and the relationships I formed, has given me confidence in the workplace along with confidence to set goals in what I want out of my career. The biggest highlight to date has been receiving an International Culinary Scholarship as the winner of the Fonterra Proud to be a Chef event in 2016. 

I will use the international scholarship to develop my creativity and knowledge of food to the highest extent. In the next five years I plan to move closer to Melbourne to gain further experience in high standard restaurants. This will be a step towards the ultimate goal of opening my own place in the town I grew up in, utilising the great local produce we have on offer from the area." 

Jake McKenzie 
Certificate III in Commercial Cookery

Electrical work had interested Travis from a young age and realising he had a natural flair for hands-on work he says it was a ‘no-brainer’ that he pursued a trade career. 

Travis started his Gordon studies at GTEC (Geelong Technical Education Centre), where he was able to formalise his learning about the electrical trade (completing a Certificate II in Electrotechnology) while at the same time completing VCAL. His hard work paid off and Travis was able to pick up an electrical apprenticeship quickly and move straight into studying the Certificate III in Electrotechnology. 

"I’m lucky to have put my head down and done the work early – I’ll be a fully qualified electrician next year and I’m only 21. Take advantage of all the resources and services at The Gordon.

The teachers have a huge variety of knowledge and are always willing to go that extra mile. My ultimate career goal is to one day run a big team of electricians for my own established company." 

Travis Schembri 
Certificate III in Electrotechnology

"I have always had an interest in engineering, so I decided to enrol in a pre-apprenticeship to get started. I was lucky enough to then secure an apprenticeship with Viva Energy, and they encouraged me to do my Certificate III in Engineering (Mechanical Trade) at The Gordon. 

I really like coming to trade school because I can take my time to master each skill and really focus on learning new techniques. I study at the East Campus two days, every three weeks and work a nine-day fortnight with my employer. A good knowledge of machining is required for my industry, and I am learning this at The Gordon who are equipped with the very best automatic CNC machine.
 
I am aiming to expand on my learning and move into more specialised areas, maybe even complete an Advanced Diploma of Engineering one day. I recommend anyone looking to secure an apprenticeship in engineering start with a pre-apprenticeship."
 
Ben Seaton 
Certificate III in Engineering (Mechanical Trade)

"I was actually studying Business at uni when I realised I wanted to do something more hands-on. I looked into learning a trade and it sounded like it would be a good fit for me. I like working outdoors and that this kind of work is different every day. 

I managed to get a Plumbing Apprenticeship in Williamstown, and as a compulsory part of that, I’m now doing a short course in scaffolding so I can get my licence from WorkSafe. The week-long course is held at The Gordon Industry Skills Training Centre which is a great facility with state-of-the-art equipment. What I’m learning will be really beneficial for when I am on a job site. 

The teachers I’m learning from are all from industry and are very up-to-date with current workplace requirements. I finish my apprenticeship in two years and look forward to applying what I’ve learned." 

Angus Marshall 
Scaffolding/Certificate III in Plumbing

Aaron knew that working with his hands in the plumbing trade was for him after doing work experience in the small country town of Warracknabeal while at Secondary College.

Now in the third year of his Certificate III in Plumbing and apprenticeship with Quick Plumbing in Warracknabeal, Aaron works on a diverse range of residential projects from roofing and hot water services to home renovations and sewer blockages.

"I really enjoyed the hands-on work and was lucky enough to be offered an apprenticeship after working part-time with my work experience host over the school holidays.

I enjoy my job as I’m working on different jobs all the time and my surroundings change each day. I chose to 
study at The Gordon initially because I have family to stay with here and I’m glad I did – the teachers and facilities are great."

Aaron Watts
Certificate III in Plumbing