Thread: Carpenter Apprenticeship

G'day Simon,
Though not in the position to help you out (I'm a computer nerd by trade), I think that your attitude deserves to be rewarded.
Good luck !


Craig

Simon,

Your in the rock and an hard place. Just don't give up. Theres over 2 1/2 million people in the Brisbane area and one of them has a spot for you. Having just gone through all this with my nephew I can tell you the break is not far away and persitence will pay off.

I can't help you directly but here is what I know:

A lot of employers are scared by all the apprenticeship stuff. The trick is to know more about it than they do. Get all the guff from TAFE and work out all the options. Try an talk to an apprenticeship/training officer at TAFE (the paperwork can be daunting) and get them to explain the system in plain language. Try and track down some apprentices (any trade) and ask them how it works, or their bosses. Listen to what people are saying and pick out the useful information.

Get hold of the yellow pages and make a list of all the chippies, carpenters and cabinetmakers. Don't forget the custom kitchen guys. E-mail is a fairly well received medium these days but rolling up in person, resume in hand, can make a good impression. Ring people like Slipways/Boatlifters and ask who their contract cabinetmakers are. Go to furniture shops and look underneath the items for the makers label than track them down. Look in all the magazines, even the glossy Home furniture living decorating etc ones. You will find names of businesses and contacts. Put in the time and list with some of the employment agencies. Even short term work on the fringes of the industry will help greatly by getting up to speed with whats happening, contacts etc.

Leave no stone unturned and don't get off because a few doors get closed in your face. If nothings happening - try harder. It may take some time but eventually it will be worth it. Good Luck Mate.

Thanks for the info, i am working up to to talking to tafe, i am trying the avenues such as Group Training Australia(Brisbane) i have an interview with them tomorrow. If i dont succed there, i will start approaching them with resumes.

The advice really helps.

Simon

I've gotta agree with VSQUIZZ... If you currently aren't working, then you may as well spend every waking hour chasing up every possible lead. If you show a prospective employer that you are willing to work hard to get what you want, then you'll already have one foot in the door.

Also use your own network of friends and relatives and get them to ask around any builders they may know. That's how I got my first job in the building industry after I had finished my apprenticeship as a ship's joiner.

Just keep trying Simmo'.

Best of luck to you!

I have a full time job so, i have my dad on the job pretty much, he is retired. I have my contacts in the building industry asking around for me, i think my luck will be in the job agencies. I have an interview with them tomorrow !