For Chirnside Park local Ebony Eagleton, 17, a career in trades was a natural choice, one new figures show to be a growing trend.
Coming from a family of tradies, she realised early that she thrived in a hands-on learning environment.
Leaving school in Year 10, she enrolled in a 14-week pre-apprenticeship at Box Hill Institute to test the waters.
“I decided to do a pre-apprenticeship to give myself a feel of the trade first,” she said.
“I loved it, so I applied for an apprenticeship at Specialised Plumbing Group and got the role.”
For employers, apprenticeships are a great way to grow a capable workforce while bringing an injection of fresh ideas.
Director and Owner of Specialised Plumbing Group, Anthony Naismith, has hired several apprentices from Box Hill Institute and said it was important to employ people with the right skills and attitude.
“I think finding the right apprentice is critical, and the apprentice has to find the right employer who will teach them and provide a good working environment,” he said.
As the only female apprentice in an all-male team, it was essential for Ebony’s employer to ensure she felt comfortable and could manage her fair share of the workload.
“I told Ebony on her first day it’s not an easy job so you’ll need to get your hands dirty. To her credit, she’s never complained. In fact, she loves it. I wouldn’t hesitate to employ another female apprentice,” Mr Naismith said.
From constructing homes to repairing vehicles and even styling hair, apprentices play a vital role in the economy. Their contributions are being recognised during National Apprentice Week, celebrated from 10 to 16 February, highlighting the opportunities and benefits of vocational training.
Recent data by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) showed the number of new apprentices and trainees surged by 14.3 per cent, with demand growing nearly 30 per cent over the past five years.
Box Hill Institute’s director of trades Stuart Hoxley said the figures reflected the strong demand for skilled workers in Victoria.
“With such high demand for skilled workers in Victoria, pursuing an apprenticeship is an excellent career choice,” he said.
“There’s a clear benefit to being able to put your new skills immediately into practice, with the added benefit of minimal student debt and earning while you learn.”
