Student Stories

When Daniel decided learning a trade was his path to a significant career, there was no hesitation to commence his secondary education at a technical college.

His biggest advocates, his parents, encouraged the move to start Daniel’s career exploration, understanding he didn’t quite fit within the confinement of a classroom.

“Year 9 is where I started to feel like academics and just sitting in a classroom all day was not my thing,” Daniel said.

“My parents were really chuffed that I chose something that was right for me and glad that I came to St Pat’s.”

“My dad knows a bit about trades. He was a machinist when he was about my age, and he did a machinist apprenticeship back in the UK. He then moved into an Aviation Technician in the Air Force.”

Daniel commenced his trade learning as a Year 10 student at St Patrick’s Technical College, in northern Adelaide.

The college delivers a trade-relevant curriculum, VET training, and opportunities for students in Years 10 to 12 to identify and explore career pathways of interest while working towards obtaining their SACE.

Daniel’s move to a stand-alone trade school was a decision that has seen him exceed in his learning, discover his capabilities, and ultimately propel him into a trade career.

“I came to St Pat’s because I wanted to change my career pathway, and realised I was more of a hands-on person.”

“I wanted to do a trade, but I didn’t want to drop out of school because I still wanted to complete my schooling.”

His true potential was revealed when his competence and eagerness to learn and try something new secured him a school-based apprenticeship at just 15 years of age.

“I didn’t know school-based apprenticeships were a thing until I came here, as I thought apprenticeships were just full time,” Daniel said.

“At first, getting my apprenticeship was terrifying because I’m still young. I was only 15 and I knew nothing about the trade. I was excited but terrified at the same time.”

Work experience is a compulsory part of the college’s work ready curriculum. Students explore and experience the workplace for a minimum of six weeks a year.

“I only did two work experiences. My first one was bricklaying, and it wasn’t right for me. Then my second one was with Century Engineering, and it just clicked.”

“I asked a lot of questions on my first day. I asked so many questions and I think that showed them I was keen.”

Now in his final year of schooling, Daniel is a second-year apprentice with technical engineering manufacturers Century Engineering.

“I love working for Century, they’re great people with a good work culture,” Daniel said.

“Sometimes you work with a tradesman, so they can teach you stuff but sometimes they throw you in the deep end to see where you’re at. I like working on my own because it shows where I’m at as well and what I can improve on.

“If I get stuck, I can always ask one of my coworkers or the leading hand who’s always willing to help.

“I definitely enjoy fabricating. I just love putting things together and making metal structures. It’s fun, it’s very rewarding as well. Once you see what you’ve done it looks really cool.”

Daniel is an inspiration for young people eager to explore trade options and start a trade career. His advice to other students is, “Just enjoy the journey. Love every minute of it!”