Onsite with Aaron - Carpentry Apprentice
Describe a typical day at work?
I start about 8am, Steve (my boss) and I go through the
plan of attack for the day and then get into it. We might be working together
on a job or I might be on a different site or in another part of the building.
I really enjoy the
freedom of being outside, and the feeling I get when I finish a job. Its’ pretty
great when you get to stand back and see the result of your hard work. Like on
this job - I look at the size of the job and see what we have achieved - just
the two of us – it’s pretty awesome. It makes you really proud.
Having to listen to
the bosses radio station on site – ha ha! And it can get pretty cold sometimes.
Achieving what you
set out to do, the job itself is a good buzz.
One of the best things is knowing that you have a good future and there
is the chance that you could be your own boss.
Qualifications and previous experience that
got you the job?
I worked in a timber yard for a while and also on building sites.
What personality traits/skills/attributes
help a person to get a job like yours?
Be happy and positive in your work. If
you aren’t into getting up early and getting a bit cold in the winter then
maybe it’s not for you.
Being keen to learn
helps – I’m lucky in that my boss takes the time to explain why we do
things. It’s great being able to pick
his brain. It’s good learning the why behind
the things we do.
Advice for people wanting to do an
apprenticeship in Carpentry?
Decide what you want to do
and commit to it. It’s a big commitment
but don’t be put off – the benefits are worth it. Be motivated.
Where do you see yourself in five years
time?
Qualified, and probably
working for myself – maybe as a labour only contractor or
maybe as a business
owner. That’s the good things about
qualifying in a trade – the possibilities are endless. I would really like to build my own home.