Onsite with Lana - Interior Systems Apprentice
Describe a typical day at work?
There is nothing typical about a day on a building site. I could be preparing a room for plastering, making up plaster mix, stopping walls or sanding down surfaces.
Best perks of the job?
Loads of perks – I get to work in some of the best places around town, I work with a really great team, so the social side of things is excellent and I almost don’t have to go to the gym as every day is a work out.
Every job has its downsides – what about this one?
The early mornings take a bit of getting used to and during the winter the cold mornings can get a bit old!
What do you enjoy about your job most of all?
The sense of achievement when we walk off a finished job. It is amazing to be able to stand back at the end of a project and say I helped build that!
Qualifications and previous experience that got you the job?
I was always a practical learner, which is why learning on the job really suits me and the really good thing is I am getting paid at the same time! I did English and Maths right through school which has helped with the theory side of my qualification.
What personality traits/skills/attributes help a person to get a job like yours?
You need to be physically fit, pretty determined, goal orientated, maybe a bit creative, adaptable, and flexible. You really need to work well in a team, but it’s really important to be able to work on your own. I am a pretty good communicator which I think has really helped especially while I am training. Being able to ask for help or an explanation from others is also a must.
Advice for people wanting to do an apprenticeship in Interior Systems?
Don’t keep thinking about it – just do it. Start ringing around employers in your area – its all about showing some initiative.
Where do you see yourself in five years time?
Well I’ll be qualified, and probably back in NZ after having travelled a bit. I would like to go out on my own, but that might be a bit further away as you need to learn a lot about running a business first.
Last thoughts…
What we do as a team can really make or break a project, so you have to be committed to doing a good job. I am having a great time, learning new skills and getting paid for it – it doesn’t get much better than that.