Harry raises the roof

Bendigo’s Harry Moore is out there doing real things and learning on the job every day. All while getting paid for it.

The 19 year old finished year 12 but had no real plans in mind for afterwards. Now he is a second-year plumbing apprentice with CVGT Australia.

Through the organisation’s group training program, Harry has found his niche as a roofing plumber, one of 17 apprentices hosted by local employer Clark Metal Roofing.

Harry spends three weeks on the job, then a week at trade school. That means he gains a broad range of plumbing skills while completing the certificate III qualification. Work onsite involves general roofing, laying sheets and doing ground work.

“I enjoy coming to work and am so happy where I am at the moment. There’s a great work environment. We work hard, but have fun and I’ve formed real friendships,” says Harry.

Harry is rapt with his career choice. He hopes to continue working for ‘Clarky’ but can also see the potential to start his own business down the track.

In the meantime, Harry is earning while he’s learning. The university pathway doesn’t suit everyone, but the trainee or apprentice model can be a great option for someone who wants their start in the world of work.

His advice to people considering a traineeship or apprenticeship is to “have a crack, even if it feels like you don’t know what you’re doing when you first start out”.

“Don’t be afraid to ask questions. It doesn’t matter if you don’t know something as long as you listen and show respect to the people who’ve been doing this for a while,” says Harry.

“They’re here to teach you. So listen and be reliable. Just turn up every day to give it your best shot and do everything that’s asked of you.”

CVGT Australia consultant Murray Willet recruits trainees and apprentices for host employers across a range of industries. He agrees that attitude and initiative are the keys to success. They are traits that host employer Gary Clark has recognised in Harry.

“Harry has a great work ethic. It takes some time to develop a core of team players in your business, but people like Harry motivate others to get the job done,” says Murray.

For Harry being an apprentice is different to being at school.

“It’s just really enjoyable. If you’re thinking about it go out and do it.”

To discover how you can build your career as an apprentice or trainee, contact CVGT Australia on 132 848.

Pictured (L-R): Harry Moore , Beau Slater and CVGT Australia consultant Murray Willet