Before starting his Certificate III in Engineering, Rowdy Chandler had already tried a few different career paths. Like many people early in their working life, he knew what wasn’t right for him long before he found what was.
“I come from a hospitality background, but I always knew that wasn’t for me. I wanted to learn a trade.”
That decision led Rowdy to Apprenticeship Careers Australia, where the team worked with him to secure an apprenticeship placement with Lamver Engineering. Transitioning into an engineering apprenticeship wasn’t without its challenges. The structure, expectations, and hours were a big change, but Rowdy was prepared to put in the effort.
Taking the pressure off employers
Apprenticeship Careers Australia supports both apprentices and employers by managing the full employment lifecycle, from recruitment and onboarding to training and payroll. Once an employer makes the decision to take on an apprentice or trainee, the team steps in to manage the details. For Lamver Engineering Manager Michael Taddeo, that support has made all the difference.
“They’ve taken all the hard work out of it for me. They focus more on the apprentice side of things, all the paperwork and the admin, and I can focus on my job, making sure we get the work out and finishing jobs on time.”
Through Apprenticeship Careers Australia, Lamver Engineering was able to access a shortlist of candidates and find the right fit for their business.
“It’s so hard to find good workers these days, and through Apprenticeship Careers Australia, they give you a candidate list, and we get to interview them, find the right worker for us and find the right fit for us. It’s been perfect.” says Taddeo
Ongoing support that makes a difference
Beyond the administration, ongoing check-ins and real conversations are a key part of the apprenticeship journey. Rowdy credits much of his growth to the support of his field officer, Terri Nation.
"She’s been a great help, always there for whatever I need. Making sure I’ve got what I need, always checking in on me.” Terri says that availability and trust have been critical in helping Rowdy build confidence and settle into his trade.
“It was a bit of an adjustment for him, but me being available to him, and him knowing he can reach out at any time, not just at visits, has seen him come a long way.”
Today, Rowdy is thriving. He’s confident, motivated, and already thinking about what comes next, including the possibility of completing his qualification early and running his own business one day.
“He’s grown a lot. His shoulders are back, his heads raised. You can see he’s got a purpose.”
For Rowdy, the change has been life changing. “I finally feel like I’m doing something fulfilling with my life. It’s hard work, but it’ll pay off.”
If you’re interested in a traineeship, or you’re a business looking to hire a trainee, get in touch today to discuss how we can work together.