Trade Start gives head start in building industry

The school’s 12-week Trade Start course is designed to give young people like Bailey and Henare onsite experience.

“It was a great opportunity for me to get in with Hutchies because they have a fantastic reputation in the industry,” said Bailey, 18, from Mermaid Beach – a first-year carpentry apprentice.

“The learning we do in the classroom is used every day and it’s so good to be exposed to a real construction site and get a feel for what the industry is like.

“I’m confident that after I complete my apprenticeship, I’ll have the skills and experience to go on to a career as a structural foreman and then as a site manager.”

Originally from New Zealand, Henare grew up on the Gold Coast and played rugby league in the NRL for the Auckland Warriors. 

After recently missing out on a spot with the side, he decided to pursue a career in construction, allowing him to keep playing the sport he loves for the Burleigh Bears.

“I’m at that age now where I needed to get some kind of trade behind me,” said the 25-year-old from Broadbeach.

“Before I was just going from one labouring job to the next.

“I’d been looking online for apprentice-ships but I found it hard because it is so competitive on the Gold Coast. 

“Scoring a plumbing apprenticeship with Commodore Plumbing has been the best start I could possibly get,” said Henare.