Weekdays start early for Lucas. He鈥檚 out the door by eight, ready for the hour-long drive from Launceston to a heritage cottage near Scottsdale. By mid-afternoon, he鈥檚 packing up the tools and heading home, tired but content. While his friends are still in the classroom, Lucas has found his own path, one that suits him perfectly.
Lucas鈥檚 story is a reminder that not every learner fits in a classroom. Through our Approved Learning Program, students can stay enrolled in school while gaining nationally recognised qualifications on the job. It鈥檚 an approach that opens doors for those who might otherwise slip through the cracks, and one that鈥檚 paying dividends for Lucas and his future.
Why is Lucas鈥檚 story important?听
鈥淚鈥檓 working with an independent contractor named Keven, who鈥檚 been in the building industry for almost 50 years,鈥� Lucas says. 鈥淚鈥檓 learning how to frame walls, lay concrete with a shovel and wheelbarrow, lay floorboards, and even set up a cathedral ceiling.鈥�
Lucas is one of many Tasmanian students finding new ways to learn outside the classroom. He鈥檚 a first-year carpentry apprentice with the Housing Industry Association鈥檚 (HIA) Apprentices program. Through this, he鈥檚 gaining real-world skills on a project that鈥檚 rewriting the story of an 1871-built cottage, Vinegrove. But more importantly, he鈥檚 rewriting his own story, too.
鈥淚鈥檓 still learning, but I鈥檓 already seeing how this can set me up,鈥� Lucas says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 long days, but it鈥檚 where I want to be.鈥�
鈥淚鈥檝e always wanted to do something hands-on,鈥� Lucas explains. 鈥淚 like working independently and seeing the progress we鈥檙e making every day. This is a good starting point, and hopefully, I鈥檒l get to network with other tradies and maybe one day start my own business.鈥�
For HIA鈥檚 Apprentice Manager Corey, Lucas鈥檚 story is exactly what the program was designed to support. 鈥淎 lot of young people don鈥檛 fit with traditional schoolwork,鈥� Corey says. 鈥淭hey鈥檙e practical, hands-on learners. Apprenticeships give them another way forward, a pathway that leads to a qualification and real skills.鈥�
Corey says that HIA鈥檚 YouthBuild program, which brings construction modules and small building projects to schools, helps identify students with a passion for trades early on. From there, apprentices like Lucas are matched with host trainers through HIA鈥檚 Group Training Organisation (GTO).
What supports are available for the employer?听听
鈥淲e take care of everything in the background,鈥� Corey says. 鈥淭he host trainers just need to focus on teaching the trade. We handle pay, entitlements, TAFE, worker鈥檚 compensation, super – everything. It鈥檚 designed to make taking on an apprentice as simple and supported as possible.鈥� The apprentice also receives dedicated coaching and mentoring from an HIA Field Officer to help them thrive in their apprenticeship.
It鈥檚 an arrangement that鈥檚 working well for Lucas鈥檚 host employer, Keven. 鈥淟ucas brings enthusiasm and a willingness to learn,鈥� Corey says. 鈥淗e鈥檚 still pretty green, but each time I check in, he鈥檚 picked up new skills and confidence. It鈥檚 great to see.鈥�
For students like Lucas, it鈥檚 more than a job, it鈥檚 a chance to build a future without the burden of debt. 鈥淎fter four years of an apprenticeship, you鈥檙e earning a wage while you鈥檙e learning,鈥� Corey says. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 a powerful incentive.鈥�
For Tasmania鈥檚 construction industry, it鈥檚 a win-win. Lucas is already making a difference to the business, offering an extra set of hands and a fresh enthusiasm for the craft. 鈥淚t鈥檚 been a positive experience all around,鈥� Corey adds. 鈥淓mployers like Keven receive reliable support on-site without the added complexities of direct employment. As a managed service, it means the host trainers can focus on teaching and productivity, while the apprentice is supported and guided every step of the way.鈥�
Where can I learn more?鈥�
To learn more about apprenticeship pathways and supported programs, visit our Vocational Learning webpage or contact your local Group Training Organisation, like HIA Apprentices. For students like Lucas, the best way to prepare for the future is to start building it today.