Despite holding an honors degree in engineering, Matthew Conley, of Queanbeyan, has made his plan A a TAFE NSW apprenticeship in electrical.
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Mr Conley applied for jobs around the country but never secured a position due to a surplus of other graduates.
After spending a little time working in carpentry,and even on an olive farm, he took up an offer to do an electrician apprenticeship.
“Studying at TAFE NSW Nowra as part of my apprenticeship will give me a Certificate III in Electrical,making me more employable,” Mr Conley said.
“It’s about being in demand and having the practical skills you need for the job you want. I now have a career and direction I’m happy with.”
Mr Conley, who works under the watchful eye of John Bruce of Queanbeyan based Woodlands Industries, said there is plenty to learn when it comes to electrical.
“As an engineer straight out of uni you definitely don’t know it all,” he said.
Mr Conley said he enjoyed being able to approach a problem in two ways – with his skills as an electrician and his skills as an engineer, which was actually one of the attributes that made him more attractive to his employer.
Mr Bruce said he couldn’t praise the teachers from TAFE NSW enough.
“TAFE NSW Apprentices come out confident, and competent with a good basic understanding of the trade,” Mr Bruce said.
More information about studying through TAFE NSW can be found at www.tafensw.com.au or by calling 131 601.
