I was given the opportunity to undertake an internship with different trades within Citycare. I really wanted to build up my work experience and confidence and get a feel for other trades before I settled on one. My manager asked me if I wanted to try HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning), which I did for a year. With the government’s TTAF (Targeted Training Apprenticeship Fund), I started my Refrigeration and Air Conditioning apprenticeship, and I’m now in my second year.
Getting paid to learn is great. It’s kind of an added incentive and motivation to keep going. Plus there is no student loan that I need to think about paying back after I qualify. And the best thing is I know that at the end of this apprenticeship I will be a technician with a qualification recognised in other countries.
Take initiative and be inquisitive. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and don’t overthink things. Set yourself small goals and be open minded and willing to learn. Most importantly, be patient. You never know where you can go.
