Joining The Workforce

Newcastle Herald

Monday August 11, 2008

GR

I liked the indoor timber work and I was offered a job. I wasnt all that keen on going on to years 11 and 12 so I took the offer.

MITCHELL Edwards believes in the benefits

of work experience. He knows that

time spent on the job before any commitment

by employer or employee is time well spent.

Work experience gives you the chance to check

out whats involved in a particular profession before

you sign up for it, he said.

And it gives the employer the chance to have a

look at potential workers.

The award-winning junior joiner will be finishing

his four-year apprenticeship by the start of next

year.

The time has gone quickly.

As the star pupil in his woodtechnics course at

Broadmeadows School of Performing Arts, topping

the course for two years in succession, he knew one

thing for certain  wherever his career path took

him he wanted to work with timber.

In year 10 I did a couple of weeks work experience

outdoors with a builder and ended up a bit

sunburnt and weary, Mr Edwards said.

I also did work experience with Ivan Mesaric

Kitchens in Cooranbong.

I liked the indoor timber work and I was offered

a job.

I wasnt all that keen on going on to years 11

and 12 so I took the offer.

For Mr Edwards it was the right decision at the

right time.

Talent and enthusiasm proved a powerful

combination after he signed on at TAFE to study

shopfront and detailed joinery.

Last year he was a winner at the WorldSkills

Challenge.

Earlier this year he was named TAFEs

Apprentice of the Year.

In June Mr Edwards received the Hunter

Development Corporation sponsored Building and

Construction Award for commitment to his studies.

Now hes planning a trip to Canada.

Over there he will represent Australia against

the worlds best after winning a gold medal at the

WorldSkills National competition held in Sydney in

July.

The gold medal recognised his superior ability to

interpret plans, cut timber and manufacture

different joints.

Mr Edwards wont have to pack for the Skill

Olympics until next year.

For now hes enjoying making kitchens, honing

his cabinet-making and joinery skills.

The future could see him pursuing a dream of

becoming a recognised furniture maker.

Hes open to whatever happens when his

apprenticeship ends.

Im really enjoying what Im doing now. Ill see

what comes up.

And, as for work experience and the challenges

of an apprenticeship, its something Mr Edwards

heartily recommends.

© 2008 Newcastle Herald

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