After completing Year 12 at Hills International College in Jimboomba, a growing town in the locality of Logan, apprentice Joshua Schmidt is on track to qualify as a boat builder with long-established company, Norman R. Wright & Sons.
Joshua kicked off his educational journey with a Certificate II in Furniture Making at TAFE Queensland while still in high school. This course gave him the confidence and interest to pursue his education further.
Joshua’s credits his decision to study further to his school guidance officer, who recommended that he study the Certificate III in Marine Craft Construction as an apprentice, as a career option.
“Doing TAFE while still in high school gave me a fantastic head start in my career. Since I enjoyed furniture making, it was an easy transition to continue with a Marine Craft Construction apprenticeship,” said Joshua Schmidt, who is now in his second year with Norman R. Wright & Sons, a custom designer and builder of high performance boats, based in Murrarie.
“I initially took on a work experience opportunity with Norman R. Wright & Sons and absolutely loved it.
I was so happy when the company offered me an apprenticeship as they are a great company to work for and the workshop has a positive morale among all of the work mates. I’m so excited to be working on building a 60ft game fishing motor yacht,” he said. “I would highly recommend the opportunities in the Marine industry to other people thinking about apprenticeships that have positive job outcomes.”
New build supervisor at Norman R. Wright & Sons, Nick Nolan, said, “I have really noticed Josh’s skill set increase over the past 14 months, since he started his apprenticeship here at our company. I believe TAFE Queensland are providing Josh with the extra training he needs to be successful in boat building.”
Joshua’s parents were so impressed with the TAFE at School program that his youngest brother is also doing a carpentry course and started in Year 10.
TAFE Queensland General Manager of the Gold Coast region, Karen Dickinson said, “The trades training provided by TAFE Queensland is highly regarded by employers and gives our apprentices confidence
in being job-ready graduates. Our training program provides greater flexibility for school leavers looking to further their studies with results that lead to employment and further apprenticeships.”
The TAFE Queensland Coomera Marine campus offers a range of specialised training for the marine industry, including marine craft construction. The campus boasts industry-standard facilities with the latest marine equipment, large warehouse style workshops, classrooms fitted out with computers and e-learning facilities, and student common areas.
Certificate III in Marine Craft Construction
Develop your career in marine craft construction with this intermediate-level course. You will learn a broad range
of practical skills and technical knowledge across a variety of vessels, enabling you to work as a boat builder and repairer. Upon completion of this course you will be qualified to produce templates and patterns from full size detail drawings, conduct fit-outs and carry out repairs to wooden, fibreglass and composite marine craft. If completed as part of an apprenticeship this course will also allow you to apply for a trade qualification.
Certificate II in Marine Mechanical Technology
Embark on a career in the marine industry with this entry- level course. This course is an excellent pathway to gaining an apprenticeship or employment as a marine technician You will develop the skills to perform a range of basic mechanical service tasks, work on inboard and outboard boat engines and equipment, and inspect and service engines. You will also learn about marine transmissions, propeller drive and jet drive propulsion systems, electronic and ignition systems and inboard marine hull equipment and instruments. Hands-on training is delivered in our world-class workshops with the latest marine equipment.
See where TAFE can take you. Call 1300 308 233 or visit tafeqld.edu.au.
