Qualified electrician Byron Nichols spent the weeks before his Capstone Assessment studying hours of theory that would decide whether four years of training had paid off.
When it was over, the relief was immediate and well earned.
“It feels really, really good. I finally got there after four years,” Byron said.
Like a lot of young people, Byron found his path by first working out what he didn’t want to do.
Byron worked in car detailing, spent time panel beating and spray painting alongside his father, as well as a year working in the mines in New South Wales.
When he finally settled on a career path with Riviera, he had gained the life experience to fully commit to a rewarding journey.
Working out of the Coomera facility, Riviera is the largest luxury yacht builder in the Southern Hemisphere and regularly takes on mature-aged apprentices.
The four-year journey was an eye-opening experience which gave Byron a taste of just how broad the electrical trade really is.
Through his UEE30820 Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician, Byron would learn precise wiring harnesses and navigation systems for some of the most valuable luxury yachts in the world, part of a Riviera fleet valued at more than $40 million.
For someone who loves problem solving and understanding how things work, none of Byron’s previous jobs had truly stimulated him the way his journey with Riviera would.
Riviera’s block-based training model, delivered in two-week stretches, also suited the way Byron learned best.
“You feel like you’ve accomplished something by the end of the block,” he said.
Byron also leaned on Riviera’s onsite training boards and simulation setup, spending the better part of a month fault finding and testing before the exams.
“For the past month I’ve spent a majority of the weeks up there practicing, fault finding, testing, understanding it all,” he said.
Byron is quick to dispel the idea that the electrical trade is a cutthroat industry.
“Always ask questions throughout your apprenticeship, as any electrician is willing to help you, because they know exactly what it’s like to be in your shoes,” he said.
Byron’s advice to any apprentice just starting out is to enjoy the journey.
“Enjoy it, because you’re only an apprentice once,” Byron said.
For anyone considering a career change later in life, Byron’s journey is proof that it takes real courage to walk away from a high paying wage and start again as an apprentice.
The payoff is worth every hour it takes to get there.
Find out more information on UEE30820 Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician here.
