While most of her classmates are counting down the days until schoolies, Ruby is counting down the hours until she can get back onsite.
The year 12 student at Mueller College in Rothwell is completing a School Based Apprenticeship, working towards her CPC30220 Certificate III in Carpentry one full day a week through Major Training alongside her regular studies.
It is a setup that lets her earn, learn and finish school all at once and Ruby says the balance has been the best part of the experience.
“Being able to earn while I learn has been great,” Ruby said.
“Having a full day each week to gain practical experience in carpentry through my School Based Apprenticeship has given me a real head start,” she said.
That head start has already shown Ruby where her strengths lie.
Framing has become her favourite part of the job, closely followed by house extensions, where the transformation from empty frame to finished space is easy to see.
“My favourite work is framing and helping work on house extensions because you can really see the progress you’re making,” she said.
Ruby’s path into construction started long before her apprenticeship began.
Her interest in building took shape while working on a project with her brother.
“My passion for construction actually started when my brother and I built a dog kennel from recycled pallets.
“That’s when I knew I wanted a hands-on career,” Ruby said.
That hands on instinct now have a home at Magill Brothers Construction, where Ruby is completing her placement.
“I’ve felt at home with Magill Brothers Construction, who have been fantastic mentors and are committed to encouraging more young people, especially girls, to enter the trades,” she said.
Joachim Magill of Magill Brothers Construction said taking on school-based apprentices is a natural fit for the business, drawing on his own experience of coming through a similar system.
“When I first got qualified, the majority of my apprentices that were working under me were school based,” Mr Magill said.
“So that’s why I don’t have a problem with taking Ruby and our other apprentice Riley on.
“Because I know that when you get out of school it can be quite daunting.”
Joe said he encourages every apprentice on site to keep asking questions, no matter how basic they might seem.
“As I say to these guys, there’s no such thing as a dumb question.
“Every question is a great question,” he said.
For Ruby, the questions and the long days are all part of building toward a career she already knows she loves, one frame, one extension and one finished job at a time.
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Ruby’s experience reflects her own journey. Pathways, hours and outcomes vary by student, school and employer.
To find out more about School Based Apprenticeships with Major Training Group, get in touch with our team.
