School-based apprentice Hannah Perkin is not the sort of person who likes the idea of sitting around a desk in an office doing clerical work.
The enthusiastic and energetic 17 year old is now three months into Certificate III in Carpentry and Joinery and very much enjoying the physical aspect that comes with working on a building construction site.
BUSY At Work Industry Training Consultant, Sheldon Lemusu said while it was not a common sight to see a young female working in the construction field it was great to see Hannah performing well in her chosen career.
“BUSY At Work are platinum sponsors of the Australian Industry Trade College (AITC) and are dedicated to promoting apprenticeships and traineeships as a career path.
“Now in her final year of school with AITC at Robina, Hannah has just commenced a seven week block undertaking home renovations with local building contractor Michael Monk Building,” said Mr Lemusu.
Owner Michael Monk said this was the first time he had taken on a female apprentice and she had performed very well in the early stages of her apprenticeship.
“Hannah has shown a great work ethic and is always willing to learn new skills in the trade. She always pays attention to detail and is very thorough in her work. She has fitted in very well with other members of the team and we are keen to see her have a successful career in the building industry,” Mr Monk said.
As part of her training Hannah has been learning about on-the-job safety, the correct use of hand tools, basic carpentry skills and how to carry out simple renovations.
Prior to commencing her apprenticeship Hannah had previously completed work experience with KFC but decided that working on construction was more to her liking.
“I love the hands-on aspect of the job and being able to visually see the results of my work. One day I would like to have my own construction business building residential houses,” Ms Perkin said.
Despite her parents working in white collar roles Hannah said she had received plenty of support from both her parents as well as her friends at school.
“My dad especially has been very encouraging while my school friends think it’s pretty cool that I have chosen to work in a non traditional role,” Ms Perkin added.
BUSY At Work, CEO Paul Miles said that BUSY was pleased to support local employers who were willing to give our young students like Hannah an opportunity to work in what was historically a male dominated industry.
“Hannah has shown herself to be very capable and diligent and has proven to be a great asset in the workplace. She has demonstrated that she is able to perform at a high level and with the right training and mentoring she will make a valuable contribution not only to her employer but to the building industry as a whole.”
“I’m looking forward to following Hannah’s career pathway as I am sure she has a bright future ahead of her,” Mr Miles said.
In September this year Hannah will take part in the AITC Cambodian Service Project which will include a team of 30 young people and staff who will travel to Siem Reap in Cambodia to join a Cambodian non-government organisation, New Hope Cambodia. New Hope is also sponsored by Ashmore Rotary Club on the Gold Coast and Hannah hopes to make a difference in the lives of the Cambodian families by providing. To learn more or to help raise funds with Hannah click here. http://makingadifference.gofundraise.com.au/page/PerkinH
end
MEDIA CONTACT: Leanne Macnamara, Public Relations Coordinator 0438 173 960 leanne.macnamara@busyatwork.com.au
