St Columban’s College Caboolture Year 11 student Kallen Donovan won’t have to look too far if he needs assistance taking on his apprenticeship.
The energetic 15 year old is very comfortable with the prospect of following in his dad’s footsteps as an electrician.
It’s fair to say that Kallen already has some understanding of the industry after growing up in his dad’s Caboolture based business, QLEC Electrical.
Proud father, Rick Donovan said it was a natural progression for Kallen to want a career in the electrical trade.
“Having worked all my life as a self employed electrician I used to take him along with me on some jobs and over a period of time he got to gain some insight into what it was like to work in the field,” Mr Donovan said.
Last year Kallen chose to do work experience with his dad and after thoroughly enjoying the experience, decided to sign up as a school-based apprentice in February this year undertaking his Certificate III in Electrotechnology.
As part of his school based apprenticeship, Kallen will continue to spend four days at school and one day per week working at QLEC Electrical. To make up the 800 hours of work each year he needs for his apprenticeship Kallen will also work additional hours on weekends and school holidays.
Since taking on his apprenticeship Kallen has spent much time observing his dad and learning about on-the-job safety as well as how to correctly use tools such as drills and conduit cutters.
“I like being hands-on in the job and being able to learn something new each week,” Kallen said.
St Columban’s College Career and Training Officer, Lyndel Russell said it was wonderful to see young students like Kallen excited to be working and studying in their chosen career.
“Kallen already knows what he wants to achieve in his life and it is fantastic that he can learn from his father who has been an excellent role model for him,” Ms Russell said.
Lyndel said she was also very thankful for the support she had received from BUSY At Work.
“Through apprenticeships and traineeships students can build their confidence and communication skills and gain the edge they need to get started in their career even before they have finished school.”
“BUSY At Work and their dedicated team of Industry Training Consultants have been very supportive as they understand the value of apprenticeships and traineeships as career pathways,” Ms Russell added.
BUSY At Work, CEO Paul Miles said BUSY was delighted to see young people like Kallen following in the footsteps of their parents.
“Through his school-based apprenticeship Kallen can earn an income while he learns as well as complete a nationally recognised qualification. Kallen’s dad has set a fine example for him to follow and we wish him all the success for the future,” Mr Miles said.
As an Australian Apprenticeship Support Services provider, BUSY delivers Gateway Services which can assess a participant’s commitment and suitability to an apprenticeship before they start. This ensures the right people are matched with the right job from the very start.
Currently there are more than 600 qualifications available through school-based apprenticeships or traineeships. For further information please contact BUSY’s Career and Placement Advisors on 13 28 79 or visit www.busyatwork.com.au or to list a job go to BUSY’s job matching site www.apprenticeshipcentral.com.au
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Image Caption: Carrying on the tradition, Kallen is pictured with his dad Rick Donovan.
MEDIA CONTACT: Leanne Macnamara, Public Relations Coordinator 0438 173 960 leanne.macnamara@busyatwork.com.au
