Introduction

Determination, resilience and a passion for helping clients achieve their vision have helped local cabinet maker Dana Koch complete her trade qualification after an extraordinary seven-year journey.

Now fully qualified, Dana works as a Design and Client Consultant with Reds Country Designs, overseeing projects from the first client consultation through to final installation. Her role includes measuring, estimating, design assistance, supplier liaison, ordering, working drawings and project coordination.

The Challenge

Dana began her apprenticeship with Reds Country Designs in 2014 while still at school. After six months with the business, she stepped away from the trade and focused on establishing greater financial stability.

In 2022, Dana returned to Reds Country Designs and recommenced her apprenticeship, undertaking a Certificate III in Cabinet Making through Mas National (Mas). Despite having to repeat previous training modules, she approached the opportunity with enthusiasm and determination.

Her apprenticeship was also interrupted by significant personal challenges. During her training, Dana welcomed her first child and took time away from work to focus on family life. Tragically, following the birth of her second child, Dana and her family spent months in hospital caring for their baby before experiencing an enormous personal loss.

The Solution

With the support of friends and family, her employer and Mas, Dana made the decision to return to work and continue pursuing her qualification.

Throughout her apprenticeship, Dana was supported by Mas Apprenticeship Consultant Tarah Marygold, who maintained regular contact and was available whenever Dana had questions or needed help navigating her training.

“She was always there if I had any questions and was my go-to person when I needed an extension,” Dana said. “The team at Mas also checked in regularly to see how things were going.”

With this support, Dana received the extension she needed to finalise her remaining training modules and complete her qualification in early 2026.

The Result

Dana is now fully qualified and building a rewarding career in the trade she once feared she might not have the opportunity to pursue.

Her commitment to her trade and resilience in overcoming professional and personal challenges have also earned her recognition at state level, having been named one of four finalists for Apprentice of the Year at the 2026 South Australian Training Awards.

Reds Country Designs owner Shane Redden said Dana had become an invaluable member of the team.

“Dana is one of the most positive and capable people I have worked with,” Mr Redden said. “She has become a role model for our other apprentices and has set a standard they aspire to achieve.”

Conclusion

After years of setbacks, hard work and perseverance, Dana has achieved the goal she set herself more than a decade ago: completing her trade qualification and building a career she genuinely enjoys.

“I don’t think I’ll be going anywhere too soon, that’s for sure. I’ve worked this hard to get to this point, I’m sticking it out,” she said.