For Dana Koch, completing her cabinet making apprenticeship was about much more than gaining a trade qualification. Her seven-year journey included career changes, family commitments and significant personal challenges. Through it all, Dana remained determined to finish what she started and build a career she loves.

Returning to Complete her Cabinet Making Apprenticeship

Dana’s journey began in 2014 when she started an apprenticeship with Reds Country Designs while still at school. After six months with the business, she stepped away from the trade. However, her ambition to complete her qualification never disappeared.

“I always intended to go back and finish my apprenticeship, but I didn’t think it was ever going to be an option. There’s only one cabinet making business locally and I figured if I moved away, I wasn’t going to get another opportunity. But I’m lucky that my employer is also a really good friend too.”

In 2022, Dana returned to Reds Country Designs and restarted her cabinet making apprenticeship. She undertook a Certificate III in Cabinet Making through Mas National (Mas).

Returning meant repeating some of her previous training modules. Rather than letting that discourage her, Dana embraced the opportunity to continue working towards her qualification.

Her path to becoming qualified was far from straightforward. Dana welcomed her first child during her apprenticeship and took time away from work to focus on her family.

Following the birth of her second child, Dana and her family spent months in hospital caring for their baby. They later experienced an enormous personal loss.

Returning to work became an important part of moving forward.

“There was no pressure to return, but in the end I just couldn’t sit still and do nothing,” Dana said. “I felt like if I gave my work up, I would probably fall in a hole. With my friends and family being so supportive, I was like, I can get through this.”

Support to Help Dana Reach the Finish Line

As Dana progressed through her cabinet making apprenticeship, Mas and Apprenticeship Consultant Tarah Marygold provided ongoing support. Tarah maintained regular contact and was available when Dana had questions or needed help with her training.

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

With Tarah’s support, Dana received an extension to finalise her remaining modules. In early 2026, her persistence paid off when she completed her cabinet making apprenticeship and gained her trade qualification.

Reds Country Designs owner Shane Redden said Dana’s positive attitude and resilience had made her an invaluable part of the business.

“Dana is one of the most positive and capable people I have worked with,” Mr Redden said. “No matter the challenge, she approaches every task with a smile and gives it her best. She has become a role model for our other apprentices and has set a standard they aspire to achieve. Her product knowledge is exceptional, and she is always willing to support others and share her skills.”

From Apprentice to Industry Recognition

Today, Dana works as a Design and Client Consultant with Reds Country Designs. She supports projects from the first conversation with a client through to final installation.

Her role includes measuring, estimating and design assistance. She also manages supplier liaison, ordering, working drawings and project coordination.

Dana’s determination has also earned recognition beyond the workplace. She was named one of four finalists for Apprentice of the Year at the 2026 South Australian Training Awards.

“I felt like I was just like every other apprentice out there, so it’s kind of nice to get that recognition. The fact that I made it to the top eight and then to the top four, I’m stoked with that.”

While she is proud of the recognition, Dana finds the greatest reward in seeing a client’s ideas become reality. Completing her cabinet making apprenticeship has given her the opportunity to be part of that process from beginning to end.

“I love seeing a client’s reaction when their project comes together,” Dana said. “Being involved from start to finish is an amazing process. 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.”