From Struggle to Success: How Collaboration Fueled an Electrician’s Apprenticeship Journey in Tasmania

Introduction

Nathan Thomson, a 27-year-old electrical apprentice, faced a significant challenge when he moved from New South Wales to Tasmania. Despite being in his second year of apprenticeship, finding a new employer to continue his training proved to be a daunting task. However, with the help of Business and Employment Southeast Tasmania Inc (BEST) and Mas National, Nathan successfully secured a new position and transferred his apprenticeship.

The Challenge

When Nathan Thomson moved to Tasmania, he was eager to continue the electrical apprenticeship he had started in New South Wales. He thought finding a new employer would be straightforward, but after months of effort, including cold-calling businesses and handing in his resume to a local wholesaler, he found himself struggling. Nathan explained, “I think it was just an unfortunate time of the year where everybody was either a little bit reluctant or they didn’t have enough work on board to take somebody else on.”

Losing hope, Nathan attended a local careers expo and reached out to BEST for assistance. He was impressed by their diligence and genuine interest in helping him find employment.

The Solution

BEST Career Coach Tara Vassella took Nathan’s case to heart and reached out to Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) Owner, Bryce Vincent. IEC specialises in heat and water pumps and irrigation, serving both residential and commercial sectors. This opportunity was a perfect fit for Nathan, who was eager to enter a specialised market and expand his existing knowledge.

Within a week, Nathan was hired. Mas National Business Consultant Thomas Gamble and Careers Consultant Mathew Howard helped Nathan renew and transfer his apprenticeship. Mas National Operations Manager, Warren Ferrari, highlighted the importance of the collaboration between BEST and Mas. “It’s an important relationship to have for people looking to transition into or start a trade. BEST refer people to Mas for direct sign-ups, and Mas refer apprentices to BEST for placement, among other things. Working with them is amazing because they really are a community hub when it comes to workforce solutions,” Warren said.

The Results

Bryce Vincent, the owner of IEC, has already signed up three apprentices with Mas National. He praised the organisation for handling all the paperwork and going above and beyond whenever needed. “They have handled all the paperwork and have gone above and beyond whenever I needed them to,” Bryce shared. He also emphasised the importance of BEST in the local community, saying, “Having Tara and BEST in the community is an invaluable resource, not just for me but for any small business.”

For Nathan, this opportunity meant starting an exciting apprenticeship and finally settling into his new life in Tasmania. He acknowledged that he couldn’t have done it without the joint support of BEST and Mas. “They have both been incredibly supportive, checking up on me and staying in touch. It was a fantastic outcome in the end,” Nathan said.

Conclusion

Nathan Thomson’s story is a testament to the power of collaboration and community support in overcoming challenges. The partnership between BEST and Mas National played a crucial role in helping Nathan find a new employer and continue his apprenticeship in Tasmania. This success not only benefits Nathan but also highlights the importance of such support networks in helping individuals and businesses achieve their goals, especially in a tight job market like Tasmania. Nathan’s journey serves as an inspiration to others facing similar challenges, demonstrating that with the right support, anything is possible.