Persistence has paid off for mature- age carpentry student Kane Williams, of Safety Bay, whose quest for a career he loves has led to him being named the South Metropolitan TAFE (SM TAFE) Apprentice of the Year.
After excelling in his ATAR subjects at Tranby College and then beginning a Bachelor of Science at university, Kane soon realised his interests lied elsewhere.
He then started a plumbing apprenticeship but again recognised he still hadn’t tapped into his true passion.
The 24-year-old then impressed his employers in a labouring role and they subsequently offered him the apprenticeship that has culminated in a Certificate III in Carpentry and Joinery at SM TAFE’s modern and well-equipped Rockingham campus and this coveted award.
Kane now has his sights set on progressing within his chosen field and becoming a site manager or project manager in the construction industry and is now with SM TAFE undertaking his Diploma of Project Management.
SM TAFE’s Student Awards recognise the achievements of students from across the college, including winners in the categories Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year, Trainee of the Year, International Student of the Year, Vocational Student of the Year, VET Secondary Student of the Year, and the Cultural Diversity Training Award.
“It’s rewarding seeing a house build or renovation come together, and the collaboration that goes on between the various trades,” Kane said.
“I’ve now set my sights on becoming a project manager for commercial projects; organising work schedules, examining plans, quantifying work, and supervising construction teams.”
Physics and maths are the components of his study that he most enjoys.
“I really can’t fault the Rockingham training facilities, with its new buildings and tools, lecturers that have been incredible and the sense of teamwork during the course,” he said.
SM TAFE General Manager Training Services and panel chair Brenda Micale said Kane’s study commitment and passion for the industry made him a worthy recipient of Apprentice of the Year.