As an ambassador of National Skills Week, Bundaberg local Braden Hellmuth is sharing his story of success after being acknowledged for the high level of training achieved in his chosen career through Vocational Education and Training.
VET is a specific type of training aimed at broadening skills in a specialised area and giving participants the practical experience needed for the workplace.
Braden was awarded the Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the year for QLD 2020, and Runner- up for Australian Apprentice of the year 2020 after taking on multiple studies to further his skillset in the mechanical trade.
“I worked in agriculture through high school then went and did a Bachelor of Science at UQ in Brisbane,” he said.
“I returned to work on the farm and wanted to further my skills, so studied a trade qualification as a Diesel Fitter (Certificate III in Engineering, Mechanical Trade).
“I then added to this with a Certificate II in Automotive Air Conditioning, and gained a Cabling Licence (Coaxial and Networking, then adding Fibre Optic) and now I am currently in the process of completing a certificate IV in Engineering (Fluid Power).”
Braden said his experience through the Vocational Education and Training sector had allowed him to increase his confidence in his abilities and improve his comfort in speaking to others.
“The professional interactions that you need to have in a VET qualification is very different to that of a university qualification,” he said.
“It has helped me to work my way up through the business from a farm hand to the head of engineering, automation and technology.
“I have really gained a lot of soft skills that I wasn’t great at and have gained the hands-on knowledge at the same time.”
Braden said for those looking to the future for careers and training, getting out and volunteering was the way to go.
“Volunteer, get some work experience and find what really gets you excited,” he said.
“VET offers hundreds of fantastic opportunities for a successful and rewarding future.
“You can earn while you’re learning and not have a HECS debt at the end of it.”
About National Skills Week
Held annually, the vision of National Skills Week is to raise awareness on the diversity of careers which can be realised through vocational education and training, the skills for an economically viable future, and the incredible range of new jobs and skills in demand for the future.
National Skills Week 2021, held until August 29, is centred around asking people to ‘Re-think’ their ideas of VET and to discover, challenge, and explore what is on offer.
Find out more here.
