On the Job Site: Early Starts, Real Impact
Most days kick off around 7am, but preparation starts earlier. Jacob begins his morning with a shower, coffee, and breakfast; ready to hit the ground running. Cookie, working on a large commercial construction site, stresses the importance of arriving early to secure parking and connect with the crew.
‘You’ve got to rock up early, get to site, sit in the smoko sheds, have a chat to everyone, see how everyone’s weekend or day has gone, and have a cup of tea,’ she says.
The day officially begins with a pre-start meeting, where the builder outlines project updates, safety changes, and site access. Jacob also checks in with his supervisor to plan his tasks, which can range from supermarket renovations to hospital battery backup systems.
Apprentices often rotate between tasks in a process known as ‘chop out’, gaining exposure to different aspects of the trade.
‘You might be pulling cables one minute and helping out somewhere else the next. It’s great experience,’ Cookie explains.
Work continues through the day with breaks for smoko and lunch, wrapping up around 3–3:30pm. Jacob appreciates the flexibility to take on overtime or shift work, while both apprentices enjoy the work-life balance.
‘I like finishing work when it’s still bright out,’ says Cookie.
‘I still have time for hobbies and spending time with my girlfriend and the dog,’ adds Jacob.
At Trade School: Learning from Each Other
Trade school starts slightly later at 7:30am, offering a different kind of learning environment. Cookie enjoys hearing diverse perspectives from fellow students working across various sectors.
‘At work, everyone’s doing the same thing. At trade school, you get to hear about different experiences; it’s refreshing.’
Jacob, now in his fourth year, is preparing for final exams and hands-on tasks like wiring three-phase switchboards. He values the support from teachers and the blend of theory and practical learning.
Pathways into the Trade
Jacob comes from a family of electricians but chose to forge his own path.
‘I’d rather build my own connections—it’s been a great experience.’
Cookie’s journey was less direct. Initially unsure of her career path, she completed a university degree before realising she wanted something more hands-on. Encouraged by her boyfriend’s dad, she gave the electrical trade a shot—and hasn’t looked back.
Wins at Work: Progress You Can See
For Cookie, every day feels like a win, ‘You really see progress when you work.’
One standout moment was when her supervising A Grade trusted her to work independently and praised her results.
Jacob is proud of a project at the IGA in Balnarring, where his team received positive feedback for their work. He also values the regular check-ins with his NECA E&C Industry Careers Consultant (ICC), which help track progress and provide support.
Facing Challenges: Support That Matters
Jacob has leaned on his ICC during tough times—whether it’s adjusting to shift work or navigating workplace challenges.
Cookie faced doubts early on, questioning whether she was good enough. Her mindset?
‘I’m an apprentice. I’m learning. It’s ok—ask lots of questions.’
She also tackled the physical demands of the job, including weeks of pulling heavy mains cable.
‘It was the most physically demanding work I’ve ever done. Magnesium bath salts helped!’
Looking Ahead: Open to Possibilities
Jacob hopes to follow in the footsteps of his father and uncles, working on Tier 1 commercial sites.
Cookie is keeping her options open. ‘Such a good question, because I keep asking myself that too. ‘I want to learn and keep going. My goal right now is to become an A Grade.’
Final Advice for Future Apprentices
Jacob recommends starting with a pre-apprenticeship and staying on top of profiling and assessments.
Cookie agrees—and adds; ‘Show that you’re keen, ask questions, work hard, and involve yourself as much as you can. That’s how you learn. ‘But also think about safety. If something doesn’t feel right, ask: “Am I doing this correctly?” or “Would you do it differently?” Experienced tradies know the ins and outs—and that’s how we grow.’