FROM THE GROUND UP

Our apprentice column provides an opportunity for PAC members to share their views, experiences and ideas, while providing insight for builders who employ them. This month’s question is:

Q: What advice would you give to someone thinking about doing an apprenticeship?

Name: Dan (3rd year)

Location: Wanaka

For Daniel Murphy, a 28-year old apprentice who is about to qualify, he would suggest that anyone thinking about taking on an apprenticeship start by laboring as he did.

“I looked for a small company, where I knew I would be involved in all aspects of building, and applied as a labourer,” says Daniel. “I was pretty keen on changing careers and becoming a builder, but I thought I should check it out first hand before going all in, and figured laboring would be a good way to do it.”

“For me, it was a great decision. Not only did it reinforce my desire to be a builder and work for Dean Miller Level Construction, it also allowed me to prove I could be a valuable employee, which made the company more open to investing in training me.”

Having left a career as a sustainable energy engineer in Ireland, Daniel says he was keen to get on the tools.

“I was working as a project manager for a retrofit company, instructing people to do things I didn’t know how to do. It made me kind of uncomfortable and I wanted to learn how things went together myself – thus getting into building.”

After three years, Daniel says he couldn’t be happier with his decision.

“It’s such an interesting job, and there are so many aspects to it – from pouring concrete to finishing cabinetry. I think it’s a much better apprenticeship than the carpentry one in Ireland, as you
have to choose what type of carpentry you want to do before you’ve even tried them all.”

All in all, whether you’re 18, 28 or 38, Daniel suggests getting a taste of the industry before committing is the way to go.

“It’s a great way to test the waters and, if you decide it’s for you, make your intentions known and show your worth. Training someone is a big commitment, so it’s a much easier decision for an employer if your level of commitment is equivalent.”

After three years as an apprentice, Daniel has three more top tips to share, which will be featured in an upcoming article in Under Construction. Stay tuned!