Qualification: Certificate III in Data and Voice Communications
Host Business: Nilsen NT
RTO: TAFE QLD
"This opportunity has changed my life, as originally, I had no idea of what being a Data and Communications apprentice meant. The diversity of the work and having a supportive team around me has made this journey so far, enjoyable and has also challenged me."
Elijah Coombes was a Year 12 graduate who was working part-time and considered his future career path. He was interested in obtaining a trade in the electrical industry and was intrigued by GTNT Group’s reputation for supporting apprentices in training.
Elijah applied and was successful in securing the Certificate III in Data and Voice Communications apprenticeship with Nilsen NT in 2020. This opportunity has changed his life and while at times it can be challenging, he has found the work enjoyable and rewarding.
“You find out a few things about yourself throughout the journey and having the resilience to continue the path knowing that at the end that all your hard work has paid off. I have really enjoyed working with people that you never expect to meet and breaking down the language barriers.”
What impact did your studies/work have on your life?
I was working part time job at Woolworths, and I was thinking about my future and my career path, as I had recently completed year 12. I was interested in obtaining a trade preferably in the electrotechnology industry. I had heard that GTNT Group were good with supporting apprentices in training and that they were hiring.
This motivated me to enquire on GTNT Group’s website where I saw the vacancy for the Certificate III in Data and Voice Communications apprenticeship with Nilsen NT. The interview went well and one week later I had an interview with Nilsen. At the interview I was advised that I was successful and that I could commence in January 2020.
This opportunity has changed my life, as originally, I had no idea of what being a Data and Communications apprentice meant. The diversity of the work and having a supportive team around me has made this journey so far, enjoyable and has also challenged me.
Travelling has been big part of my life due to living in Cairns and travelling to boarding school in Darwin for five years where I attended St John’s Catholic College. This has prepared me for the off-job training component, and this has given me the opportunity to travel interstate to QLD to complete my trade school blocks. I have met nice people that have helped me with the learning of my trade.
Being involved in the community is important to me, I played rugby for the Darwin Brothers for five years and this has allowed me to meet good people that have given me support and grounding. Last year I attended the Lend Lease trade day, I set up a stall and talked with the students about the industry and my experience in the trade. I really enjoyed being involved in this and seeing all the interest in people being interested in the apprenticeship pathway.
The personal qualities that I believe are important to complete an apprenticeship and that I believe I possess are to be a quick to learner, easy going, being able to put yourself out there and show initiative, a sense of humour and a team player. Most importantly perseverance to complete and to be committed.
You find out a few things about yourself throughout the journey and having the resilience to continue the path knowing that at the end that all your hard work has paid off. I have really enjoyed working with people that you never expect to meet and breaking down the language barriers.
Elijah was awarded the IntoJobs Commendation Award at the GTNT Group Awards held earlier this year.
