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Fino seeks surf and study on the Gold Coast
Twenty-eight-year-old Guilherme "Fino" Carvalho Montes swapped his corporate job as a production engineer in Brazil to study and chase waves on the Gold Coast.
By TAFE Queensland
After graduating from university in Rio de Janeiro, Fino spent three years managing the finances of a building and refurbishment company before he decided it was time to do something different.
“I was ready for a change, but wanted to move where the weather and lifestyle was similar to Brazil so I chose Australia and specifically the Gold Coast because my biggest passion is surfing and everyone knows it’s paradise for surfers,” said Fino.
Fino enrolled into a Certificate III in Carpentry (CPC30211) at TAFE Queensland’s Ashmore campus right in the heart of the Gold Coast and said it was the best decision he ever made.
“I went into carpentry because my father is a talented joiner whose workshop is at our house in Brazil, so I spent a lot of my free time there working on small projects and learning how to use power tools,” he said.
“TAFE Queensland provided a great balance between theory, practical learning and real-world experience with teachers who were supportive, encouraging and made studying enjoyable.”
“I have also made some great mates from places all over the world and even found time to surf in-between classes,” said Fino.
During his studies, Fino completed vocational placement with a local company TTTM Constructions and was offered a job with them to complete his trade qualification.
“Having the compulsory vocational work placement at TAFE Queensland played a huge role in helping me find an employer and now I will be able to get my Trades Recognition Australia certificate and work anywhere across the country,” he said.
To anyone who's thinking about studying at TAFE Queensland on the Gold Coast, Fino said you will never want to leave once you get here.
“If you're after a supportive learning environment, like surfing, and want a quiet laidback lifestyle, then the Gold Coast has to be your destination as it's the perfect paradise to live and study.”
If you want to learn more about Fino's carpentry career and life in Australia, you can follow him on Instagram @fino_carpentry