Personalise my view
Sitting around the dinner table as a teenager, tossing up between plumbing and electrical work, Andrew Jensen had no idea that decision would spark a career that would eventually lead him to launch his own business.
Now the Director of Jentech Electrical, Andrew is passionate about shaping the next generation of tradespeople – and he’s doing it with the support of TAFE Queensland.
“I started my apprenticeship while I was still in school,” Andrew said.
“I was doing two days a week in Year 12, then moved into full-time work after graduation. I finished my apprenticeship before I turned 21, completed my contractor’s course, and went out on my own. A year later, I started Jentech Electrical.”
Fast forward to today, and Jentech has grown into a thriving business with 17 team members, including a mix of tradespeople and apprentices. From the beginning, Andrew has relied on TAFE Queensland to train his apprentices.
“There were other organisations out there, but none had the reliability or the service I experienced as an apprentice,” he explained.
“TAFE Queensland has been around for a long time, and that gave me confidence. It was a pretty clear decision for us.”
Andrew’s commitment to apprenticeships runs deep. He sees it not just as a way to grow his business, but as a responsibility to the industry.
“I’m really passionate about bringing on young apprentices,” he said.
“They’re the next stage of the industry. If we’re not training them and helping them grow, then eventually there won’t be any electricians. It’s critical that we’re passing on knowledge and giving them the support they need.”
Andrew believes that supporting apprentices like Gia will lead to a stronger future for the industry.
That support starts with quality training — something Andrew says TAFE Queensland consistently delivers.
“The facilities are definitely a step ahead of the competition,” he continued.
“Our apprentices always give us fantastic feedback. The teachers are great, and the training equipment on campus gives them a really in-depth understanding of what they’re doing.”
Andrew also values the practical impact of TAFE Queensland’s training on his business.
“When we send an apprentice away for a block of training, it’s a financial hit, but we know they’ll come back with a deeper understanding and more confidence,” he said.
“Their productivity goes up, and that’s a win for everyone.”
The sign-up process is another area where TAFE Queensland shines.
“It’s always been seamless,” Andrew said.
“They reach out as soon as we sign on an apprentice, arrange an induction – either online or face-to-face – and everything runs on schedule. It’s streamlined and easy, which is important when you’re busy running a business.”
For employers considering taking on their first apprentice, Andrew has one piece of advice: do it.
“It was daunting at first, but it completely reshaped our business,” he said.
“My very first apprentice is still with us eight years later. That was the best decision we ever made.”
With TAFE Queensland’s expert teachers, industry-standard facilities, and flexible training options, Andrew knows his apprentices are in good hands.
“I would 100 per cent recommend TAFE Queensland to other employers. The support they offer gives our team the confidence to sit their final exams and step into their roles as qualified tradespeople."