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Dryden’s double trade journey from sheet metal to air-conditioning and refrigeration
Dryden Bingham is a passionate apprentice currently undertaking a Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (UEE32220) trade at TAFE Queensland’s Bracken Ridge campus.
But this isn’t his first foray into the trades, Dryden’s journey began in engineering, where he specialised in the sheet metal trade.
“I started in engineering, so I started making HVAC [Heating, Ventilation and Air-conditioning systems]. That’s how I kind of cut my teeth and got into the game, so to speak, for the sheet metal, air-conditioning and the mechanical trade.”
After completing his first apprenticeship, Dryden was eager to expand his skills.
He moved into on-site installation, applying his engineering knowledge to ductwork and site measurements.
That hands-on experience sparked a deeper interest in the technical side of the mechanical trade, leading him to undertake a Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (UEE32220).
“I really love the technicality of it,” he said.
“So, I wanted to take up the refrigeration trade itself.”
He credits TAFE Queensland for its exceptional support throughout both of his apprenticeships.
“The staff and team have been incredible, even the first time around. It speaks volumes that I chose to do a second trade through TAFE Queensland. The support is just unmatched," he said.
Dryden is a strong advocate for vocational education and encourages others to take the leap.
“My advice to someone thinking of taking up a trade is to do it. I think there are almost no drawbacks, and I think we can confidently say the construction industry is screaming out for qualified tradespeople,” he said.
Dryden is also a proud recipient of a TAFE Queensland scholarship, sponsored by the Australian Refrigeration Council.
The financial support has helped him invest in essential tools and training, something he says made a real difference.
“Without this money, I don’t even know if I’d be here today,” said Dryden.
The assistance has enabled him to invest in essential equipment and training, empowering him to grow both as a tradesman and a father.
TAFE Queensland’s Scholarship Program has awarded more than $3.4 million to over 720 students across the state.
Scholarships can be used to help cover course fees, textbooks, and living expenses while studying any TAFE Queensland course, from entry-level certificates to bachelor degrees, at more than 60 locations across Queensland.