From a tiny home dream to a fabrication career

“I was really interested in converting a shipping container into a tiny home.”

Shaylah came across a job advertisement for an Enhanced Engineering (Welding) 13-week paid traineeship.

“Learning to weld was one of the skills I needed to convert a shipping container into a tiny house. I figured I could learn to weld and get paid to learn at the same time.

“I did three weeks of on-site work experience with Superior Pak, and they offered me an apprenticeship.”

“We manufacture waste management trucks, from cutting our own parts to fabricating and assembling them into the complete truck.”

“The work is challenging, and getting good, clean welds on a finished job gives me a real sense of achievement. Seeing a completed truck and knowing I’ve contributed to it is a great feeling.”

“I enjoy working here because there’s plenty of variety in the work, and it all contributes to the final product.”

“There are tradespeople here who are willing to teach and guide apprentices, and they gave us opportunities to do work that aligned with our TAFE coursework.

“The most valuable thing I’ve learned is to believe in my own ability, even if I’m slower at first, and to focus on keeping the quality consistent.”

Shaylah gained a great deal of practical skills at TAFE Queensland, using different tools, welding machines and techniques, as well as measuring and marking out accurately.

“Training at TAFE Queensland was great. They helped provide the knowledge and guidance to succeed in the industry.

“My teachers were patient and helpful. They had worked in the industry also — one of them had only recently come off the tools.

“They supported me by patiently explaining and showing me how to do the practical work when I asked for help.”

Shaylah recently won TAFE Queensland Bundaberg’s Apprentice of the Year award in the Technology and Manufacturing category, which celebrates the achievements of 2025 graduates.

Shaylah is now giving back to others in her role as an apprentice mentor, supporting first-year apprentices and work experience students at Superior Pak.

“Mentoring first-year apprentices at work has turned out to be simpler than I originally thought. I’ll admit I stressed for a little while about how well I would do.

“Mostly, I try to remind them to take their time with the jobs they’re given, and that they’re only just starting to learn, so mistakes will happen.

“I remember being told consistently, ‘Speed will come with time.’”

According to Superior Pak National Human Resources Manager Lisa Lawson, “The best part of hiring an apprentice is being able to develop talent from the ground up.

“Apprentices bring fresh ideas, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn, while employers can shape skills, attitudes, and work habits that align with their business.

“Like any learning role, apprentices require time, guidance, and mentoring, particularly in the early stages, but the long-term benefits are integral to the overall workforce planning of our operations.

“TAFE Queensland has a strong reputation for industry-aligned training and practical learning and is well respected in our local community. We also value their understanding of our workplace requirements,” Lisa said.

Shaylah’s advice to other people considering starting an apprenticeship is to do work experience before signing up.

“It will give you a better idea of whether the apprenticeship is for you. If you’re mature-aged (like I was), have a go if it interests you — don’t let your age hold you back from trying.

“Whether you’re a high school student or a mature-aged person looking to start an apprenticeship, employers look for a good attitude, consistency and clear communication are qualities.

“The skills I’ve learned are skills I’ll have for life, and I can use them in other areas of my life, too, such as building my own tiny home."