From Brisbane to building sites, Riley is creating a carpentry career in regional Queensland

Now six months into his apprenticeship with QBuild, the Queensland Government’s builder, and completing the Certificate III in Carpentry (CPC30220) through TAFE Queensland, Riley is gaining the hands-on experience and industry knowledge needed to become a qualified carpenter.

As Riley is under 25 and studying a priority apprenticeship qualification, his training fees are fully subsidised by the Queensland Government through the Free apprenticeships for under 25s initiative.

For Riley, this means he can focus on building his skills and gaining experience on the job as he works towards his qualification.

"I think just doing stuff with my hands really attracted me to carpentry," Riley said.

Having no prior trade experience, Riley was drawn to carpentry because it offered the opportunity to learn practical skills while working on real projects.

After completing his foundation training in July, Riley recently commenced his first block of training and says the support he receives from his TAFE Queensland teacher, Jonathan Millroy, has helped him navigate the challenges of apprenticeship study.

TAFE Queensland offers flexible training options designed to meet the needs of apprentices and employers in regional and remote communities like Charleville.

Training can be delivered through workplace visits, day release, online learning, block training, and other flexible models that make it easier for apprentices to learn while they work.

For Riely and other carpentry apprentices in Charleville, this means receiving support directly in the workplace, with teacher Jonathan Millroy travelling to site to conduct onsite visits and provide practical guidance.

"If you have a question, he'll [Jonathan] walk you through it," Riley said.

"Even if it's something you're working on, he'll guide you through it and point you in the right direction."

Riley said having access to experienced trainers makes a significant difference, particularly when balancing theory with practical learning.

While Riley enjoys the hands-on nature of the trade, he admits the theory component has been one of the biggest challenges of his training so far.

"Getting through all the theory work has probably been the most challenging thing," he said.

"I'm much more of a hands-on person. I'd rather be on the tools."

However, Riley understands the importance of developing both practical and theoretical knowledge to become a qualified tradesperson.

Currently studying units related to excavation safety and trenching requirements, he is learning the regulations, calculations, and safety procedures that underpin work on construction sites.

For Riley, the most rewarding part of his apprenticeship has been seeing a project evolve from the ground up and knowing he has contributed to its success.

"For me, taking a step back and looking at what's been built so far and knowing I've had a hand in doing is really rewarding," he said.

Reflecting on the progress of projects he's worked on, Riley said it's satisfying to see tangible results from his efforts.

"I was looking through the photos that I've taken of the different projects I’ve worked and the progression was just unreal,” he said.

From an empty block of land to a completed structure, Riley says being part of the construction journey is what makes the trade so rewarding.