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Zane builds his future in carpentry
Zane Connors comes from a strong building background. His family are involved in commercial and residential building in country Victoria. He studied construction management at university but soon realised he wanted a more hands-on career.
“I went to uni, finished that, but got pretty bored working in the office,” said Zane.
“It just wasn’t for me.”
“I’ve always loved building carpentry, so I started my mature age apprenticeship at the end of 2023.”
Zane initially enrolled at a different trade school but quickly found the experience lacking.
“It wasn’t as enjoyable or as practical. They just kind of passed you books and you had to do them in your own time, which is fine, but it’s better to come to a classroom and go out and do the prac, which is what TAFE Queensland provides you,” he said.
Since making the switch, he hasn’t looked back.
Now studying a Certificate III in Carpentry (CPC30220) at TAFE Queensland’s Ashmore campus, Zane says his teachers have been a great source of knowledge.
“They teach you how to walk first and then they show you the little tricks that help you, not cut corners, but be quicker at tasks you’re doing on a building site,” said Zane.
He’s currently undertaking an apprenticeship with McNab, contributing to projects across South East Queensland, including a 16-storey social housing development in Southport on the Gold Coast.
“So far, it’s just been formwork, but we’re moving into the finishes - architraves, skirting and doors,” he said.
His goals for the future?
“Once I finish, continue with McNab construction and the ultimate goal is to be supervisor one day, not just doing formwork or carpentry but also dealing with other trades as well.”