Brad's Student Life Story

About Brad

Seeking connection and direction

Brad struggled with fully online study and wanted something more hands-on

Finding his trade

Brad pursued a plumbing apprenticeship and found the right support

Recognised and future-focused

Brad gained industry recognition and is preparing to become fully qualified

Seeking connections

Brad’s tertiary journey began during the pandemic, where he first studied property and real estate. Being 100 percent online, Brad struggled without the face-to-face connection and needed something more hands-on. After the lockdowns had ended, he applied for a plumbing apprenticeship - something he says was always in the back of his mind.

Working on site with qualified professionals who took pride in their work assured Brad he had made the right move. He found the other tradesmen to be welcoming, patient and willing to show him the ropes. Having supportive and helpful teachers at Swinburne also gave Brad the stability and connection he had been missing with his previous online study.

Brad works at a bench with tools and equipment inside a large industrial workshop.

Brad shapes copper pipes attached to a white board inside an industrial workshop.

Going for gold

In working for a company that specialises in commercial air conditioning, Brad says he has found fantastic industry mentors along with opportunities for future growth.

One of his favourite job sites so far has been a large metro office project where all the work was completed via exposed ducting - and therefore the finished look had to be precise. This project was a huge learning curve for Brad, where he was guided by expert tradesman who helped him grow in both skill and confidence.

In 2024, Brad was offered the chance to compete in the World Skills Championship regional competition, in which he won a gold medal for the Plumbing and Heating skill under the Construction and Building Technology trade area.

Brad acknowledges the work his Swinburne teachers put into preparing him for this, which allowed him to develop skills he may not have come across in his everyday work.

Finding your way

Brad is currently awaiting his final exams and looks forward to becoming fully qualified, and for the opportunities that lay ahead.

What advice does Brad have for those considering a trade? "It’s never too late. Doing a trade gives you hands-on experience, where you get immediate satisfaction from completing a job."

"If you surround yourself with the right people and the right support, and are willing to accept the help, you will have great job security and satisfaction."

Brad , Certificate III in Plumbing