Tori's story

Slow start to apprenticeship

Tori is currently completing her apprenticeship in a positive environment that champions her learning. However, her first day as an apprentice with a previous employer served as a hard learning experience. Toxic work culture, poor management and wage theft left her feeling stuck.

Tori completed her pre-apprenticeship at Swinburne's Croydon campus at the start of 2020. While she was work-ready, finding work itself was not easy. "It took me around six months to find someone willing to take me on as an apprentice," she says. After an intensive search, Tori finally found an employer.

From bad to worse

Unfortunately, the workplace was hostile from the start. Tori was expected to run job sites on her own and perform other tasks above her qualification. She was even scolded when asking for help. However, Tori was apprehensive to leave due to the difficulty in getting into this apprenticeship, especially as a female.

"I knew things were not right, but I let it slide because I was worried about losing my job," she says. This employer would eventually withhold over $2,000 plus superannuation from Tori.

Tangible support from Swinburne

Tori eventually wanted a way out and spoke to Jane Clancy – the manager of carpentry and bricklaying courses at Swinburne and an advocate for women in the industry. She agreed to help and introduced Tori to David Clark – a Student Success Coach at Swinburne specialising in construction.

"Everyone was super lovely. They took a look at my resume and sent it out. I got a new job on the same day."

David, along with the Skills and Jobs Centre at Swinburne, helped Tori get in touch with employers seeking apprentices. "Everyone was super lovely. They took a look at my resume and sent it out. I got a new job on the same day," says Tori.

Tori is now able to focus on fighting her wage theft case. She also understands her rights as an apprentice. "Holding onto your job may not be the best thing for you," says Tori. She now works in an environment where she can expand her skillset and build a successful career in carpentry.