Tradie on Track: Award-Winning Apprentice Builds Confidence in His Craft

The Mount Isa local had already begun his journey through a school-based heavy diesel fitting apprenticeship with MRAEL and Sandvik Mining during his final year of school, making the transition from student to apprentice a seamless one.

Now twenty-one and in the fourth year of his apprenticeship, Jett spends his days rebuilding and maintaining underground mining equipment. His career path was driven by an early interest in cars and mechanical work, which was strengthened through work experience opportunities while he was still at school.

“I’d heard about school-based apprenticeships and how beneficial they could be for your future, and it was something I was quite interested in,” Jett said. “I just didn’t really know specifically what I wanted to do. Once I had the opportunity to do some work experience, I really enjoyed it and knew it was something I wanted to pursue.”

Like many apprentices, Jett faced challenges along the way, particularly when it came to confidence in his own abilities. Early in his apprenticeship, he often questioned whether he was progressing quickly enough, but over time he learnt to trust the process and focus on continual improvement.

“At the start, I had a lot of self-confidence issues. I was always thinking I wasn’t doing well enough or that I was never going to make it,” Jett said. “I’ve since learnt to take it one day at a time. You’re going to make mistakes and have a hard time sometimes, but you always seem to get through. I think I’ve learnt that it’s okay not to know everything. As long as I just keep working, learning, listening and doing my best.”

That dedication and willingness to learn recently earned Jett recognition as TAFE Queensland Mount Isa’s Diesel Fitter Apprentice of the Year for Trade Excellence.

“It was a bit surreal, to be honest,” he said. “I was super grateful and very humbled to receive the award. It really solidified for me what it means to work hard and do well at work. It was really awesome for my career too, having all the hard work I’ve put in recognised like that.”

Throughout his apprenticeship, MRAEL has remained a consistent source of support, helping guide him from his school-based apprenticeship through to his fourth year. Regular check-ins and ongoing assistance have helped ensure he has felt supported every step of the way.

“They’re really supportive. Anytime I’ve had a question or an inquiry about something, I’ve leaned on them and they’ve helped me out straight away,” Jett said. “It’s been really good feeling supported by the company that’s managing you.”

Jett also credits the team at Sandvik Mining for helping him develop both his technical skills and confidence in the workplace.

“Everyone’s supportive and helpful and keen to show you things if you’re keen to learn,” he said. “A lot of the tradies I’ve worked with along the way have taught me things that I still use now. I’m really grateful for those opportunities.”

For Jett, one of the biggest lessons from his apprenticeship has been recognising the value of staying open to learning and making the most of the knowledge shared by others around him.

“For me, one of the most important things has been learning to be humble, to listen to people who have something to share and take it on board,” he said. “Don’t get to the point where you think you know enough. Just continuously be teachable and keen to learn.”

As he nears the completion of his apprenticeship, Jett is looking forward to taking the next step in his career while continuing to build his future in the community he calls home.

“I love Mount Isa. I grew up here and I’m here with my wife, and we’re building a future here,” he said. “It’s a really tight-knit little community and I really like it here.”

With qualification now in sight, Jett is excited about the opportunities ahead and the many pathways available within the industry.

“It’s going to be awesome. I’m very keen to start the next step in my career, keep building and learning and just enjoying it,” he said. “It’s quite a big industry and there are lots of different pathways you can take. It’ll be really cool to become qualified and then keep learning more. I can’t wait.”

Jett’s journey highlights the value of starting early through a school-based apprenticeship, embracing every learning opportunity and staying committed to personal and professional growth. Through the support of MRAEL, Sandvik Mining and the people around him, he has developed the skills, confidence and experience needed to build a successful career in the mining industry.