Bremer TAFE connects local man with his dream career
The Bremer Institute of TAFE has assisted Bellbird Park resident Raymond Walters to begin a new career, ending15 years of unemployment.
Mr Walters recently completed Pre-vocational Certificate III in Heavy Fabrication Engineering at The Bremer Institute of TAFE, studying full-time over a six-month period.
He gained theoretical and practical experience in a wide range of areas including casting and moulding, boilermaking, sheet metal fabrication, patternmaking, surfacing, finishing and welding.
After finishing school, Mr Walters worked as a commercial fisherman on a scallop trawler but always had a keen interest in welding.
"After being a stay-at-home Dad for a long time I realised I wanted more from life and contacted TAFE about finally doing a welding course," he said.
After completing the course, Mr Walters went straight into the workforce working as a boilermaker in Carole Park.
When this contract suddenly ended, he quickly secured another position at Wacol, through a recruitment agency which places apprentices with host companies on a contract basis.
It will take Mr Walters four years to complete his apprenticeship to become a qualified boilermaker, after which he hopes to secure full-time employment or start his own welding business locally.
Mr Walters said TAFE courses would help you "if you help yourself".
"People need to be open to changing their life and this course gives them the means to do it," he said.
Mr Walters said he valued the ongoing support of the program and Institute, even after the course was completed.
"Studying made me interested in finding work again. I'm enjoying having money in my pocket knowing that I worked hard for it.
"It means a lot to my kids as well - they are very proud of their Dad now," Mr Walters said.
Institute Director at The Bremer Institute of TAFE Ms Julia Thaggard said Mr Walters' successful journey of study through to employment was inspirational.
"After six months of study Mr Walters has achieved his dream of working in the welding industry and has a promising career ahead of him.
"The Institute strives to provide industry focussed education and training to ease the unemployment cycle so many people experience," Ms Thaggard said.
For more information about courses available at The Bremer Institute of TAFE call 07 3817 3000 or visit www.bremer.tafe.qld.gov.au.