05 Oct 2020

In school I felt like my future was already decided for me. Study hard, go to uni, get a good paying job. I was undecided about what exactly I wanted to do after school, but the one thing I knew for sure was I didn’t want to go to uni.

I never liked being chained to a desk, I guess I was just more hands-on than theoretical. I wanted to work sooner and earn the big bucks without spending more time at school and being thousands of dollars in debt.

The fact is, uni isn’t for everyone and it doesn’t have to be. Everyone has different needs, right? Uni is by no means the only option. An apprenticeship is a great decision, and I can assure you, you’ll never regret it. 

We interviewed Ashley Middleton, a pretty damn cool and hardworking 26-year-old bricklaying business owner who told us a little bit about why school wasn’t for him and why he’ll never regret doing an apprenticeship. 

You learn things aligned with your skills and interests

The biggest misconception about an apprenticeship is that you have to be a big, tough bloke who eats servo pies and choccy milks on their way to a construction site. 

Firstly, it’s 2020 and ladies can be tradies too. C’mon people.

Secondly, there’s certainly apprenticeships in your classic trades such as plumbing, bricklaying and carpentry, but there’s also a tonne of courses available in things you wouldn't expect.

Reckon you could be the next Masterchef? There’s apprenticeships in cookery and hospitality. Is your ‘plant mum’ status more than just a hobby? Try landscaping or horticulture. From hairdressing and jewellery making to becoming a jockey and shark tagging, not to mention graphic design, accounting, tourism and fitness, there are apprenticeships offered in more than 500 occupations. So, there has to be something that tickles your fancy!

Beyond there just being a tonne of different options – unlike school – you actually get to get hands-on and practical. Doing the things you’re interested in rather than just reading about it in a textbook. 

"School wasn’t my thing– academically I just wasn’t the best. However, I was always intrigued by bricklaying and had a footy coach who was a bricklayer. I always wanted to do it so I just asked around for work placements."

Ash told us that every school holidays he went and did bricklaying for two weeks throughout year 9 and 10 - and eventually this led him to an actual apprenticeship where he was able to focus on his career and chase his passion. 

Earn some decent dosh

It is possible to start a professional career doing something you love without being thousands of dollars in debt. Apprentices actually kill two birds with one stone. They earn money, while they learn, instead of accruing debt from uni. 

With experience also comes the opportunity to earn some decent cash. Considering the wage earned over a four-year carpentry apprenticeship compared to the average cost of a degree, an apprentice could come out around $150,000 ahead of a uni grad. Hooley dooley. Who the heck told people you’d only earn the big bucks if you go to uni?!

“Of course, having a business comes with pressure and responsibility but there are definitely plus sides too… I have a house with a pool, just bought another block of land. Have a motorbike and a boat. Even if I stopped tomorrow, I’m set up for life."

There are always jobs...anywhere in the world

Now is a bloody ripper time to start an apprenticeship because Australia needs more tradies. There’s always an infinite amount of work out there for you to complete.

Many of the skills you learn in an apprenticeship, you can take with you anywhere in the world. Every single country in the world needs qualified tradespeople! Doing an apprenticeship, especially a trade here on Aussie soil is highly valued internationally, so it’s not hard to find work if you are planning to head overseas.

There’s always room for progression

The beauty about apprenticeships is that there’s always a chance to climb the ladder (sometimes literally). There’s plenty of opportunities to build on your skills and continue to learn and work your way into different areas of the industry. 

You may even be able to start your own business one day. The sky's the limit. Ash started in his industry when he was 16 and is now has his own business by 26 – well ahead of the game! 

“I worked for myself since the age of 21 – my OG apprenticeship boss is now my ‘rival’ – but we have a tight relationship and we give each other work and help each other out."  

You’ll love your job

Ask anyone who has done an apprenticeship and they’ll tell you they are pretty bloody satisfied with their working life.

“You definitely have to be ready to be tough and grind – but it’s an awesome career path and I really appreciate where I am”. 

If you're keen to get started and apply for an apprenticeship or traineeship check out VERTO. Or if you’re wanting to upskill, suss out VERTO Training.