[On-screen text: Koolyn, Electrical apprentice]
Koolyn: Before beginning my apprenticeship, I was at a really rough part of my life. With the help of my partner, I decided to get into an apprenticeship or at least try and look for work in the construction industry. I really liked the work, liked being on a construction site, but it wasn't really a career for me.
And that's when I made the decision to apply for an apprenticeship. It's crazy the amount of people that you have in your corner, the amount of people that you can rely on for support. That could be anybody from mentors, teachers at your trade school.
The thing that I love most about my job specifically, because I'm working on Victoria's Big Build - I'm working on the level crossing removal project - there's always something different from day to day, work on all the communication and data side of things.
It's never too late to start and turn your life around and work towards that end goal of becoming qualified in the trade of your choice. The best thing about an apprenticeship is that you get to learn while you earn. If there are any young indigenous people, boys or girls, not quite sure what they want to do with life - they feel like they're at a crossroads - there's nothing better than beginning an apprenticeship.
My apprenticeship has changed my life. One day I'd like to have my own company and provide opportunities for my community.
[On-screen text: Learn and earn. vic.gov.au/learnandearn]
[End transcript]
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