A Broken Hill apprentice has won a TAFE NSW Excellence Award after making a late career change to the electrical industry to build a secure foundation for his young family.

31-year-old Christian Parker studied a Certificate III Electrotechnology Electrician at TAFE NSW Broken Hill and was named the Infrastructure, Energy and Construction Student of the Year for the western region after being nominated by his teachers.

“Before starting my apprenticeship and studies, I was a team leader at a hardware store and my wife and I had just had our first child,” said Christian.

“I chose to pursue a career in the electrical industry and study at TAFE NSW because I enjoy the challenges and the diversity of the industry.

“Taking the leap and starting an apprenticeship as a mature-age apprentice was a big decision, especially balancing my personal and professional priorities, but it was worth the risk.”

TAFE NSW Head Teacher Electrical, Philip Redenbach, nominated Christian for his motivation and commitment to his new career and studies.

“Christian absolutely deserves this award,” said Mr Redenbach. “He was a stand-out student at TAFE NSW Broken Hill, earning consistently high results and showing leadership to his peers.

“This award reflects not just Christian’s hard work, but also the quality, hands-on training TAFE NSW provides students to help them with their career ambitions at any stage of life,” Mr Redenbach said.

Christian now works at Vertex Power and Process in Broken Hill, and said he enjoys the diversity the industry, gaining experience with a range of electrical installations from high voltage transmission sites to domestic residences.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my time at TAFE NSW Broken Hill campus and found it to be a supportive and practical learning environment,” said Christian.

“I believe no matter what stage you are in your life, restarting and doing an apprenticeship is definitely achievable if you put your mind to it.

“It doesn't matter if you're straight out of school or you didn't finish, there are pathways available with TAFE NSW to ensure a stable and secure career.”

Media contact: Amy Johnson, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, amy.johnson87@tafensw.edu.au, 02 7921 0354.