A Chester Hill local is gearing up to work on major infrastructure projects across Sydney after landing an apprenticeship with international construction company Multiplex straight after graduating from high school.

Kaitlyn Doan, 18, used her final years of high school to launch her career in the construction industry by studying a Certificate II in Construction Pathways at TAFE NSW Miller while she completed the HSC at Prairiewood High School.

She will now begin working on the $1 billion Westmead Redevelopment precinct, which is set to be the state’s largest hospital redevelopment project in history.

Kaitlyn said she was excited to help cement western Sydney’s future by working on some of the region’s biggest infrastructure projects.

“My TAFE NSW teachers were able to connect me to people at Multiplex when they delivered a talk in one of our classes. I was thrilled to find out I had been offered an apprenticeship with them all thanks to the support of my teachers,” Kaitlyn said.

“The course helped me build practical skills and industry-specific knowledge so now I am able to take a year off my apprenticeship,” Kaitlyn said.

​​​​​​​With carpentry currently facing a major skills shortage and wage subsidy funding by the federal government designed to help more apprentices into jobs, there has never been a better time to enrol in a construction course at TAFE NSW.

Multiplex Construction Manager Troy Rakecki said the Multiplex program is geared towards forging a career pathway for apprentices.

“Our apprentices are trained as future site supervisors so as well as being supported to develop in their chosen trade, they are given exposure to a variety of other trades and come away with a really well-rounded understanding of the different components that make up a construction site.”

TAFE NSW Carpentry teacher, Rodney Watts, said now was the time for school leavers to consider taking on a trade apprenticeship.

“TAFE NSW has over 25,000 employer connections, which allows our students to not only connect with industry but be well-positioned for job opportunities as soon as they graduate,” Mr Watts said. 

“Western Sydney is currently facing a construction boom with various housing developments, the airport and hospital redevelopments well underway. It’s the perfect time to secure an apprenticeship.”

To enrol in a construction course at TAFE NSW, visit www.tafensw.edu.au, or call 131 601

Media Contact: Jessica Cortis, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist.

[1] http://www.westmeadproject.health.nsw.gov.au/news-and-publications/latest-news/july-2018/new-fly-through-showcases-$1-billion-westmead-rede