Joseph Anderson is from the Warlpiri Warramunga tribe located in the Northern Territory and by mid-2016 he will be a qualified electrician, having completed all of the requirements of his apprenticeship. Joe is currently employed by Connex Solutions.
“It took a while before I was able to attain an apprenticeship. I applied for so many jobs with no luck, but it finally worked out after being referred to Connex Solutions and being offered work experience for about 3 weeks in 2012″ Joe said.
Whilst studying a certificate III in Electrotechnology at TAFESA, Tonsley Campus, he found it challenging at times but asking questions and seeking support from his lecturers and peers have made it possible to complete this aspect of his apprenticeship. Another requirement along with on-the-job training is e-profiling which is an electronic database recording all construction apprentices workplace activity to ensure they’re competent in all aspects of their trade. Connex Solutions have also given their apprentices the opportunity to upskill with Joe recently completing modules to add communications to his skill base.
As an electrical apprentice Joe is having experience working on residential, commercial and industrial worksites and includes tasks such as installing lights & power, service work, break downs as well as communications supply including telephone and internet connection. In his final year of his apprenticeship Joe has also been given a work van in order for him to get to multiple sites throughout the day.
“Joe came to Connex Solutions to complete work experience through a personal referral. At the time we were not looking to take on any additional apprentices but were so impressed with Joe’s professionalism, attitude towards work & customer services. It would have been our loss if we didn’t take him on, so soon after we offered Joe an electrical apprenticeship which he gladly accepted. Since then Joe has thrived in the company completing all TAFE studies and doing everything that was asked of him and now out in a service vehicle he’s become an extremely important part of our team” Connex Solutions Director Brad Walton said.
With an AFL career lasting 4 years (2007-2010) totalling 17 games with Carlton FC along with 60 VFL games, Joe was delisted and found himself at SANFL Club, Sturt FC over 2011 and 2012 seasons. Now in his fourth season with the North Adelaide Roosters FC (2013-current), Joe is on his way to 100 State League games in the SANFL. It takes a lot of commitment, resilience and motivation to juggle a full-time job along with SANFL requirements with North Adelaide which involves Joe leaving home at 6am in the morning for work and getting home after 8pm from training most nights.
When asked about the support from DSD’s Aboriginal Apprenticeship Program Joe said the following; “I think mentoring is very important as it helps me to continually improve as an apprentice/employee. The relationship Kriston has with me and my employer is reassuring as I have someone to turn to if I have any issues during my apprenticeship”.
“A bit of advice for anyone looking for work or an apprenticeship would be to put yourself out there by dropping your resume into businesses, enrol in a course that leads to the trade you’re interested in and if you’re in an apprenticeship always ask questions and seek feedback from your tradesman” Joe said.