The Australian Government is working closely with states and territories to ensure the VET system works for students like Anthony Di Cristofaro, creating more opportunities to skill, reskill, and upskill, building pathways for lifelong learning.
Anthony’s career has taken him from working in the mining sector, becoming a qualified carpenter in the construction and fire protection industries, to him now providing training and mentorship services to people following a similar career path.
“As early back as high school, I can remember wanting to be a carpenter,” said Anthony. “But all the major influencers in my life, like my parents and schoolteachers, staunchly promoted university as the only way forward.”
Altering career path
In his third year studying psychology at university, Anthony made the momentous decision to alter his career path.
“This was during the mining boom here in Western Australia,” said Anthony. “Many of my friends worked in mining and were buying shiny cars, paying deposits for their first homes, and going on exotic holidays.”
So, Anthony left university and joined the mining sector. He initially landed an office job in information management through a family connection, before moving into general labouring work for a few years to earn good money.
“It was while I was working in mining that I laid down some good foundations as a young adult. I got married, bought a nice car, was able to live in a good area and enjoyed a good quality of life,” he said.
When the mining boom started to wane, Anthony had a good wake up call, with many retrenchments industry-wide and everybody competing for the same jobs.
“I realised I had no formal qualifications for skilled work and needed to make a plan to secure my future.”
This was when his love for carpentry came to the fore.
VET qualifications help achieve many milestones
“In my late 20’s I was able to secure a mature age carpentry apprenticeship with a large commercial builder,” said Anthony.
“While doing my apprenticeship and studying for my Certificate III in Carpentry and Joinery at TAFE, I achieved many milestones including seeing my family grow, buying our first home, and winning apprentice of the year at the WA Training Awards in my fourth year.”
After completing his apprenticeship, Anthony left construction and applied his skills as a tradie in the fire protection industry. A few years down the line when he was catching up with his apprenticeship mentor, he was made an offer he couldn’t refuse.
“My apprenticeship mentor in the construction sector started a business and offered me a job with excellent alignment to my experience and skills set,” said Anthony.
Anthony is a Senior Field Officer within the company, providing apprenticeship support. Since the company launched in 2019 providing services to about 20 apprentices, it has experienced phenomenal growth and now provides training and mentorship services to over 250 apprentices.
The Australian Government’s investment in the VET system through the National Skills Agreement is supporting more Australians to achieve success like Anthony’s and providing the skills Australia needs now and for the future.