Success Stories

The Heir Apparent Apprentice Luke Newman - Morningside Keen skateboarder and graphic artist, Luke Newman is now ‘clipping’ his way to a new career as an apprentice barber at the Morningside Barbershop – an ‘old-world’ style barbershop. The 27 year old developed a love for the traditional barbershop during a skateboard safari in the USA. “I was living at this place next to a barbershop in the US and it dawned on me that I passionately wanted to be a barber.

“But the transition wasn't easy. Because I was in my mid-twenties, I was considered a mature aged apprentice on apprentice wages which meant moving back home with mum and dad. “But it’s all been worthwhile. Tony’s is an inspirational boss, the old-world barbershop is a great environment in which to work and everyday I’m learning something new about the trade. Morningside Barbershop owner, Mr Tony Tavner-Corner said it is all about attitude and Luke’s got the right attitude to succeed in this industry.

Mr Mark Berlese, General Manager of Sarina Russo Apprenticeship Services said Luke is a great role people who want to enter a trade as a mature-aged apprentice. “Luke is fortunate he has a boss who understands the need to create a learning environment where Luke is treated as a learner, as well as a valuable employee.  “If employers want employees who are better educated and more aware, they need to contribute to their learning.

“The apprenticeship system is an effective vehicle for work based learning which gives people an opportunity to do real work and receive real pay while undertaking relevant training which takes them another step along the route of their chosen career. Employers are now looking for ways to attract and retain bright, reliable and motivated people within their businesses to meet their skill demands. They realise that to ensure the quality and quantity of their workforce they need to employ Australian Apprentices and grow their own skilled workforce.

“Sarina Russo Apprenticeship Services’ priority is to educate employers about the need for apprentices to complete their training. “Apprentices also have to be educated not to stop their apprenticeship for the lure of short-term, full-time money because the benefits of completing their trade will put them in a more advantageous position in the long-term,” Mr Berlese said.

Engineering a Career in a Man's World Holly Rasmussen - Icon Equipment Fuelled by a mix of determination and enthusiasm, apprentice mechanical engineer Holly Rasmussen is beating the odds. Icon Equipment, Managing Director, David Perryman said female mechanical engineers were a rare breed and Holly was pioneering a successful career in the male dominated trade.

“It’s all about attitude and Holly’s got the right attitude to succeed in this industry. “I wish I could have two or three more apprentices like Holly,” Mr Perryman said. Holly said she loves what she does and is thankful that Icon Equipment gave her a go. “I love a challenge and I’m determined to prove that I’m the best mechanical engineering apprentice that I can be, Holly said. Mr Mark Berlese, General Manager of Sarina Russo Apprenticeship Services said Holly is a great role model for women who want to enter traditionally male-dominated skilled trades.

“Holly is fortunate she has a boss who understands the need to create a learning environment where Holly is treated as a learner, as well as worker.  “If employers want employees who are better educated and more aware, they need to contribute to their learning. “The apprenticeship system is an effective vehicle for work based learning which gives people an opportunity to do real work and receive real pay while undertaking relevant training which takes them another step along the route of their chosen career. “Employers are now looking for ways to attract and retain bright, reliable and motivated people within their businesses to meet their skill demands.  They realise that to ensure the quality and quantity of tradespeople they need to employ Australian Apprentices and grow their own skilled workforce.

"Sarina Russo Apprenticeship Service's priority is to educate employers about the need for apprentices to complete their training. It is crucial to their business and basic numeracy. “Apprentices also have to be educated not to stop their apprenticeship for the lure of short-term, full-time money because the benefits of completing their trade will put them in a more advantageous position in the long-term,” Mr Berlese said.