Building a Carpentry Career from the Ground Up

Ten months ago, Harry Steptoe was finishing his carpentry apprenticeship with MIGAS and host employer, Clarke Constructions.

Today, he's overseeing his first home build from the ground up, a two-storey house that started the year as a blank patch of grass and is now nearing handover.

"They say you learn the most in your first year being qualified," Harry said.

"As an apprentice you learn the hands-on skills of the trade. But not how to manage ten different trades at the same time."

The shift from apprentice to overseeing a full job has meant learning skills well beyond the tools.

"It's taught me better people skills more than anything, along with organisation and management," he said, crediting experienced mentors at Clarke's for helping him through the transition.

Down the track, Harry may find himself teaching those same skills to someone else. For now, first-year MIGAS apprentice Dylan is working alongside him on the build, learning the trade from the ground up in the most literal sense.

Frames are up, the roof's on, and cabinetry is going in, with handover only weeks away. For anyone finishing their own apprenticeship soon, Harry's advice is straightforward.

"Take everything in your stride," he said.

"You do not know everything, and every day will be a learning curve. Show the right intent and skill set, and you'll be setting yourself up for a fruitful career."