How Support Led to Success: Sam’s Story

Sam was an adult apprentice, who just a few years ago found himself looking for a bigger challenge.

Fast forward a couple of years, and now he’s a fully qualified Boilermaker working on mining equipment.

Sam gives us an inside look at his experience working with MIGAS Apprentices & Trainees and host Bradken, and how the support of his dedicated field officer helped him achieve his career goals.

Sam started his career journey as an adult apprentice at a small fabrication workshop in Logan on Brisbane’s southside. After nearly two years in the workshop, Sam was looking for a bigger challenge and wanted to learn more skills.

“There was only one other tradesman in the workshop, and after two years I felt I had learnt all I could from my tradesman and was yearning to expand my skillset further,” Sam said.

Looking for an environment that would support him in his quest for further development, he got in touch with MIGAS to help him achieve his goals.

“I first heard of MIGAS at TAFE from other apprentices that spoke highly of their experience and the support they received.

“For me, it was a no brainer to reach out to MIGAS as the first stop on my job hunt, as I felt their offering was everything I was searching for to complete my trade,” Sam said.

Through MIGAS Sam was connected with host company Bradken where, over the last two years, he has worked on heavy fabrication of mining equipment including rotary coal breakers, large excavator buckets and dump truck trays.

Sam credits his success to the experience and support of his field officer, Linda, who mentored him through to the completion of his apprenticeship and assisted him through some of the tough times.

“Completing my apprenticeship through MIGAS meant that I always had someone in my corner to guide me through the rough patches,” Sam explained.

“My field officer Linda ensured that I was getting what I wanted to get out of my trade by constantly checking in with me and communicating any concerns I had directly with my supervisors.”

Sam says he owes his success to his host employer and to MIGAS for their support and encouragement.

“The exposure to the trade that I’ve now received is truly second to none,” he said.

“Now I’m at the end of my time with a great outlook to what the future may hold for me and I really owe my gratitude to both MIGAS and Bradken for this experience.”

Are you inspired by Sam’s success in his Apprenticeship? Maybe you like working with heavy machinery?

Learn more about Boilermaker Apprenticeships or check out available roles on our Jobs Board.