Moving and Shaking: Kritesh's Apprenticeship Journey
MIGAS Fitter Welder Apprentice alum, Kritesh, who completed his training with host company O'Brien Boiler Services.
We look at the incredible journey of one of our former MIGAS apprentices Kritesh Chand, who with the support of his Host Employer and MIGAS, completed his Fitter Welder Apprenticeship in 2018.
Kritesh gives us an inside look at his apprenticeship experience and how it helped him build his career as a Service Engineer.
When using the word ‘journey’ to describe Kritesh’s experience, it can be used in more than just the metaphorical sense. Brisbane-based Kritesh actually packed his bags and moved to Melbourne to complete the first year of his apprenticeship.
“At the age of 18 I had been given the opportunity for an apprenticeship in Melbourne, which meant moving from Brisbane. I didn’t think twice and made my move with my family’s support and based myself in the Western suburbs of Melbourne.”
Kritesh recalls feeling slightly homesick to begin with, but these feelings were short-lived as soon as he started his apprenticeship with O’Brien Boiler Services.
“The first day at O’Brien was so comfortable and the presence of welcoming could be felt, everyone introduced themselves and assured that they were there to help,” he said.
The support and encouragement were not just an introductory exercise though – this continued all the way through Kritesh’s apprenticeship, and this team-oriented spirit followed him back home to Brisbane when he had an opportunity to transfer in his second year.
“From my first year to my final year, I was surrounded by many years of experience and knowledge. After my first year, I had the chance to be transferred back to Brisbane and to work with people who are now like family to me,” he said.
“The team took me under their wing and supported and trained me to be one of the best, to be an asset to the company and not a number, starting from basics to the most advanced technology and control systems our field has ever seen.”
Relishing in the opportunity to apply himself, Kritesh impressed and made such an impact with his Host Employer that in his final year he was nominated for the prestigious MIGAS MiScholarship awards where he won the Excellence in Trades category, beating out dozens of other talented young tradespeople to the title.
Kritesh credits his success as an apprentice to the many mentors he had throughout his apprenticeship who have helped him get to where he is today.
“For someone that has gone from an apprentice to a Service Engineer, I feel proud and honoured to have a great team behind me guiding my every move,” he said.
Kritesh provided some words of wisdom for anyone looking at starting a trade apprenticeship.
“For all the future and current apprentices out there, who are looking for the same outcome as me, I say ‘do it’.
“Give it everything you have and commit to this journey – it may be long and steep but you won’t be alone with all the support and guidance to help you pave the career that you want. This is the best start.”
Are you inspired by Kritesh’s story and want to start your own apprenticeship journey? Find out more about Fitter and Turner Apprenticeships and visit our Jobs Board for currently available positions.