Tradie Career Provides an Electric Youth

If variety is the spice of life, then electrician James Park has it made.

A typical day for the Logan resident could include anything from conducting a generator call out for Telstra to getting into the tropical spirit by refurbishing electrical and gas generators on Stradbroke Island.

Having been snapped up by the power generator company he completed the last leg of his electrical apprenticeship with Shellby Power, the electrician has mastered the art of working with generators to power up stations and resorts in the most efficient way possible.

“I’ve always been fascinated by how electricity works and how power is generated, as it is all around us and we rely on it for so much. I love the ‘cause and effect’ element of what I do – to know how to hook up sites after a major blackout to give power back to everyone is a big rush,” said James.

The focused sparkie said making his way through the Certificate III in Electrotechnology was a particularly rewarding element of his apprenticeship.

“Electrical subjects are known to be one of the hardest TAFE offers, so getting through that represented a major milestone for me.

It was challenging to get my head around, and when it all clicked into place it was a great feeling,” said James.

“I also love knowing I’ll always have that certificate to fall back on.”

James also remembered fondly the experience of working on five generators for a large power company and helping design the ‘Rolls Royce’ of generators that required the most advanced electrical control systems and technology.

“It was a real step up for me at the time and was a good feeling to successfully complete the project and hear great reports back about the job,” said James.

James said there were countless benefits of completing an apprenticeship with MIGAS.

“I started in my mid-teens as a school-based apprentice and the experience turned me into the man I am today. It taught me about discipline, respect, focus and work ethic,” said James.

“Now I’m a tradie the hours are good, I’m paid well and I’m learning skills I can also use to get things done for myself. I’m looking into getting my contractor’s license soon and then I’ll be able to renovate my own house. It doesn’t get much better than that.”

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