Flash forward after leaving school and Maggie found herself in full time administration work, which she wasn’t particularly enjoying but it paid the bills. When Maggie saw a position advertised for a painter her passion for hands-on work and a desire for a trades career was reignited. With a push from her family and friends, Maggie decided to stop thinking about the career path she really wanted to do and to take the first steps to fulfilling her dream.
Maggie soon found an opportunity to start an apprenticeship with local Toowoomba painting firm A & R Painting, a respected domestic and commercial painting firm in the Toowoomba region and surrounds. With support from BUSY At Work, Maggie was signed into her apprenticeship and employed by A & R Painting late last year – and she hasn’t looked back since!
Her employer, Brendan Asmussen, owner operator of A & R Painting, believes Maggie has what it takes to excel in her trade, stating “Maggie is fantastic, she’s only in her first year of the apprenticeship but already she is working to a third or fourth year standard. The best quality to have when entering an apprenticeship is a willingness to learn. Maggie not only learns on the job but in her spare time does her own research, she’s super focussed”.
Maggie said “Going into this line of work has brought out all the best in me! I am now motivated and optimistic. I take pride in my job and this has really surprised me, I haven’t felt this before in the past. My job before didn’t feel like a career, this does and I feel more healthier, mentally and physically, than ever before. If you are a female and unsure about a non-traditional trade, painting is a great trade to start with as you learn so much more than just painting. I’ve learnt a bit of woodwork, scaffolding and teamwork skills too, along with painting skills”.
“I appreciate Brendan and Natalie for everything they do for our team, and Andy, my mentor. They have all been immensely supportive towards my training and I hold them in high regard”, Maggie further stated.
Managing Director for BUSY At Work, an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network provider, Paul Miles stated, “Maggie’s story is a great example for more women who are considering entering a non-traditional trade pathway. With skills shortages in many trades, we are seeing growing interest from women in these career pathways, which offer security and better remuneration. Our BUSY Sisters in Trades program can also offer mentoring support for women entering the trades, further supporting women like Maggie to excel in their chosen career!”
For more information on A & R Painting in Toowoomba visit https://www.arpainting.net.au/
For more information on BUSY Sisters in Trades and Australian Apprenticeship Support Network Services visit https://www.busyatwork.com.au/busy-sisters-in-trades/
MEDIA CONTACT:
Michelle Ryan, BUSY At Work
0407 169 029 or email michelle.ryan@busyatwork.com.au
