We dropped in on-site to chat with trainer Joshua Mills, who’s been training apprentices with CWBTS for over 13 years.
If you’re thinking of becoming a trainer yourself or want to see what’s involved in undertaking your apprenticeship, check out the whole interview below.
Trainer Name: Joshua Mills
Age: 37
Industry Experience (in years): 20 Years
Current Job Title: CWBTS Training Manager
Q. What motivated you to become a tradesman in building and construction:
I came from a family of tradesmen and I followed in my father’s footsteps and took up carpentry as a career choice when I finished school.
Q. How did you become a trainer:
I was given the opportunity to become a trainer and assessor in 2006 for CWBTS and I have been working here ever since.
Q. What’s the best part about being a trainer:
You are assisting young men and women develop life skills through passing on your skills and knowledge of the industry. It is rewarding to see the next generation of tradies grow and develop their skills through training.
Q. Do you use different training methods in your delivery:
As a trainer and assessor, it is important to use different training methods in your delivery. No two students are the same and being able to identify what training methods work best with particular students is an important part of the trainer and assessors’ jobs.
Q. What’s the student / employer feedback on our worksite delivery:
We have lots of happy clients who love our onsite delivery. The way I look at it, the worksite is the best classroom a student can have.
Q. What qualifications do you hold:
Certificate III in Carpentry, Certificate III in Formwork / Falsework and Certificate III in Concreting.
Q. What is your average day / week like (what do you do?):
Onsite visits with students and employers delivering training. This may include theory and practical assessment in the workplace and chatting with the employer about the apprentice’s progression on the tools. I also spend time in the office marking assessments, helping with compliance and assisting with queries from our trainers.
Q. What do you do for fun:
I enjoy spending time with my young family and friends, taking the boat out for a fish, having a hit of golf and watching the footy.
Q. What’s the best thing about building and construction:
We are part of someone’s largest investment they will make in their life. Seeing happy clients enjoying a new home or renovation or being part of a team working on a landmark building or high-rise construction is a special feeling.
Q. What’s the best thing about being a trainer:
Being able to assist and help with an apprentice’s growth not only as a tradesperson but as a human being. At the end of an apprenticeship there is satisfaction knowing that that person has a skill for life and they can use it to better their life.
Q. From your experiences, what makes a good trainer?
Someone who can adapt quickly to any situation and be willing to go above and beyond the normal roles of the job.
Q. Any advice for tradie’s looking to break into the training industry?
Ensure you have a good knowledge of your trade, be willing to take advice from trainers and know that there is a lot of paperwork as part of the job.
Legend. Thanks Josh!
Want to get going on your apprenticeship or don’t know where to start? We will support you from start to finish, from providing ongoing training and support to finding the right employer for you.
For more info, give the guys a call on 1300 4 CWBTS (1300 4 29287) or drop us an enquiry here.
There’s currently a huge demand for trainers in building and construction. Check out our jobs board for opportunities, and please get in touch if you think training might be a carer for you.
