Apprenticeships – Josh’s Story

Joshua Toomey joined Ausgrid in 2006 through its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pre-Apprenticeship Program.

With focus, dedication and commitment, Joshua gained a highly sought after Australian Apprenticeship with the company and his story has been featured in this year’s Closing the Gap Prime Minister's Report.

As part of his apprenticeship, Joshua received a Certificate III in Electricity Supply Industry - Distribution (Power Line) and is now enjoying a career as a fully qualified Electrical Linesman.

“Over the four years of my apprenticeship I had challenging times. I find now, being a tradesman, it was one of the best decisions I ever made,’ Josh said.

“Doing an apprenticeship brought a sense of direction with my income and having that piece of paper that says I am qualified, I am a tradesman, assures me that there is some sort of direction in my life.

“Probably the best aspect of my apprenticeship has been the self-belief I built inside. Also, the income. I can now support my family and go out and get nice things and live a lifestyle that I've always hoped for,” Josh said.

Joshua's achievements throughout his training reflect his determination to succeed, particularly as he began his pre-apprenticeship course with only basic literacy and numeracy skills after dropping out of school.

“Before I had never committed to finishing anything, but I worked hard and kept it simple. I found extra help and just kept coming back. My teachers and employers walked with me every step of the way,” Josh said.

Joshua has not only transformed his own life but also the lives of many other young Indigenous Australians.

With an understanding of the barriers that face many Indigenous people both during and after their schooling, Josh is now strongly involved in Ausgrid’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pre-Apprenticeship Program, where he actively mentors and supports new apprentices. Being involved in the delivery of the program that was the catalyst for his own life changes, Josh is enjoying assisting others who are taking their first steps towards a career in the electricity industry.

Josh was the winner of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year Award at the 2011 Australian Training Awards.