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Young, wired and off to a flying start

Mitchell Bellenger completed his HSC at the end of 2008, and now just a few months later, is already into his third year as an apprentice electrician.

The 18 year old began a school based apprenticeship in year 11 and was able to make his TAFE studies count toward his HSC. Last year his efforts were recognised when he was announced a finalist in the school based apprentice of the year at the NSW State Training Awards.

Mitchell is now taking advantage of the fact he is already half way through his apprenticeship with a two years advantage over other HSC graduates.

“As a third year apprentice, I can work more independently,” says Mitchell. “I love my work, everyday and every job is different with its own unique challenges.”

Mitchell’s interest in becoming an electrician came about after spending school holidays working with local business Sloan Electrics.

“The work was interesting and I enjoyed it, so I began a school based apprenticeship which combined school and TAFE studies, and allowed my TAFE modules to count towards my HSC,” recalls Mitchell who enrolled at Riverina Institute’s Wagga Wagga Campus.

“Learning things like formulas at TAFE tied in nicely with what I was doing at school and helped me with HSC Maths and Physics making it much easier.”

Mitchell says he enjoyed the practical component of TAFE the most because it helped him learn about the physical aspects of the job.

“Because I was still at school and wasn’t working full time and therefore wasn’t doing as much practical work as some of the other apprentices, the practical side of things at TAFE was really good.”

Mitchell says undertaking a school based apprenticeship was busy at times and credits the support of his family for helping him through.
“I couldn’t have done what I’ve done without the support of my family,” he said.

Mitchell hopes to study an electrical engineering degree once he has finished his apprenticeship and has long term ambitions to take on the family business. But for now, his sights are set on developing his wealth of skills and experience to become one of our region’s next master electricians.