TAFE helps turn Lachie’s life around

“I always wanted to be an electrician because my power point was too far away from my bed.”

That’s Lachlan Daley-Graham talking, joining Harrison Atkins to speak at the First Nations Clean Energy Symposium in a panel looking at building the necessary First Nations clean energy workforce.

Both completed an electrical apprenticeship through North Metropolitan TAFE in Western Australia, a program designed to increase retention rates of First Nations students.

Harry told the audience: “It really turned my life around”.

With assistance from PowerMaker and mentor Richard Watson, the TAFE has moved their pass-rate in the program from 10 per cent to 62 per cent.

First Nations electrical tradies

“In my job, I have used everything they covered in the course,” Lachlan said in a post on the First Nations Energy Network. “It was a welcoming experience — and to connect with Richard and Harry.”

Richard said throughout his career, he recognised First Nations people weren’t getting jobs – there were very few apprentices and no one up in higher management.

At the TAFE, he helped put in place Language, Literacy and Numeracy support, an extra 5 hours per fortnight to study, free accommodation, and other support mechanisms.

Both Harry and Lachlan are now working at UON PTY LTD, two First Nations electrical tradies helping to meet Australia’s shortfall.

To learn more go to: https://www.linkedin.com/company/first-nations-clean-energy-network/posts/?feedView=all