A Border man who left school early to pursue a trade through TAFE NSW is encouraging local teens to consider launching their careers sooner through an apprenticeship.

Wodonga’s Ben Kemp, 26, left school in year 11 to complete an automotive mechanic apprenticeship before retraining as a roof plumber, an in-demand trade experiencing critical shortages across Australia.

A report from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) found that 95.4% of trade students were employed after completing their qualifications, compared to 78.5% of university graduates who secured full-time work within six months.

Ben, now a qualified roof plumber with Tonkin Group, says his decision to pursue trades training at TAFE NSW Albury gave him the skills, flexibility and financial stability to support his young family.

“As a young dad, I wanted to be in a trade that could support my family, and I was earning more as a first-year roof plumbing apprentice than I was as a qualified mechanic,” he says.

“School really wasn’t for me, and I jumped at the opportunity to get on the tools. More young people should see trades as a great career path.”

For the past three years, Ben has attended TAFE NSW Albury one day a week, gaining hands-on experience and learning the practical skills needed to succeed in the industry.

“The course is just like real industry work and the teachers are so supportive,” he says.

“Working for Tonkin Group has been incredible and with the skills I’ve gained, I could even run my own business one day.”

TAFE NSW Albury plumbing teacher Geoff Burt says Ben’s journey shows how trades can offer rewarding and well-paid careers.

“Any trade is a good trade in Australia right now, and someone like Ben could quickly be earning six figures after finishing their apprenticeship,” Geoff says.

“TAFE NSW provides real-world training, small class sizes and strong support to help students become job-ready in industries crying out for skilled workers.”