March 20th 2009
Nicholas sets his own path to success
Nicholas Gagliano
Pilbara TAFE student Nicholas Gagliano is living proof that one course and a whole lot of determination can turn your life around.
The 22 year old explains how Woodside's Work Ready Program at Roebourne equipped him with a range of skills for employment and, more importantly, with the confidence to believe he could achieve it.
"I wasn't the best of students when I was at school so I didn't have a lot of options afterwards," Nicholas admits.
"The Work Ready Program qualified me for my first job as a Trades Assistant and after 7 weeks I was offered an apprenticeship, working at the Woodside operated Onshore Karratha Gas Plant through Apprenticeships Australia."
"I'm now enrolled in a Certificate III in Mechanical Fitting and in three and a half years I'll have a trade. That means I'll have more job security and the means to provide my kids, Mason and Tia, with a real future."
Nicholas says that although he's finding some of the study component tough, he's determined to keep at it.
"At the moment, a lot of the maths and the theory are all new to me. I know that once I'm on the job, it will make more sense. Once I start working with my hands rather than just reading from a book – then it will all come together. In the meantime, I just have to study extra hard and keep putting in late nights."
Apprenticeships Australia Apprentice Service Adviser, Dave Hilliard first met Nicholas when he applied for the apprenticeship and said his attitude was outstanding.
"Nicholas is inspirational for his work ethic and motivation to achieve the goals he has set himself. He used the Woodside Work Ready Program as a stepping stone to really go places and made the most of every opportunity," said Mr Hilliard.
Nicholas also credits his family as being a driving force behind his success.
"My sister, Dillia, and her husband, Clinton, they really encouraged me to come up here and make a go of it," said Nicholas.
"It's been hard being away from everyone but they've kept me strong. When I think of my parents, my girlfriend and my kids – all this hard work and extra study, it's worth it to make them proud."
Nicholas aims to use his own experience to help other Indigenous young people so that once he makes his mark as a Mechanical Fitter, he'd like to work as a mentor one day.
"I'd like to set a good example for my kids and show young Aboriginal people that they can aspire to any career they want."
For more information on Pilbara TAFE's apprenticeship courses, call 1300 304 244.
Media Contact: Kate Duff, Marketing & Communications
(08) 9159 6712
Kate.duff@pilbaratafe.wa.edu.au