From Apprentice to Employer: Passing the opportunity on

As Skillinvest celebrates 40 years, we’re sharing some of the many stories that reflect the people, opportunities and partnerships that have been part of our journey.

For Dan Leahy of Far West Framing, completing his Building & Construction training with Skillinvest was an early step in a journey that has taken him from apprentice to business owner, and now employer to the next generation of tradespeople.

Dan completed his apprenticeship in February 2021 and has now been running Far West Framing for close to five years, specialising in both steel and timber framing.

For Dan, the appeal of carpentry has always been the hands-on nature of the work and the satisfaction of seeing what can be achieved in a day.

“I loved the physical side of the job and the satisfaction of seeing a whole house come together, often in a single day,” Dan said.

Building the confidence to go out on his own

While running his own business had always been a goal, Dan says the experience and responsibility he was given during his own apprenticeship helped make that ambition feel achievable.

Working with Allan at Second To None Carpentry, Dan was given opportunities to lead others early in his career, helping him learn how to manage people and larger crews.

“Being a leading hand for Allan gave me the confidence to go out on my own without it feeling like too big of a leap,” Dan said.

His apprenticeship also reinforced the value of learning on the job.

“I hated the classroom environment, so I really enjoyed the one-on-one onsite option. Having Glenn there and being so helpful and easy to talk to was amazing.”

That support came from Glenn Powell, who was Dan’s Building & Construction trainer at Skillinvest and is now Skillinvest’s General Manager of Training.

For Dan, that relationship with Skillinvest didn’t finish when he completed his own apprenticeship. It has continued as his business has grown and he has taken on apprentices of his own.

“Skillinvest has been incredible for me. Glenn was there from signing me up to now calling every so often just to check in on the business and offer advice,” Dan said.

“They’ve always been more than happy to help and give extra time to my boys.”

From apprentice to employing apprentices

Today, Dan is helping young people begin the same journey he once took, with eight apprentices currently signed up with Far West Framing.

His first apprentice, Chris, became qualified earlier this year, while Luke has also recently completed his apprenticeship. Another apprentice who joined during Dan’s first year in business is also approaching completion.

For Dan, bringing apprentices into the business is about more than growing his workforce. He enjoys seeing young people arrive eager to learn and gradually develop their skills and confidence.

“Having young people come through is great because they’re super keen and hungry to learn,” Dan said.

“There’s nothing better than the boys asking when they can try something, or seeing them sneak off to have a crack at something they haven’t had the chance to do before.”

Two of those journeys particularly stand out.

Chris, Dan’s first apprentice, came to Australia as a first-generation immigrant and started out relatively quiet while also working through a language barrier. Now qualified, he is confidently running a crew and helping guide newer apprentices coming through the business.

Luke has also recently qualified and has become Dan’s second-in-charge. He can manage a crew as well as coordinate bookings and deliveries with builders, taking significant responsibility off Dan’s shoulders.

“I often had builders referring to Luke as my qualified carpenter when he was only a second-year apprentice,” Dan said.

Having a go and learning from mistakes

Having experienced both sides of an apprenticeship, first as an apprentice himself and now as an employer, Dan’s advice to anyone considering a career in Building & Construction is simple: be willing to have a go.

“Be prepared to get dirty and try some things you’re not quite ready for,” he said.

“My best apprentices have always been the ones prepared to try something new. They’ve made plenty of mistakes, but by making those mistakes early, they’ve been able to learn from them so much quicker.”

Dan’s journey reflects how one opportunity can lead to another. The support and hands-on learning that helped him find his feet in the industry are now being passed on through Far West Framing to a new generation of apprentices.

From being supported through his own apprenticeship to now supporting eight apprentices within his business, Dan is proud to remain part of the Skillinvest story.