Riley and his family have been empowered by local training

Riley’s journey into electrical trades has been shaped by a strong sense of purpose. Through training at Chisholm, he built the skills, confidence and mindset needed to step into the industry and advance his career. Following in the footsteps of two generations before him, Riley is proud to be building a future as a qualified electrician.

Growing up, Riley often spoke about becoming an electrician. His mum and his Pa were both sparkies and told many inspiring stories of their time on the tools. “I always wanted to be like my mum,” Riley says. With that goal in mind, Riley decided to start his pathway through TAFE. He began with a Certificate II in Electrotechnology pre-apprenticeship to gain exposure to the trade and strengthen his employability. His Mum and Pa were both supportive of his decision, excited to see him take charge of his career.

Riley loved the Certificate II from the outset. Learning the fundamentals of electricity helped him understand how systems work and why they matter. From there, he gained employment and transitioned into a Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician apprenticeship.

He was particularly drawn to Alternating Current theory and motors, fascinated by the relationship between electrical current and magnetic fields. “There’s creativity in it,” Riley says. “It’s like art. People find ways to use electricity and mechanics to improve society.”

During his studies, Riley naturally took on a mentoring role. He often arrived early to help classmates prepare for tests, breaking down content using diagrams and simple analogies. “It feels good knowing you’re someone people can rely on,” he says. Learning alongside his peers removed pressure and helped others feel supported.

Teachers also played an important role in Riley’s experience. One teacher in particular, Jeremy, stood out for his positivity and guidance. Riley saw him as more than an instructor, describing how he created a supportive, family‑like classroom and made learning engaging and meaningful.

Riley completed all three licensing exams with exceptional results, including two perfect scores. A highlight was his 100 per cent result in the four‑hour Licensed Electrician Practical (LEP) exam, placing him among just 14 apprentices who undertook the exam at the Future Energy Skills assessment centre. Sharing the result with his closest mates made the milestone a proud conclusion to four years of dedication.

Now, Riley has used his industry connections to get a new job. He is thriving in a new role working on lifts and escalators across commercial and residential sites, excited to keep learning and growing.