Van’s path to a career in construction with Chisholm 

Van Thawng Hranglung began his apprenticeship in bricklaying by enrolling in Chisholm’s Certificate III in Brick and Block laying. With the goal of gaining hands-on skills to build a secure future for his family, Van entered the program as a first-year apprentice with no prior experience in the trade. He quickly discovered how supportive and encouraging the learning environment at Chisholm could be, helping him grow both personally and professionally.

Van’s first language is Hakha Chin, and English is an additional language for him. The teaching staff worked closely with Van to ensure he could fully engage with the course content. They also offered flexible learning options and verbal instruction to suit his needs. This tailored approach helped Van navigate course theory and build confidence in his communication and understanding.

While Van excelled in the practical side of bricklaying, he found the unit of measurements and calculations particularly challenging. As someone who learns best through doing, the theory-heavy content required extra effort. With support from his teacher Daniel, and access to online tools, Van was able to work through the unit successfully. Daniel encouraged the use of technology, including AI tools, to help in ways that suit their learning styles. Van embraced this approach, using digital resources, and practical site tools to build his confidence.

One of Van’s proudest achievements during his studies was completing a bullseye structure. The building met high architectural standards and received ongoing praise from trainers and peers. Daniel shared that the project continues to attract positive comments and stands out as a highlight of Van’s work.

Throughout his training, Van received guidance from experienced teachers like Daniel Rennie. This support helped him build confidence and develop his skills. By the time he reached third year, Van was trusted to work independently on job sites often managing tasks on his own when his supervisor wasn’t present. Daniel noted that Van’s reliability and attention to detail made him a valued team member, capable of running jobs with minimal supervision.

Van is now employed by HF Bricklaying, where he works across residential and commercial sites, including high-end builds and rendering projects. He’s confident reading plans, managing tasks, and working independently, often trusted to run jobs on his own. As a father of three, Van is focused on building a stable career that supports his family. He’s considering further study through the Certificate IV in Building and Construction, with aspirations to become a site supervisor or start his own business.

Van’s experience shows that success doesn’t come from knowing everything at the start, it comes from showing up, asking for help, and staying committed. With the guidance of Chisholm’s dedicated trainers and the encouragement of a nurturing learning environment, Van was able to build a strong foundation for his future. His journey reflects how Chisholm empowers students to grow from day one and stay focused on what comes next.