Age no barrier in gasfitter course
At just 16 years old, Geraldton resident Matthew Wainwright has become one of the youngest gasfitters in Western Australia.
Through Geraldton Senior College’s Skilling Through Enterprise Program Matthew started work experience with Peter Day at his business, Handygas, in July last year.
Matthew’s potential in the industry was evident to Mr Day from the beginning.
“I saw how keen he was and offered to help him get his gasfitting licence,” he said.
By November, Matthew had become a fully qualified gasfitter, completing a four-week course at Challenger TAFE, Perth.
Matthew said staff at the TAFE were shocked when they realised how young he was.
“According to the staff at Challenger I was the youngest on TAFE records to complete the course,” he said.
Matthew also had to complete a senior firstaid course and obtain a construction white card as part of the course.
Although fully qualified, Matthew must work under a restricted licence until he is 18, the restricted licence means he must work under the supervision of a qualified gasfitter.
Matthew said his age was no barrier.
“I’m a little proud and excited to be the youngest qualified gasfitter,” he said
“My family thought it was great and are really excited for me.”
Mr Day said Matthew’s qualification was good news.
“I had confidence in him,” he said.
“It worked out really well.
The course started four weeks after Matthew and I discussed him gaining the qualification,” he said.
Matthew hopes his qualification in gasfitting will open up doors to a plumbing apprenticeship.
SOPHIE ELLIOTT
