Numbers speak louder than words

Russell Freeburn always found it easier to work with numbers rather than words but didn’t know how to translate this into a career path.

Thirty-three year old Russell grew up in regional New South Wales and recalled that when it came to a career, he was uncertain about what the future might hold.

“I jumped straight from high school into a Bachelor of Social Science but it wasn’t right for me. English was never my strong point - I had only just learned how to read three years before finishing school,” said Russell.

“After dropping out of my degree I took on a retail job to make ends meet but ended up working as a sales assistant for around 12 years.”
Russell was not ready to part with the idea of attaining a fulfilling career, so applied for an apprenticeship in light vehicle mechanics.

“I’m not the sort of person to give up if I fail the first time. I had an interest in cars from a young age and knew that mechanics were in demand so I decided to go for it.”

“The apprenticeship was hard work but it was also the most rewarding thing I have ever done.”

The hands-on training he received during his apprenticeship allowed Russell to finally work in a job he is not only passionate about, but one that plays to his natural strengths.

“The main reason I completed the apprenticeship was to get a nationally recognised qualification that I could fall back on. It is a guaranteed skill that is of real value.”

“The apprenticeship is one of the most valuable things I’ve done. I gained not only the automotive trade skills I needed but also practical business skills such as managing budgets and dealing with people.”

Throughout his career Russell has been keen to enhance his abilities by completing further courses, including a Certificate IV in Workplace Assessment and Training and Certificates II, III and IV in Retail.

“I see my TAFE qualifications as a reward for the hard work and dedication I put in. The piece of paper I receive at the end of a course is something I can be truly proud of.”

Russell was offered a management position with Gibbo’s Auto Spares after completing his retail traineeship making him their youngest manager ever.

Overcoming challenges

Russell’s road to career success has not been without its challenges.

“As an Indigenous person, I found it difficult to break into the workplace. There was a perception that because of the colour of my skin I couldn’t do the job as well as a non-Indigenous person, but I was keen to break down that stereotype.

“When you get a nationally recognised qualification you earn a certain level of respect from others.”

Russell’s advice to young people is to do what’s right for you as an individual.

“If you’re not sure what you want to do, a traineeship allows you to ‘try before you buy’ in terms of a career path.”

The Australian Government has launched a national information campaign aimed at helping Australians access skills and training opportunities from the $3 billion Building Australia’s Future Workforce package announced in the 2011-12 Budget. With a strong focus on skills development and employment participation, the Building Australia’s Future Workforce package aims to motivate more Australians to think about skills training and to value a qualification as an investment in their future.

The campaign is part of the Australian Government's commitment to building an educated and sustainable workforce while at the same time helping to build an economy that continues to deliver new jobs and new business opportunities.

For more information on Building Australia’s Future Workforce information campaign visit www.skills.gov.au or free call 133 196.

For media enquiries: media@deewr.gov.au (02) 6240 7300