Community
8 February, 2026
Bundanoon dad the changing face of apprenticeships
You don’t have to be a school leaver to be an apprentice – just ask 33-old-old Sam Perkins from Bundanoon.
You don’t have to be a school leaver to be an apprentice – just ask 33-old-old Sam Perkins from Bundanoon.
Sam, a father of four, has recently made a radical career shift to bricklaying in a move that he hopes will put him in a better position to support his young family.
Sam has enjoyed a long affiliation with TAFE NSW, studying carpentry while undertaking his first trade out of school and later shifting to civil construction.
But a yearning for a hands-on, outdoor job that could better support his young family led him to bricklaying.
He is now a first-year apprentice with JGC Bricklaying and Landscaping and refines his skills and knowledge by attending TAFE NSW Wollongong one day a fortnight during the term.
His story comes ahead of next week’s National Apprenticeship Week (February 9-15), which celebrates the role of apprentices and trainees in building their own skills and strengthening the nation’s industries and economy.
“I always wanted to be a bricklayer, but I’m 6 foot 6 (198cm), and I was always told it would ruin my back,” Mr Perkins said.
“Over the years, I’ve done a bit of bricklaying and labouring for a friend and have come to realise my back can handle it.
“I’m now in a job I love. The physicality is great, and what you create will stand for generations.
“I’ve improved so much since attending TAFE NSW. While I knew I could lay bricks, it’s given me a deeper understanding of the theory behind what we do and made me a better tradesman.”
New national data covering apprenticeships and traineeships from 1963 to 2025 provides a long-term view of how Australia’s training system has grown and changed over time.
According to the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER), total apprenticeship and trainee commencements in Australia increased from 22,600 in the early 1960s to 133,300 in 2025, more than quadrupling over six decades.
Today, more than 300,000 Australians are in training as apprentices or trainees, with the in-training workforce in NSW increasing from 33,435 in 1969 to 90,032 in 2025 - almost a three-fold increase.
NCVER reports a marked shift in the age profile of people starting apprenticeships.
Last year, around 39,895 people aged 25 and over commenced an apprenticeship, compared with just over 5,339 in 1995.
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said the data provides a clear picture of how apprenticeships and traineeships continue to support Australia’s workforce.
“These figures show how apprenticeships and traineeships have remained a key pathway into skilled work over time,” Minister Whan said.
“TAFE NSW plays a critical role in training apprentices and trainees in partnership with employers to deliver skills that work for students, industry, and communities across the state.”
Read More: Bundanoon, Southern Highlands