Meet your mentor: Supporting Tasmania’s trades

Career journey

Molly has had a diverse and accomplished career to date as a qualified painter and decorator – and a small business operator.

Molly’s qualifications include a Certificate III in Painting and Decorating, Certificate III in Retail, an Aeronautical Radio Operator Certificate, and Working Safely at Heights.

“I started my apprenticeship when I was 16 and by 21 I was a qualified tradesperson running my own small business,” she says.

“I later stepped away from the painting industry and worked on the Hobart Airport runway upgrade project as a work safety officer and line marker.”

Following this, Molly changed gears to join Apprenticeship Support Australia, transferring her skills into an apprentice mentoring role.

Inspirations

Molly plans to support apprentices and employers throughout their apprenticeships to make it an enjoyable and progressive experience.

“Previously, my inspiration was to become the best qualified painter I possibly could be,” she says.

“Now, my inspiration is the apprentices I work with every day and making sure they can be the best tradespeople they possibly can be with my support.”

Through this, Molly aims to build strong relationships so apprentices and employers feel comfortable reaching out in any situation.

Meaningful support

Molly says her favourite part of the role is offering support to apprentices in the way she did – and didn’t receive when she was up and coming in the industry, learning from her own experiences to make it better for the next generation.

“It has benefited me because I understand firsthand how an apprenticeship works and the challenges that come with it.”

“While I’m grateful for her family and employer at the time, there were days that I needed somebody who wasn’t either of those people.

“That’s why my favourite part of my role is offering support and having meaningful conversations with apprentices and employers.”

Apprenticeship Support Australia deliver specialist services in key locations for apprentices and employers in the clean energy industry as well as women in trades and First Nations.