Apprenticeship lights a spark in Robert

For Robert Tran The Vinh Than, the path to an electrical apprenticeship has been challenging — but worth it. 

Like many children of migrant families, Robert, whose parents hail from Vietnam, faced cultural pressure to pursue a university degree, traditionally seen as the only way to achieve a high-paying and satisfying career.  

After school, he dutifully followed his parents’ wishes, enrolled in optometry and dedicated three years to his studies. 

Yet, he wasn’t fulfilled.   

While Robert respected his family’s aspirations for him, he sensed his true passion lay elsewhere. After much reflection, he made the courageous decision to leave university. 

“My parents were very upset,” Robert recalls. 

“They were worried I had no direction and would waste my potential as I finished Year 12 with a really high ATAR.” 

Robert’s decision led him to the Ai Group Apprentice and Trainee Centre (Ai Group ATC), and now he’s in his second year of an electrical apprenticeship, hosted to Ai Group member Vector Technologies in Adelaide. 

“I had to be true to myself,” Robert said. 

“I’ve always wanted to be hands-on and work in a practical field. I wanted to be able to see the results of my work, and I feel like an electrical trade allows me to do that.” 

Robert, 24, is thriving at Vector, and his parents are thrilled. 

“There’s so much to learn,” he said. 

“Every day is different and full of satisfying challenges. I love where I’m working, and I just want to be proficient in everything electrical.” 

Robert is keen to explore the renewable energy sector down the track, but for now, he wants to continue gaining skills and experience at Vector. 

In its Clean Energy Generation: Workforce Needs for Net Zero Economy paper last year, Jobs and Skills Australia identified the initial need for between 26,000 and 42,000 more electricians in the next seven years, with more over the period to 2050. 

Robert couldn’t be happier with the path he’s now on. 

“Don’t let others sway your future life choices too much,” he said. 

“Follow your dreams. Have a shot at it. You never know if it will be your calling or not: you’ll really love it or you won’t, and if you don’t, it’s not the end of the world.  

“Just always put in 100 per cent every day. Love what you do, and life will treat you well.” 

Robert’s story highlights how apprenticeships and traineeships are perceived as less-desirable learning paths than university in some communities.  

Yet, as Australia grapples with significant skills shortages, particularly in trade and technician roles, it’s vital for schools and careers advisers, community groups and parents to work together to promote the benefits of completing a vocational qualification. 

Many countries do not have apprenticeship systems such as Australia’s.  

Let’s ensure all families understand apprenticeships are not a fallback; they’re a pathway to success, stability and fulfillment.  

By sharing stories like Robert’s, the Ai Group ATC aims to inspire more people to explore the possibilities that trades offer.