Nominee a role model for others

Bunbury draftsman Jordan Hughes is living proof that with a little hard work anything is possible.

At just 19 years old, Mr Hughes is living his dream of becoming a draftsman.

After studying a two-year Diploma of Building Design and Technology at South West Institute of Technology, he moved to Perth nearly two months ago to start work at Content Living in Osborne Park.

‘‘Drafting was always something I felt passionate about,’’ Mr Hughes said.

‘‘I really like working in a team environment, you can share ideas with other people and everyone is really easy going.’’

Mr Hughes will return to Bunbury tomorrow after being nominated for the SWIT Student of the Year award.

‘‘I feel very honoured and humbled about the nomination,’’ he said.

‘‘I’m looking forward to the night, it should be exciting.’’

Training and Workforce Development Minister Peter Collier praised the efforts of Mr Hughes and said there was a growing need for workers in the drafting industry.

‘‘The demand for skills in drafting will grow as the level of activity in the construction sector increases in years to come,’’ Mr Collier said.

‘‘Having qualified, job-ready people available to industry is vital to ensure skills shortages don’t have knock-on effects such as delays in construction projects.

‘‘From that perspective, getting people like Jordan into the workforce is good for industry and good for the State’s economy.

‘‘Jordan’s nomination for Student of the Year at South West Institute of Technology makes him an excellent role model for other students looking to pursue any kind of training pathway.’’

SWIT, along with a number of the State’s best tertiary institutions, training colleges, employers, industries and government initiatives, will be on show at the 2012 SkillsWest Expo, WA’s premier careers, employment, education and training event.

The expo is on from August 10-12 at Perth Convention Exhibition Centre.