“It’s a great opportunity to dive into and see if it’s something you want to do long term.”
At just 22 years old, Lukas, from Tasmania’s North West,has already achieved what many young people only begin to dream of – finding meaningful, purpose-driven work, and contributing back to the next generation of learners. His story is a powerful example of how school-based traineeships can open doors, unlock potential, and lead to lasting opportunities.
Why are stories like Lukas’s important?
Lukas’ story is more than a personal win, it’s a clear demonstration of how school-based traineeships and work-based learning can unlock potential in students who are still discovering their future.
It’s also a big win for Tasmanian industry. Young people like Lukas are entering the workforce with real skills, practical experience, and a head start on their careers.
“It’s a great way to improve your skills in the workforce and also gain a qualification out of it. Earning money while you learn is also a great bonus.”
With continued support from trainers, mentors and employers, Lukas is now striving toward a full-time career in the sector that gave him his start and he’s already making an impact.
“These traineeships have only made it clearer that this is the area I want to work in. It’s given me a clear vision – and helped me take the first steps.”
How’d Lukas get here?
Raised on Tasmania’s North West Coast, Lukas attended Penguin District School before moving on to Hellyer College. It was during year 10 that one of his teachers saw something in him – a spark of potential and a curiosity about the future. Lukas was offered a school-based traineeship through AFL SportsReady, an opportunity that aligned with his Aboriginal heritage and his growing interest in business and administration.
“I didn’t really know what I wanted to do at that stage,” Lukas recalls. “But I thought undertaking a Certificate II in Business would be a great chance to build my skills and get some work experience.”
That decision was a turning point. In 2023, Lukas began a Certificate III in Business through Work & Training, which sparked a deep interest in the inner workings of RTOs (Registered Training Organisations) and GTOs (Group Training Organisations). He quickly progressed to a Certificate IV, and today, he’s putting all of that learning into practice – supporting operations, training new staff, and managing vital admin tasks across Tasmania’s North West.
“Now I’m sending out contracts, completing end-of-month reporting, and teaching one of our new trainees. It’s really rewarding to pass on what I’ve learned.”
Lukas is proud of how far he’s come, from not knowing what a GTO was, to leading tasks that report directly to the CEO. The skills he’s developed are vast: prioritising workloads, managing calendars, delivering quality customer service, taking minutes, running meetings – and doing it all with confidence and clarity.
But perhaps the biggest milestone came in 2023, when Lukas was selected to take part in the Today’s Skills, Tomorrow’s Leaders program in Canberra. There, he represented Work & Training and had the opportunity to visit Government House and meet Her Excellency, Sam Mostyn AC, the Governor-General of Australia, a moment he’ll never forget.
“The program was all about leadership and personal growth. It gave me a vision for what I want to do and helped me start that journey.”
Where can I learn more?
Visit the Vocational Learning in Tasmania website to learn more about how work-based learning can help shape the future of our young people.