Meet Pat C
About me
Name: Pat Cummins
Job: Electrician / Company Director
VET: Certificate III in Electrotechnology
Location: Bendigo
My Head Start apprentices and trainees are enthusiastic, fun to work with and great to train up
My story
What do you do?
As an electrician, I work on everything from smoke alarms in people’s homes to complicated electrical networks in new factories.
It was really rewarding to restore electricity as part of the bushfire recovery at Marysville. I was part of the team that got the football club, the bakery, and the supermarket up and running.
Now with my own company and 14 terrific staff, I really enjoy the team working together and learning from each other.
What was your VET journey?
I did work experience in Years 9 and 10 with an electrician and fell in love with the industry. I started my apprenticeship and haven’t looked back!
What advice would you give to students who are considering a vocational pathway?
Use your school holidays to do work experience and try different jobs until you find something you really like. Put yourself out there as much as you can. It’s uncomfortable, but it will help you grow and find the right path.
What challenges did you face along the way?
I didn’t know about all the options available outside of school, or how to be a good worker. I had no idea that VET provided so many great opportunities.
Work hours?
7am-5pm Monday to Saturday
Inside or outside?
Mainly indoors
Solo or teamwork?
The whole team works together
Perks?
The fantastic people I work with
People don't know?
The business staff in the company are just as pivotal to our success as the staff on the tools
Average salary?
$2,000 per week for an experienced electricianUpdated