Meet Pat J
About me
Name: Pat Janes
Job: Metal Fabricator (and Company Director) at Janes Engineering
VET: Certificate II in Fabrication and Welding and Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade
Location: Ballarat
If I didn't do a school-based apprenticeship, I wouldn't be where I am now
My story
What do you do?
I make things out of steel, from big things like machinery, conveyors, cranes, trucks, truck bodies and structural steel for buildings to small things like fencing and handrails. Anything you can think of that has metal in it, I work on it!
What was your VET journey?
I started my apprenticeship while I was at school, which is great because I was working at the same time as studying.
I was awarded the Victorian and Australian Apprentice of the Year and competed at the national World Skills competition, placing 6th in welding. Now I train competitors for World Skills, it’s really great.
What advice would you give to students who are considering a vocational pathway?
Back yourself. Learn as much as you can, try different things, and you’ll always have options available to you.
What challenges did you face along the way?
I purchased my company when I was 23 years old. Some of the customers were a little hesitant to trust someone so young, but I was more than happy to convince them that I was great at my job.
Work hours?
6:30am-4:30pm Monday to Thursday
Inside or outside?
Both, but mainly indoors
Solo or teamwork?
Both, it depends on the job and how big it is
Perks?
Getting to see something built from an idea to a fully finished product
People don't know?
We work with lots of other tradies like builders, plumbers, chippies and sparkies
Average salary?
$1,500 per week for an experienced metal fabricatorUpdated