Interview with Joshua Winter – winner of the 2023 Apprentice of the Year at the Apprentice Employment Network Awards

Joshua began his apprenticeship in 2019 and achieved several impressive milestones along the way:

• Most Outstanding Achievement Award in Fitting and Machining at the TAFE Skills Centre Awards (2019)
• Bert Evans Scholarship (2019) for financial support during his apprenticeship
• Thales Apprentice of the Year in his second year (2020) – an award usually reserved for fourth-year apprentices
• Gordon Hawkes Apprentice of the Year Award from Skillset (2022)
• Finalist for Apprentice of the Year at the NSW Training Awards – Western Region (2023)

Joshua has now completed his apprenticeship and works full-time with Thales Australia. Skillset spoke to Joshua about his career journey, what inspired him, and his plans for the future.

Q: You were 17 and living in Melbourne when you decided to take up the Mechanical Trade Apprenticeship with Skillset hosted by Thales Australia – Lithgow Arms. What was the most challenging aspect of this and how did you overcome it?

Joshua: Initially it was quite lonely. I brought my dog, Sasha, with me for company. It was just the two of us at the beginning. To meet more people and make new friends, I joined a local church in Lithgow. The people I met welcomed me and one family practically adopted me. These people really helped me with my journey. I would not have lasted without them!

Q: You chose to take up your apprenticeship with Thales Australia – Lithgow Arms, which has a long history as a manufacturer and supplier of small arms for Australian soldiers. Did you always have an interest in this field?

Joshua: I have always had an interest in the design and manufacturing of defence tools and equipment. This stems from my interest in military history, which was sparked by my grandfather – he was a Warrant Officer Class One in the Australian Army and served for more than 30 years.

When I was offered the apprenticeship with Thales, it was a dream come true. Lithgow Arms is one of the few places in Australia that manufactures firearms. I couldn’t say no to the opportunity.

Q: Did you ever consider any other careers?

Joshua: Yes, I also considered being an infantryman or armaments fitter in the Australian Army, as well as a fighter pilot in the Air Force.

Q: What do you like most about engineering and small arms design and manufacturing?

Joshua: I enjoy the problem-solving aspects of the trade. I like the challenge of being supplied a drawing and figuring out the best way to make it, including what tools I need, whether I need to make any tools, and how the part will be held in the machine tool. I also enjoy the computer numerical control (CNC) programming aspects of the trade.

Q: You have received several awards. What has been the biggest highlight of your apprenticeship and career journey so far?

Joshua: It has been a great honour to be nominated for, and to receive these awards. Some of the biggest highlights have been making complex and accurate parts and travelling around the country for work.

Q: Now that you have finished your apprenticeship and are working full-time, what are your plans for the future?

Joshua: I see myself always working in the manufacturing industry. I am currently adding to my skills by undertaking a Certificate III in Toolmaking.

Q: What advice would you give to other young people who may be considering a trade or career journey but are worried about relocating and leaving family and friends?

Joshua: If you are really passionate about a trade, just go for it! You will make new friends and meet new people along the way.