A chance conversation, a late-night job, and the pull of family time have reshaped the career of 35-year-old Sefita Teuhema, who is now training as an apprentice plumber after nearly two decades in food manufacturing.
Mr Teuhema spent years working night shift at a major bakery, a routine that left little time with his young family. That changed when a discussion with his brother-in-law, a plumber, opened the door to a new path. Offered an apprenticeship, he took the leap and enrolled at TAFE NSW Kingswood, where he is completing a Certificate IV in Plumbing Operations.
“I always wanted to do a trade but never thought I would have the opportunity,” Mr Teuhema said. “I knew I’d regret it if I didn’t take the opportunity, so I had a crack. I’ve never looked back. It was the best decision of my life.”
For Mr Teuhema, retraining as an adult has not been a setback but a strength. Access to modern facilities and experienced teachers at Kingswood has helped him translate his work ethic into practical skills that are in demand across the construction and maintenance sectors.
“To be able to learn in a brand-new facility under the guidance of such experienced teachers has been a real game-changer,” he said.
A growing pathway for career-changers
Mr Teuhema’s story comes ahead of National Apprenticeship Week (9–15 February), which shines a spotlight on the role apprentices and trainees play in building Australia’s workforce.
Long-term data from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research shows how apprenticeships have evolved over the past six decades. Nationally, apprenticeship and trainee commencements have increased from 22,600 in the early 1960s to 133,300 in 2025, more than quadrupling over that period.
Today, more than 300,000 Australians are in training as apprentices or trainees. In New South Wales alone, the in-training workforce has grown from 33,435 people in 1969 to 90,032 in 2025, almost a three-fold increase.
One of the most notable shifts is the age profile of new starters. Last year, almost 40,000 people aged 25 and over commenced an apprenticeship, compared with just over 5,300 in 1995. The trend reflects a broader acceptance of trades as a viable and rewarding second career, particularly as industries face ongoing skills shortages.
Skills that work for industry and families
NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said the figures highlight the enduring value of vocational training.
“These figures show how apprenticeships and traineeships have remained a key pathway into skilled work over time,” he said. “TAFE NSW plays a critical role in training apprentices and trainees in partnership with employers to deliver skills that work for students, industry, and communities across the state.”
For Mr Teuhema, the decision to retrain has already delivered benefits beyond the classroom. Moving away from night shift work has allowed him to spend more time with his children while building a long-term career in a trade that offers stability and progression.
As Australia looks to boost housing supply and maintain essential services, stories like his underline why apprenticeships, particularly for mature-age workers, remain central to the nation’s economic and social fabric.
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