Fresh-start apprentice lands plumb job at school pick-up

FORMER paramedic David Coultas has a new lease on life after deciding to pursue plumbing as a mature-age apprentice around two years ago.

Looking for greater flexibility and more time with his young family, as well as an escape from 15 years of late-night shifts on the frontlines, the 44-year-old has not looked back since a job opportunity at Mandurang’s Hydrotek Plumbing popped up at random.

“I was looking for a trade and I thought there were some great opportunities out there, whether it be working for someone else or owning my own business,” he said.

“I knew my (now) boss through school pick-ups and school drop-offs and we got chatting.

“I went and did a couple of weeks with him to get a feel for what he got up to during the day, what was involved and some of the opportunities and specialisations and that type of thing.

“One thing led to another and here we are.”

Coultas, who is approaching his third year as an apprentice, said he feels very appreciative and very blessed that his employer gave him a chance.

“There’s extra costs involved for him, I’ve got a young family, he’s got a young family, so he understands that family life can get a bit hectic at times,” he said.

“So, we work pretty well together in that space.

“It’s been a big challenge going back to having to learn new skills, not always getting it right the first time, which can be a bit frustrating.

“But my boss is super patient, which is really helpful; it’s just one step in front of the other.”

He called on anyone considering a career change to take the leap into the unknown.

“It costs you nothing to look into it,” he said.

“I encourage people to open their minds and investigate and talk to others.

“Decisions don’t have to be made on the spot; take your time and see where it leads.

“It might lead you into plumbing, it might lead you into something that you actually haven’t even thought of.”

To top things off for Coultas, the dad was recently one of 25 apprentice plumbers from around the country to share in $75,000 in grants supplied by hot water system manufacturer Rheem, in the form of $2,000 towards his training costs and a $1,000 tool voucher.

“To be honest, I’d put the application in and completely forgotten about it so when I got the phone call I was quite taken aback,” he said.

“I thought there’s going to be lots and lots and lots of applicants, which there were, and plenty of other worthy recipients.

“It took a little while to polish something up and send it in but I don’t think that’s a deterrent for anyone looking to apply.”

He said the $2,000 will go towards his TAFE fees and the $1,000 on equipment.

“We’ll see what comes up job-related and I’ll top up on some hand tools and go from there,” Coultas said.