A Border man who was a carpenter in the Army before making a career pivot to retailing is having a career third act – as an electrician.
Table Top father-of-two Lachlan James, 33, spent five years in the army as a carpenter and a stint in golf retailing before a chance encounter with a customer saw him offered a mature-age electrical apprenticeship.
It comes as the recent ABS Job Mobility Report found nearly one-in-seven Australians who changed jobs in 2025 moved to technician or trade roles.
And according to Hays’ 2025 Skills Report, 87 per cent of workers believe the skills required for their jobs will change within five years, helping drive a surge in reskilling and career-transition.
Mr James’ career pivot paid off and he’s recently become a fully qualified electrician with Trent Parker Electrical Services, claiming the 2025 TAFE NSW Albury Electrotechnology Student of the Year title along the way.
“I love being an electrician and I only wish I’d made the decision sooner,” he said.
“I really enjoy the problem-solving element and just the variety in the job: you could be installing solar panels on a farm one day and doing service work at Myer the next.”
He encouraged other Border locals eyeing a career change to consider the trades.
Mr James, who is living with ADHD, said the variety in the job and the practical nature of his TAFE NSW Albury course helped him maintain focus.
“My TAFE NSW course is a great mix of theory and practical, and the teachers really help you understand the course work in your own time,” he said.
TAFE NSW Albury Head Teacher of Electrotechnology Tom Retford said mature-age apprentices were becoming increasingly common as more people sought stable, rewarding careers with strong long-term prospects.
“Lachlan’s journey shows it’s never too late to start a trade career,” Mr Retford said.
“We’re seeing more people come to electrotechnology after working in other industries because they’re looking for a career that offers variety, job security and the opportunity to develop highly sought-after skills.
“Electricians are at the forefront of some of the biggest changes happening in Australia, from renewable energy and battery storage through to smart technologies and electrification, so demand for qualified workers remains very strong.
“The Certificate III in Electrotechnology gives students the practical skills, technical knowledge and industry experience employers are looking for, and it prepares them for a wide range of career opportunities across residential, commercial and industrial settings.”
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