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    TAFE NSW Albury | 22 June 2026

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    TAFE NSW Albury helps army carpenter spark career third act

    ‘I love being an electrician. I only wish I’d made the decision sooner.’
    Lachlan James, Electrician, Trent Parker Electrical Services

    33-year-old, father-of-two, Lachlan James from Table Top just outside of Albury NSW, was formerly a carpenter in the army. He then turned to golfing retail before achieving a successful and pivotal third career act as an electrician.

    Mr. James had five years in the army as a carpenter. His chance encounter with a customer led to an offer to do a mature-age electrical apprenticeship.

    Mr James’ story 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.

    Lachlan James stands outside leaning against his work van. He’s smiling directly at the camera wearing a short-sleeved, dark blue, collared work shirt. Lachlan has brown hair, a beard and moustache. There are stacked building materials in the background. It is a clear, sunny day.

    According to Hays’ 2025 Skills Report, 87 per cent of workers believe the skills required for their jobs will change within five years. This insight is helping to drive a surge in reskilling and career-transition.

    Mr James’ career change has paid off. He’s recently become a fully qualified electrician with Trent Parker Electrical Services. He has also proudly claimed the 2025 TAFE NSW Albury Electrotechnology Student of the Year title along the way.

    ‘I love being an electrician. I only wish I’d made the decision sooner,’ he said. ‘I really enjoy the problem-solving element and 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 encourages other locals eyeing a career change, to consider the trades.

    Mr James lives with ADHD. He said the variety of work and the practical nature of his TAFE NSW Albury course, helped him maintain focus. ‘The 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.

    Tom Retford, Head Teacher of Electrotechnology, TAFE NSW Albury, said mature-age apprentices were becoming increasingly common. He says people are looking for 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. Think renewable energy and battery storage through to smart technologies and electrification. 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. It prepares them for a wide range of career opportunities across residential, commercial and industrial settings.’

    Media contact: Dan Johns, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, 02 7920 5000.

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