A LAKE Macquarie welder who dreams big is headed to the United Kingdom to develop his burgeoning skills in metal work after winning an $8000 scholarship.
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Cejay Alsop, 21, of Silverwater, said working on an offshore oil rig, or on a large construction site, would be among his ideal jobs.
A former Morisset High School student, Mr Alsop was named Apprentice of the Year at the Hunter TAFE Awards in 2016, and scored a silver medal at the 2016 National WorldSkills Australia competition.
The rewards have kept coming for Mr Alsop and Central Coast carpenter Matthew Hurley who were recently named winners of BBM Youth Mentoring Scholarships.
The local pair are among 16 elite Australian tradespeople to receive the scholarship.
Mr Alsop is employed by DMF Constructions, in Lake Macquarie, and completed his trade level qualification and apprenticeship in early 2016.
He has achieved both a Certificate III in Engineering -Fabrication Trade (Light Fabrication) and a Certificate IV in Engineering (Fabrication) through TAFE NSW.
He is currently working toward gaining advanced level trade certifications to further develop his skills.
Mr Alsop is also researching potential construction companies in the UK, and has his sights set on a placement with a company using advanced manufacturing technologies such as CNC robotic welding technology.
“When putting together my application for the scholarship the main thing I wanted to achieve if I was successful was to learn about as many different techniques and technologies being used in my industry,” he said.
“So I’m hoping to secure a placement with a company that is really leading in its field so I can really develop my skills and knowledge to become a better tradesman.”
Mr Alsop said from the age of 11 he found himself drawn to his father’s back shed, with its array of tools, welders and presses.
That tinkering with metal proved the launching pad for young Cejay’s career aspirations.
“I’ve been really dedicated ever since I started,” he said.
“This is the career that I want to pursue, and I think that while I’m young and have no commitments I should put my head down, work as hard as I can, and get as many certificates and qualifications as I can and, hopefully, end up with a really good job.”
Working in a large mine, on an offshore oil or gas rig, or on a large building construction site would be among his dream jobs, he said.
“So if I have the qualifications, it also takes away the stress about not being able to do a job. If any employer asks me if I can do a certain job, I want to be able to do it, with no questions asked.”
The $8000 scholarship program is designed to enhance the participants’ career prospects and provide them with international experience.
Typically, awardees spend a minimum of a month in the UK but more often than not stay longer to build their international networks or undertake field trips to other parts of Europe to further their knowledge.