Apprentice plumber Callan McKenzie’s work ethic and commitment to learning have been recognised with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year Award at the South Australian Training Awards.

Callan, who is employed through Trainee and Apprenticeship Placement Service Inc (TAPS) and works at Connekt Plumbing, says it’s a “pretty special” achievement which he has enjoyed sharing with his family.

“I’m proud of the award and grateful to have the love and support of my family around me,” says Callan who has Adnyamathanha, Arabana, and Luritja heritage.

A practical trade career has always been a goal for Callan who completed a Certificate II in Engineering at Western Technical College with TAFE SA.

“I knew engineering wasn’t quite what I wanted to do but while I was at the college, TAPS came to talk to us about plumbing and I signed up straight away,” he says.

A year into his apprenticeship, he joined Connekt Plumbing, a South Australian business specialising in commercial and industrial plumbing, where he has thrived.

“From day one it’s been such a supportive environment and I enjoy the connection I have with everyone in the team,” he says.

“We’re a growing company working on large construction jobs and teamwork is important.”

Callan has applied the same enthusiasm and endeavour to his training at TAFE SA and says he’s had great support from his lecturers while completing the Certificate III in Plumbing and Gas.

“At TAFE, you learn things that you might not learn on the job straight away and I enjoy the practical lessons the most,” he says.

“It’s also good to meet other apprentices who come from different companies and different areas of work.”

As a First Nations employee, Callan has appreciated the opportunity to contribute to the Reconciliation Action Plans (RAP) of both TAPS and Connekt.

“They reached out to me to work on the RAP and that’s significant for me,” he says.

“There’s only a small number of First Nations people taking on apprenticeships in construction – some just don’t have an opportunity – and Connekt has been really encouraging.”

Callan, who grew up in Port Augusta, says he’s proud of his culture and tries to keep up his language (Adnyamathanha, Arabana, and Luritja) and cultural ties.

Through TAPS he’s also been involved in a Cultural Leadership Program to provide support to First Nations apprentices and promote inclusion in workplaces.

“I hope to be a role model and I want to encourage other First Nations people to consider an apprenticeship,” he says.