Meet Chelsea.

An apprentice in New Zealand.

Chelsea Marui-Salmon is a part the Downer Apprenticeship programme, and over the course of the next 3 – 4 years will be studying a number of qualifications to eventually receive Level 4 certificate.  Chelsea will study while working as part of the team in Hamilton, New Zealand. She tell us her Downer story below.

"When I saw the ad for the apprenticeship online I immediately knew I was interested, so I submitted my application and then received a call asking me to come in for an interview.

I've never done anything like this before. For me, it was one or the other - go to work or study - I've never had the option of something combined.

The interview was great, it wasn't too pressured. We just had a casual discussion and I felt comfortable enough that I could ask questions about things I didn't know. It was great for me to learn more about the variety of things that Downer does, such as the Downer Alliance here in Hamilton.

Honestly, before the interview I didn't fully appreciate the scope of the company - I thought Downer only worked on roads. It has been great finding out about the rest - all the projects in water, power, infrastructure, telecommunications - everything!

Its exciting getting experience in the company, especially when you see people on a job and it is like 'oh that's what you do!' 'that's how that works.' It's been great connecting all the dots.

The main thing I am excited about is gaining new knowledge each day, learning as I go, and knowing it leads to an official qualification. In my other workplaces there may have been workshops, there may have been training but I never had the opportunity to get an actual qualification.

If you are considering this - I say go for it. You're working, you get this qualification as well as practical experience and coaching. Don't let anything stop you.

If you want to earn, and really learn at the same time, then Downer is the place to be."