Looking for entry level work - SA

[thesovietfox]

Hi all. My name is Dan, I'm 36 and I have just come out of a career in the Police due to the development of PTSD.
All my qualifications are within government services, which I am excluded for 3 years from working for. (A generic condition for resignation packages).
My grandfather was a carpenter, his brother too. My father was a furniture maker then went in to driving a tree harvester.
I never had the feel for woodwork.
While recovering I tried all sorts of hobbies etc to take my mind off things. One of them was woodwork and I found a certain solace in it.
I am looking at entry level work, preferably in furniture making, and yes I realise that I may need to start with an apprenticeship.
Any places to look, tips, etc would be greatly appreciated.
I have been compiling a list of local furniture makers and will be driving around to chat and drop resumes.

[dusteater]

sounds like it is in the blood, welcome.

[KBs PensNmore]

Hi Dan, when you say your location is South Australia, could you be a bit more specific please, no point in suggesting a place at Lonsdale, when you live in Gumeracha!!!!

[thesovietfox]

No problems KB! at this stage I'm pretty open to travel but I am down south (I should have said that, oversight). Happy Valley in fact so not far from Lonsdale

[KBs PensNmore]

Thanks for that, maybe you could change your location to be a little more specific, as it's annoying when asking for assistance with something an not really knowing the location, maybe "South of Adelaide" would be better. I only used those locations as a reference. Unfortunately I don't know of anything going, as I've not lived in the "Big Smoke" for 11 years.
Regards
Kryn

[woodPixel]

There is no occupation better for the soul.

[ian]

Hi Dan

I'm more familiar with Sydney than Adelaide, but if you really want to make furniture perhaps you should investigate the year long program at the Sturt School in Mittagong (NSW), or the Melbourne School of Fine Furniture. I don't know of a school / intensive program in SA.

Another option would be to do an internship with an established maker. The ones I know of are in Sydney, Brisbane and rural Victoria.

Unfortunately, in Sydney most "furniture making" involves screwing MDF boxes together.


An employment option you may wish to consider is carpentry -- many of your public service skills would be transferable.

[thesovietfox]

A long time coming but an update to this thread.
3 months ago i started work in a local furniture company, it sits somewhere between furniture making and furniture assembly. This year I am starting a Furniture maker apprenticeship with the same company and have set up my home "workshop" to the point i can clean up and resaw rough lumber.

Such a difference to go to work to de-stress.

[KBs PensNmore]

Hi Dan, thanks for the update as to how you're going. I know of a few officers that have given away working for the Govt, one now makes fantastic cutting boards that he sells interstate to several high class galleries.
He's enjoying life for a change, enjoy yours to as life's too short.
Kryn