Evan's Career Turns For The Better

Illawarra Mercury

Monday July 7, 2008

By MICHELLE WEBSTER

EVAN Turner didn't exactly follow the straight road to success.

Despite an early career deviation, the Thirroul cabinetmaker is now pursuing his passion and preparing to represent NSW in a national skills and trades competition.

Mr Turner will compete alongside 500 young, skilled tradespeople at the WorldSkills Australia National Competition in Sydney that starts this Friday, but he said he almost walked a completely different path.

"My school didn't really encourage the trades," he said.

"They wanted us to get uni degrees, and we weren't given much information on TAFE or apprenticeships.

"I did a commerce degree at the University of Wollongong, but throughout the year I kept getting the feeling it wasn't the right path for me."

Mr Turner said he had always enjoyed woodwork but that his passion for the craft only emerged in late high school when an entertainment unit he created was selected to appear at the Design and Technology Exhibition at Sydney's Powerhouse Museum.

"I've always liked working with wood, and I feel it's the right career choice for me.

"My favourite moment is standing back after finishing a job and looking at the physical results of my work. I enjoy seeing a quality product being made and having the skills to make it."

After he was promoted six months ago by boss Hans Van De Haar at UTJ Interiors, Mr Turner said he felt prepared for the competition but remained modest about his chances.

"I've been doing training at work and at TAFE," he said.

"I probably would have been more ready if I had've been working on the factory floor."

© 2008 Illawarra Mercury

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