Kyle Atkinson’s mission to secure electrical apprenticeship finally pays off

Kyle Atkinson has been on a mission to secure an electrical apprenticeship for more than a decade – and now his studies, determination and strong work ethic have finally paid off.

• No answer on AFL team means no contracts for Hawks, Roos: Premier
• Beaconsfield mine survivor still wrestles with unwanted fame

THE mutual respect between long time jobseeker Kyle Atkinson and his new boss, Liam Nichols, is obvious as the men prepare to join forces in Tasmania’s booming solar industry.

Mr Atkinson, 49, first appeared in the Mercury in early 2016 after he was spotted standing by the road with a “work wanted” sign.

Kyle Atkinson trying to find an electrical apprenticeship in 2016. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

He has been on a mission to secure an electrical apprenticeship for more than a decade and his TAFE studies, determination and strong work ethic have finally paid off.

“I met Kyle on a construction job last year and never forgot him. Then I branched out on my own and needed an apprentice,” Mr Nichols, 37, said.

“I’m giving him something more than just a job, it’s a life dream, which is a real privilege. It’s a good way to start my business.”

A former Army gunner, Mr Atkinson previously ran his own personal training business and worked night shifts at Coles for some extra financial security for his family.

Last year he lost his casual work at a switchboard company when COVID hit, but gained a three-month trades’ assistant role on the Iron Creek Farm Stay development at the former Orani vineyard near Sorell, where Mr Nichols was working as an electrician.

“There’s something really nice about Kyle and you can’t teach that,” said Mr Nichols, who is now co-director of his own company, Expert Electrical, which installs household solar.

“He’s always positive, always working hard, always motivated and always has a story to tell. Work can be a safe place for a lot of people when there’s stuff going on at home and Kyle was often that person who listens.”

Liam Nichols, leftl with his new apprentice Kyle Atkinson. Picture: Zak Simmonds

Mr Nichols liked to think he would have given Mr Atkinson a chance even if he did not know him, but acknowledged ageism did exist in the industry.

“The thing I look for is experience and, for me, age wasn’t a factor,” he said.

Mr Atkinson encouraged other job seekers to keep persisting, working hard and gaining qualifications.

He gained his Certificate II in electrician studies in 2008 and did a pre-apprenticeship electro technology course in 2014.

“It’s been a 12-year process. Everything I’ve been doing has been leading towards this,” he said.

“My advice is stay focused and be positive and keep thinking about what you want. I had down days, when I would get rejection emails, but I kept putting myself out there. It’s a massive relief that I can see a better future for myself in the industry and more financial security.”