Trade Institute of Victoria (TIV) is proud to partner with Bowens who is sponsoring our new initiative – Student of the Month. Bowens is a fourth-generation family owned Australian business and market leader in supplying the largest variety of quality timber and building supplies in Australia. With 128 years experience in the industry, we thought they were a fitting partner to reward students for their hard work. Each Student of the Month receives a gift card from Bowens.
From odd jobs to a new career
Martin Kokavac is finally fulfilling a dream in Australia, starting his CPC30220 – Certificate III in Carpentry with Trade Institute of Victoria (TIV). Having left Slovakia as a teenager to work in France, construction was always something he enjoyed even though he couldn’t devote himself to it until now.
Like many TIV students, Martin comes from a different career path. In France, he worked as a chef. He was lucky that his boss owned a large property and in the off-season, he offered Martin manual work around his home. Martin says, “I’ve always liked to work with my hands. I come from a family where my father was always doing stuff. He always had tools and I was always around so I had a connection to this sort of thing.”
After working for his boss doing odd renovation jobs, he teamed up with a friend who was a painter. Martin explains, “That’s how I started. I was helping him. Then I started doing tiling, painting and other stuff. I loved it.”
The appeal of TIV
Martin found TIV through a Google search. The short length of the courses was appealing to him as he was eager to gain his qualification in carpentry.
He remembers his first day fondly. “I went the first day,” he says, “and I saw the construction yard, and I was like oh my, 10 out of 10, a big yes from me.” Like many students, he found the practical nature of the course a big advantage.
Martin also praises the trainers describing them as “very good, very helpful, and very friendly and funny.”
After he completes his Certificate III, Martin has plans to do his Certificate IV in Building and Construction, before moving on to a Diploma in Building and Construction. His ultimate aim is to become a builder.
“I just try to do my best. I’m 100% motivated because I always wanted to do this. I’m not doing it because I have to or because someone else told me I have to. I chose it myself.” – Martin Kokavec
Student of the Month
While Martin was surprised to win the Bowens award for Student of the Month in March, a bigger surprised was waiting for him.
In addition to the Bowen’s gift card, Tool Market Australia rewarded him with a Tool bag worth $500.
Trainer David Stark says, “Martin has applied himself both in the classroom and the workshop. His ability to listen and use the techniques that have been demonstrated to him has shone through in his exceptional work. This is giving Martin a great foundation in him becoming a great carpenter in the future and we look forward to witnessing and assisting in Martin’s growth through the duration of the Certificate III course. Well done Martin, keep up the good work!”
Martin humbly adds, “I just try to do my best. I’m 100% motivated because I always wanted to do this. I’m not doing it because I have to or because someone else told me I have to. I chose it myself.”
We look forward to following Martin’s journey with TIV as he achieves his dream to work in construction.
Congratulations Martin!
If you want to be a part of the TIV success story, please get in touch.
