Having a hand in Darwin’s booming construction industry is something that Indigenous welding apprentice Kieran Bush is pretty pleased about.
At age 26, the second year metals fabrication apprentice has found his niche after a number of professions including six years as a banking consultant and labouring as a powder coater and fencer.
Already having worked on numerous residential and commercial projects, “Bushy” as he’s known on the jobsite, is relishing the opportunity to be involved with one of the NT’s most respected fabricators.
A welding fabricator with Arafura Fabrications, Kieran’s new career has won him a new found appreciation for metal.
“Metal is so integral to our world that it’s often taken for granted,” he said.
“The computer you are using may seem plastic, but without metal, there would be no computer. The chair you are sitting on, the house you live in - metal is a fundamental part of our world.”
Currently studying for a Certificate III in Metal Fabrication-Light Fabrication, Kieran said the blocks of trade school at CDU were always a great chance to pick the brains of lecturers to gain the theory to put into practice on the worksite.
On completion of his trade, Kieran hopes to one day provide the same training he has received to other budding Indigenous apprentices out on country.