One of this year’s finalist for the Northern Territory Training Awards dropped out early in his first attempt at vocational education, but he soon found the spark that ignited his educational journey.
Oliver King, who was diagnosed with Dyslexia at a young age, struggled through school, and in his first attempt at a fabrication qualification in vocational education.
He worked as a labourer and other odd jobs, until he decided to pack up his car and found himself in Alice Springs where he stopped to catch up with some mates.
During this time, he came to love living in Central Australia and his friends convinced him to apply for an apprenticeship at Power and Water, now he’s a qualified electrician in the red centre.
He knew that the journey to completing his apprenticeship would not be easy because of his previous experience with education, but he was determined to try.
“I think coming in as a mature, aged apprentice I felt more prepared than when I was right out of high school, I was ready to work hard and keen to learn,” Mr King said.
Mr King said it took him some time to find his footing and had to work closely with his lecturers at Charles Darwin University (CDU) TAFE, but he got there.
“It wasn’t always easy. I quickly learned that if I wanted to succeed, I would have to start advocating for myself and my style of learning,” he said.
“I had to learn how to tell my lecturer if I didn’t understand and figure out a way to make sure I could understand my course work,
“Learning to advocate for myself both in the classroom and in the workplace has helped me grow my confidence and find my own voice.”
Mr King said his lecturers at CDU supported him and his learning and ensured he had the support that he needed.
Mr King is now using his voice to share his story to hopefully encourage other Territorians to have a go at an apprenticeship or trade.
“An apprenticeship doesn’t just offer a career but skills that you can take with you, and you can earn while you learn, there is such a demand for skilled trades people in Central Australia,” Mr King said.
Mr King recently won the James Bell Apprentice of the Year at the 2026 Master Builders Excellence in Building and Construction awards and is a finalist for the 2026 Austin Asche Apprentice of the Year Northern Territory Training Awards, which will be held in Darwin on 19 September.
