“I’ve definitely found my passion. I’m nearly in my fourth year now, and I bloody love it.”
CJ Van Der Westhuizen travels at least three hours a day, sometimes four, to his job as an Apprentice Boilermaker/Welder in Henderson, Perth. He and his wife moved to Eglington, on the other side of town, a week before he got the job. He leaves home at 4:30am and gets home well after 6.
CJ was working in a bottle shop when a customer told him about a friend who was looking for someone to help in their small, family-owned light fabrication shop.
“I just fell in love with it. I find it fascinating, working with metal. It’s the satisfaction of being given a drawing, getting the materials, building it and seeing the end product and how all your hard work has paid off. Then putting your name on it and taking a bit of pride in what you’ve created,” CJ said.
At the time, the small business couldn’t take on an apprentice, so CJ did some searching and was eventually placed by Skill Hire, part of the IntoWork Group, as an apprentice with Civmec. Skill Hire takes care of his pay slips, the training requirements and all of the paperwork; effectively supervising and providing support through his apprenticeship journey. They also do regular check-ins and mentoring so he can focus on learning on site.
Passion Beyond the Workshop: IRB Racing
Alongside his work as a welder, CJ’s other passion is racing inflatable rescue boats (IRBs) with a team he and his wife built from scratch at Quinns Mindarie Surf Life Saving Club. Earlier this year, the Bondi Surf Club invited the Quinns Mindarie team to compete in the 2025 Sharkskin Australian IRB Championships in South West Rocks, NSW.
The team would have to raise $25,000 to cover flights, accommodation, fuel, food and transporting their boats across the country. After running a quiz night fundraiser, a sausage sizzle and rallying friends and family, they raised $18,000 in under six months. With the support of local sponsors, including a significant contribution from Skill Hire, they became the only Western Australian team to enter the July championships and the first team from Quinns Mindarie to compete in 25 years.
“It was unreal. It was such a great experience. We learned so much. There were 41 surf clubs competing from all over Australia. 741 competitors. The best of the best was there. So, just to be there was such an honour. It was really special,” he said.
Looking Ahead: Completing the Apprenticeship
Now 29, CJ is looking forward to beginning the final year of his apprenticeship next month. He’s not yet sure what the future will bring but he’s committed to his career path and grateful for the support he’s had so far.
“The people I work with and all the support I’ve had, I’ve been really fortunate. I’ve worked for a lot of different companies and a lot of different jobs over the years, and I really feel at home with Skill Hire and Civmec. Everyone really takes care of you.”
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If you think you could love a career in the trades, apply to Skill Hire to start an apprenticeship.
