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Lucas Pilot - HVAC Trade

  • Published on Apr. 20, 2022

"I know it will be a challenge, but I am ready to take it on,” Lucas said. 

Lucas Pilot recently completed his HVAC apprenticeship with Sodexo. Although an outstanding asset to Sodexo’s team in Karratha, his career and personal journey is one of hard work, resilience and perseverance 

After graduating high school, Lucas Pilot left his Cairns family home in the pursuit of employment. His journey took him 4,500 kilometers to Western Australia where he began work as a laborer. 

Lucas’ supervisors recognized his dedication and attention to detail on site, and offered him a Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) trades apprenticeship with Sodexo. 

“Ididn’tknowwhatHVACwas,butIsawitasanopportunityandtookit,”Lucassaid.
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Four years later, Lucas is a certified tradesman and was even recognized as the 2019 TAFE Apprentice of the Year, but to completing his apprenticeship didn’t come without challenges. 


Lucas found the study to be intensive, having to attend one-month training blocks in Perth. From the outset, the content wasn’t sticking, and weekly exams were a new frontier for Lucas. But failure wasn’t an option, and Lucas put in the hard work and hours to ensure he never missed a class or exam.


In the Torres Strait Islander community, family is central to all aspects of life. Lucas was about to enter an assessment training block when he received some upsetting news from a close family member. Where many would have walked away, Lucas persevered, and used it as motivation to continue with his study. 


This resilience did not go unnoticed. Lucas’ supervisors were in awe of his continued efforts in the face of adversity, noting that many other apprentices would not have had the same courage or determination.

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With his apprenticeship under his belt, Lucas is equipped for success where he may choose to go.

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