Five Minutes with Holly at Fire Rescue Victoria

NextGen Jobs Apprentice Fitter Holly is based at Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV). She commenced her apprenticeship in January and recently featured in their newsletter.

According to FRV, Holly has found her perfect “fit”, allowing her to explore her passion and bring a furry friend with a very “impawtant” job to work.?

We are republishing this inspiring article with permission of both Holly and FRV.

What apprenticeship are you completing and when did you start?? I am in my first year of my Mechanical Fitter apprenticeship at FRV’s Thornbury workshop.?

What made you decide to do the apprenticeship and what was your pathway into FRV?? I have always been a practical person, ever since I was little.? I’ve always loved spending my time learning new skills, so doing an apprenticeship was the best way to implement this into my career. So far, I have found learning on the job to be beneficial.? As I’ve spent a lot of my life in country Victoria and New South Wales, I’ve witnessed firsthand the amazing work emergency services do for communities, and it’s been interesting to see a different side of it in my workshop role.?

What does a typical day in your role look like?? A regular day for me consists of assisting fitters with a range of repairing, rebuilding and pump testing duties, as well as welding.?

I understand you have been bringing your assistance dog to work. How is she settling into life on the job?? Nala is my two-year-old Labrador and service dog. She has been with me through my final years of schooling and prior to my apprenticeship. It’s amazing to have her by my side through this big transition in my life.? Our Thornbury workshop has been so accommodating and inclusive for Nala and I, we love working here. However, she does love a good sleep-in, so I’ve had to get her used to the slightly earlier morning starts! ?

How does being at FRV differ from work you’ve done in the past?? I’ve previously had more experience in diesel mechanics, compared with the mechanical engineering I’m learning about at FRV.? After I gained more understanding of my interests and skills, I decided they were more related to the fitter role. I realised it was my perfect “fit”!?

What are your next steps in your career?? Since I’m just starting out, I haven’t thought that far ahead yet.? However, I am eager to continue developing my skills and my confidence so someday I can move into a leadership role.?

Kim Patrick Wiley, Sandi Muzzi and NextGen Jobs Mentor Deborah Broderick .