Former Army carpenter and golf retailer Lachlan James has made a surprising career shift to the electrical trades. Photo: Supplied.
A casual conversation with a customer changed the course of Lachlan James’ life.
The Table Top father-of-two had already served as an Army carpenter and spent years working in golf retail when an unexpected opportunity landed in his lap — a mature-age electrical apprenticeship.
Now, the 33-year-old is a fully qualified electrician, has won the 2025 TAFE NSW Albury Electrotechnology Student of the Year award and says he only has one regret.
“I love being an electrician and I only wish I’d made the decision sooner,” he said.
Mr James spent five years in the Army as a carpenter before moving into golf retailing. But after being offered an apprenticeship through a chance encounter with a customer, he decided to take a leap into a completely different industry.
The gamble paid off.
Today he works for Trent Parker Electrical Services and says the variety of electrical work is one of the things he enjoys most about the job.
“I really enjoy the problem-solving element and just the variety in the job: you could be installing solar panels on a farm one day and doing service work at Myer the next,” he said.
Mr James said the career change was particularly rewarding because the work suited the way he learned and operated.
Living with ADHD, he found the practical nature of the trade and his studies at TAFE NSW Albury helped him stay engaged.
“My TAFE NSW course is a great mix of theory and practical, and the teachers really help you understand the course work in your own time,” he said.
His success comes as more Australians look to reinvent themselves through new careers.
The latest ABS Job Mobility Report found nearly one in seven Australians who changed jobs in 2025 moved into technician or trade roles.
Meanwhile, the Hays 2025 Skills Report found 87 per cent of workers believe the skills required for their jobs will change within five years, helping drive a surge in reskilling and career transitions.
Mr James encouraged other Border residents considering a career change to look at the trades.
TAFE NSW Albury Head Teacher of Electrotechnology Tom Retford said mature-age apprentices were becoming increasingly common as more workers sought secure and rewarding careers.
“Lachlan’s journey shows it’s never too late to start a trade career,” Mr Retford said.
“We’re seeing more people come to electrotechnology after working in other industries because they’re looking for a career that offers variety, job security and the opportunity to develop highly sought-after skills.
“Electricians are at the forefront of some of the biggest changes happening in Australia, from renewable energy and battery storage through to smart technologies and electrification, so demand for qualified workers remains very strong.
“The Certificate III in Electrotechnology gives students the practical skills, technical knowledge and industry experience employers are looking for, and it prepares them for a wide range of career opportunities across residential, commercial and industrial settings.”
