Building a career from the ground up

One-time apprentice Andy Bugeja is now helping the next generation of tradespeople in his leadership role at The Gordon.

More than 20 years after starting his plumbing apprenticeship, Andy Bugeja now helps guide the future of trades education at The Gordon.

How did you find your way into plumbing?

I wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted to do. I briefly studied horticulture at university, but it didn’t take long to realise I was better suited to being out in the workforce. I was labouring on sprinkler installations when a family friend mentioned an apprenticeship opportunity. I thought I’d give it a go and it turned out to be the best decision I ever made.

My apprenticeship taught me discipline, the importance of showing up every day and doing a job properly. I was lucky to work with skilled tradespeople who set a great example. Those early experiences helped shape the work ethic I still carry today.

What are some of your career highlights?

Working as a plumber took me around the world, with projects in Mexico, Canada and the US, as well as across Australia. It opened my eyes to just how many opportunities can come from learning a trade.

One of the biggest highlights was running my own plumbing business in Geelong for more than 10 years. I loved building the business and training apprentices. One of the things I’m most proud of is helping more women enter a traditionally male-dominated trade.

I employed and trained female apprentices who went on to receive training awards through the Master Plumbers Association. Seeing them go on to build successful careers of their own has been incredibly rewarding.

How has your 20-year career shaped the way you lead as Director of Education Excellence – Industry, Trades and Environment?

My apprenticeship was the first thing I really committed to. It gave me the foundation for everything that followed. Every stage of my career has shaped the way I think and lead, with each stage giving me a different perspective.

It’s meant I understand the challenges and opportunities people face when they’re starting out, developing their skills or leading teams. That’s what helps me stay connected to what learners, employers and industry need most.

What would you say to someone who’s thinking about an apprenticeship?

I’d say give it a go. An apprenticeship gives you practical skills, real-world experience and the opportunity to earn while you learn. If you put in the effort and stick with it, you’ll gain highly valued skills and it’ll open doors you might not even be thinking about yet.

Article subject Andy standing in front of a small a group of other tradies in a work training environment.

You built a successful career on the tools. What ultimately led you to The Gordon?

I realised I loved teaching and mentoring apprentices just as much as the trade itself. It came naturally to me and I got a lot of satisfaction from helping others learn, so moving into teaching felt right. What started in the classroom led to leadership roles and eventually the position I’m in today.

Now, I have the privilege of leading a broad portfolio across trades, industry and environmental programs, working with industry and our teaching teams to make sure students have the skills they’ll need for the workforce.

What skills will future tradespeople need to succeed?

As homes, businesses and communities become increasingly electrified, tradespeople will play a vital role in installing and maintaining advanced energy systems. Success will require skills beyond traditional trade expertise, including digital technologies, automation, smart controls and systems integration.

TAFEs have an important role to play in ensuring the workforce develops the skills needed to support a more sustainable, resilient and technology-driven energy future.

The Gordon is championing renewable energy across the Victorian TAFE network. How do you see renewable technologies in the trade sector evolving?

Renewable technologies are becoming an increasingly important part of the trade sector. As more people adopt solar, battery storage, EV charging and smart energy systems, tradespeople need the capability to install, maintain and integrate these technologies safely and effectively.

With around 128,600 new homes and a population of more than 440,000 people expected across Greater Geelong by 2050, demand for skilled workers will continue to grow. Investing in training is essential to ensure the workforce can support the region’s housing, sustainability and economic growth ambitions while adapting to new energy technologies.

Article subject Andy kneeling on the floor with a small a group of other tradies in a work training environment.

The Gordon is championing renewable energy across the Victorian TAFE network. How do you see renewable technologies in the trade sector evolving?

Renewable technologies are becoming an increasingly important part of the trade sector. As more people adopt solar, battery storage, EV charging and smart energy systems, tradespeople need the capability to install, maintain and integrate these technologies safely and effectively.

With around 128,600 new homes and a population of more than 440,000 people expected across Greater Geelong by 2050, demand for skilled workers will continue to grow. Investing in training is essential to ensure the workforce can support the region’s housing, sustainability and economic growth ambitions while adapting to new energy technologies.

More information about The Gordon’s trade programs