Student Spotlight - Darby West
Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (UEE32220) student Darby West shares what he loves about the trade.
Despite self-doubt and thinking he knew little about the refrigeration and air conditioning trade before beginning his apprenticeship, GOTAFE student Darby West loves what it brings daily.
“I knew nothing about the trade, but I wanted to give something a go, and refrigeration and air conditioning is where I landed," he said.
Currently employed as an apprentice by Tocumwal based company GSR Refrigeration Air Conditioning, Darby said it is the variety of the jobs they do that keeps him eager to come to work each day.
“Since I have started my apprenticeship, I am absolutely loving it,” Darby said.
“You just never know what each day is going to bring.
"It could be a small domestic install or service, or we could do something huge in the ski fields."
Darby said GOTAFE is playing a huge role in making sure he keeps growing the skills he needs at work.
"When I leave each week I spend at GOTAFE, I know I am going to be taking something new back to work, which I find exciting."
Recently, Darby had the opportunity to participate in the WorldSkills competition through GOTAFE, which he found to be a rewarding experience.
“WorldSkills was a fantastic thing to do. It really challenged me and pushed my skills even further,” he said.
“If other students get the chance to participate, I’d highly recommend it.”
