Graduates from St Joseph Affordable Homes Apprenticeship Program

By Ellie Boxhall

Four young tradespeople have marked a major milestone, graduating from their apprenticeships with St Joseph Affordable Homes. Dylan, Iris, Izaiah and Will have each overcome significant personal challenges on their way to qualification, demonstrating their determination and growth.

Apprentice Coach Bella Quinn said the group had made an outstanding contribution during their time with the organisation.

“We are so proud of the commitment, progress, and professionalism that Dylan, Iris, Izaiah and Will continue to demonstrate every day,” she said. “Each of the apprentices have overcome personal and professional barriers in the lead up to this moment.”

Dylan relocated from Melbourne back to Tasmania to care for his family. Joining Loreto Community Housing’s Build Up Tassie program opened the door to the industry in Tasmania that was previously closed, gaining an apprenticeship with St Joseph Affordable Homes in 2021. Dylan qualified as a carpenter in October last year and, while still recovering from injury, is optimistic about returning to the trade and continuing his career.

Iris approached her apprenticeship with a clear commitment to building a future in the trades, despite personal challenges including an interrupted education, illness, and gender discrimination. Her dedication has not gone unrecognised—Iris was a finalist in the 2024 Skills Tasmania Equity Apprentice of the Year Award and received the inaugural TasTAFE Mitchell Gordon Memorial Scholarship last year. Iris is the first female apprentice and the first electrical apprentice to qualify with St Joseph Affordable Homes. After completing her qualification in January, she has now begun full-time work as an electrician with Degree C and is looking forward to mentoring future apprentices.

Izaiah says he didn’t have much structure or direction in life but the support of Build Up Tassie and St Joseph Affordable Homes helped him build his skills, confidence and sense of purpose. Throughout his apprenticeship Izaiah managed ongoing mental and physical health challenges while developing patience, persistence and pride in his work. Izaiah qualified in December, becoming St Joseph’s first bricklaying apprentice to graduate and the first to continue working as a tradesman within the organisation’s in-house trade team.

Will’s apprenticeship journey required resilience as he navigated the complexities of living and working with epilepsy. His host employer, ST Tiling, provided exceptional support, ensuring he felt safe and valued on site. Will’s strong work ethic saw him named a finalist in the 2025 Skills Tasmania Equity Apprentice of the Year Award. He qualified as a Tiler in January and has chosen to return to a baking apprenticeship, a long-held passion.

Each of their journeys into construction started in Loreto Community Housing’s Build Up Tassie program, a construction work-readiness program providing pathways to hands-on industries.

After finishing with Build Up Tassie, they were each offered apprenticeships with St Joseph Affordable Homes, a nationally acclaimed building and construction social enterprise.

“St Joseph Affordable Homes has a dual purpose to provide substantial and sustainable employment opportunities for young Tasmanians with barriers to employment, and to alleviate housing stress and homelessness,” said CEO Adrian Broomhall.

“Each project undertaken by the organisation considers the opportunities that could be given to young people like Dylan, Iris, Izaiah and Will.”

“Their achievements highlight what’s possible when young Tasmanians are given the opportunity, support and stability needed to thrive.”