General News
25 June, 2025
Arie revelling in opportunities at EGHS
EAST Grampians Health Service’s apprentice carpenter, Arie Cavanagh, is revelling in the opportunities provided by the position and the skills she is learning on the job.
Arie commenced a Certificate III in Carpentry at Federation TAFE in 2023. It is a four-year apprenticeship that involves on-the-job training, in line with attending trade-school at Federation TAFE in Ballarat for up to three weeks of each year.
At trade-school, Arie focuses on the skills she is less exposed to when working on-the-job at EGHS.
Arie is mentored by EGHS’ qualified carpenter, Ashley Leggett, who followed this same career path at EGHS from a young age.
“Ash challenges me to take on new things and to deepen my thinking about certain tasks,” Arie said.
EGHS training and development manager Claire Sladdin said EGHS offers a range of non- clinical industry career paths.
“We are delighted to promote these with positive stories like Arie’s,” Ms Sladdin said.
Arie describes not being able to sit-still at school, so an apprenticeship in a trade such as carpentry was the perfect opportunity for her to engage in ‘hands-on’ learning.
“I have learnt so much and enjoy everything about my job. From the renovations happening at EGHS to providing home care modifications such as building ramps and steps for elderly people in our community, I really like the variety it offers,” she said.
Arie is most proud of a recent large renovation of office spaces completed at EGHS. This is where she has developed a range of carpentry skills that now feel like second nature. Re-using materials as part of this build is something Arie found rewarding and satisfying, especially when it was successfully achieved.
“EGHS is thrilled to offer young people like Arie the opportunity to work in a non-clinical field of work within the health service,” Ms Sladdin said.
“Arie feels as though she is a valued member of the maintenance team. This strengthens our investment in members of our community and showcases how EGHS continues to ‘grow our own’.
“Arie is an excellent ambassador for EGHS and for other young people to consider non-clinical positions/trades within a health service environment.
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