Surfing the Skills Wave of Success
Surfing has been a passion for Nick Pike, which he has been able to combine with a School-based Traineeship to further his goal of one day owning a business in the surfing industry.
Captain of the Oberon High's school surfing team, Nick completed a Certificate III in Retail Studies through Gordon Institute of TAFE whilst studying for his VCE. The value of the training has been self-evident to his employer at Strapper Surf.
"Although I was Strapper's first trainee, my boss was very impressed with the training. Since I've completed my School-based traineeship, he has put on four other trainees and I know my experience definitely contributed to his decision to do so. I suppose I started off as the 'guinea pig' and then became his 'example'," Nick said.
Located at the epicentre of Victorian surfing culture in Torquay, Strapper Surf is one of the only surfboard manufacturing companies in Australia that has a shaping bay, providing a unique, individual local product for the surfing community.
Fully supported by his training in all aspects of the retail industry, Nick has been able to use his skills in an effective way in the workplace. Improved communication, customer service and merchandising knowledge has helped Nick in store and out in the community.
"I've had the opportunity to promote the surfing industry in a personal way just by loving surfing and other people seeing my enthusiasm. Passion is very 'catchy'. In a more formal way, I've been the Goodwill Ambassador for Strapper Surf. Being the face of Strapper at public events is pretty memorable," he says.
"The School-based traineeship was ideal for me and enabled me to confirm my interest in Retail and Commerce. Skills training is very important. I would definitely recommend the School-based traineeship to other people who are thinking of going onto university. I genuinely believe that VET training has made me more successful."