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Riley Buckeridge

from Kitchen hand to Apprentice Carpenter
I work on high-rise building fitouts, creating functional spaces by installing walls, ceilings, and finishing details.
Industry
Construction and infrastructure
Company
Citibuild Constructions - Sponsored by Construction Pathways
Job Level
Entry

Ask me about

  • What surprised me most when I started my apprenticeship
  • The tools I get to use every day
  • Why I chose carpentry instead of my initial interest in nursing

About me

When I first left school, I worked in a café with my dad. I always thought I would become a nurse, but when a TAFE carpentry course came up, it really caught my interest. I decided to take a chance and enrol, and looking back, I’m amazed at how much I’ve learned in such a short time. Carpentry has taken me from simple beginnings to building things on my own, going on way too many Bunnings trips, and gaining a level of confidence and independence I didn’t expect but really value!

About my role

Commercial carpenters work on large buildings such as offices, hotels, and hospitals. They build the internal structure by framing walls and ceilings, and they also install finishing parts like skirting, ceiling tiles, and feature pieces. Their work helps turn an empty space into a safe and functional area ready for use.

Education

  • Carpentry Apprenticeship (4th year)

Subjects

  • Building and Construction Skills
  • English
  • Science

Awards

  • Apprentice of the Year Award

Hobbies

  • Art
  • Camping
  • Cooking
  • Painting
  • Seeing family and friends

15 year old me!!

“You’ll make mistakes, laugh a lot, and build some cool things. Carpentry’s harder than school, but it's rewarding!”

My career journey

Curious to know how I got here? Here’s a snapshot of my career pathway.
  1. Worked in a cafe with my dad
  2. Thought about studying nursing
  3. A TAFE carpentry course sparked my interest
  4. Began my apprenticeship
  5. Learning and loving what I do everyday!

My typical day

My employer

Through UNIQ You’s partnership with Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ) we have been able to welcome construction advisors from CSQ’s Major Contractor Partners. Read more about this Advisors employer below. Citibuild Constructions are a Brisbane based construction company with over 20 years of industry experience. The company specialises in high-quality fit outs and projects across a wide range of sectors that include commercial, government and defence, industrial, health, retail and beauty, and hospitality. Over the last 10 years of running, the team has grown to over 100 on-site employees working across Brisbane to Gold Coast.