Conor’s second career is building a brighter future

At 24, the Gold Coast’s Conor Stevenson made one of his biggest decisions in life – he left behind a job as a baker to start again and build a career which has given him a more stable and fulfilling lifestyle in construction.

Conor’s determination to embrace a new career through vocational education and training has seen him named the Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year at the 2026 Queensland Training Awards.

Beginning a traineeship with the City of Gold Coast meant stepping into a completely new industry with no previous experience.

Conor completed his Certificate III in Civil Construction through Construction Skills Training Centre, developing practical skills in concreting, drainage, excavation, reading construction drawings and environmental protection controls.

His training has given him the opportunity to contribute to projects that have a direct impact on the Gold Coast community, Conor has also gained a strong appreciation for the role civil infrastructure plays in supporting the community.

During cyclone recovery efforts, he helped with clean-up activities across affected areas, seeing first-hand the importance of maintaining public spaces and infrastructure.

Having experienced the uncertainty of changing careers himself, Conor now supports new trainees entering the City of Gold Coast. He shares his experiences, participates in vocational pathway activities and encourages others to see apprenticeships and traineeships as an option at any stage of their working life.

His experience has also taught him that starting again is not a step backwards, but an opportunity to find a career that better aligns with your goals.

Conor’s next goal is to continue building his technical expertise in civil infrastructure while mentoring others and promoting vocational education as a pathway to meaningful careers.

Connor said winning the 2026 Queensland Training Award Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year award was a validation that he had made the right decision to change careers.

“If you told me four years ago that I’d be in this position, when I was doing my bread baking apprenticeship, I wouldn’t have believed it,” Conor said.

“The fact that I’ve received this award now just kind of validates that I made the right decision, and I couldn’t be happier.

“The biggest lesson I’ve learnt on my journey is that it’s never too late to make a change. You may feel like you’re stuck or secure in your job, but you may not entirely feel fulfilled.

“You’ve just got to go in with an open mindset and be prepared that you are going to make mistakes, but you learn from those mistakes,” he said.

Conor will now progress to the Australian Training Awards to be held in Sydney on 20 November 2026.

Learn more about Queensland Training Awards.