Conor Stevenson took a leap of faith at age 24, leaving his stable employment to pursue a new career he felt helped him reach his personal and community-based goals.
Now a Regional Queensland Training Awards finalist and working on vital community infrastructure for the City of Gold Coast, Conor’s Vocational Education and Training (VET) journey has delivered everything he hoped for.
Feeling unfulfilled in his employment, Conor was in search of a pathway that could help him make a change, and VET was the answer.
“Internally I felt unfulfilled and struggled to see how my long-term goals, including professional growth, financial stability and building a future with my partner, were achievable in that industry,” Conor said.
“I wanted greater responsibility. I wanted challenge. Most importantly, I wanted a career where progression felt achievable and where the work I contributed had a visible impact on the community.
“Beginning a traineeship in civil infrastructure with the City of Gold Coast meant stepping into uncertainty. I was entering a physically demanding outdoor industry with no prior experience. It required humility, resilience and a willingness to make mistakes and learn from them.
“Completing my Certificate III in Civil Construction has given me clarity and direction. I now see a structured pathway for development in an industry that delivers essential services to the community.”
In his new VET-powered role, Conor contributes to vital community infrastructure including through reservoir restoration and cyclone recovery efforts, finding genuine purpose in work that serves his local community.
National Skills Week 2026 celebrates the ways VET can change individuals, industries, systems and communities with its theme Life Changing, with Conor’s story a reminder of the community good that VET careers create.
Find out more about National Skills Week 2026.
Last updated 18 August 2026
