Career transitions can be daunting, but for Oscar Ford, switching from personal training to plumbing has proven to be a rewarding decision that led to his recognition as Melbourne Polytechnic's 2025 Outstanding Construction Student of the Year.
Before studying a trade, Oscar worked as a personal trainer and Pilates instructor. The COVID-19 pandemic served as a catalyst for his career pivot when the distinction between essential and non-essential workers was defined. "Due to the pandemic, I wasn’t considered an essential worker, but I realised despite the lockdowns there was still lots of work out there for tradespeople," Oscar explains.
This realisation prompted him to pursue a more practical, hands-on career path that would provide job security and also give him skills that couldn't be easily replaced by technology or automation. His decision to study Certificate II in Plumbing (Pre-Apprenticeship) 22569VIC was influenced by recommendations from friends in the trades and Melbourne Polytechnic's reputation for quality facilities and hands-on learning.
Oscar's choice of Melbourne Polytechnic came down to several practical factors. The location was convenient, reducing travel time, but what really caught his attention were the facilities. "The sand pit drew me in," he recalls with humour. "There was somebody that said, we're going to put you in a sand pit, and I was pretty excited about that."
The hands-on approach and modern equipment, including tools he'd never used before like an oxyacetylene torch, made the learning experience in the Certificate II in Plumbing (Pre-Apprenticeship) 22569VIC both practical and engaging.
Under the guidance of instructor Mark, who brought decades of industry experience to the classroom, Oscar developed the technical skills and professional attitude that would serve him well in the workplace. Mark's teaching philosophy focused on practical, job-relevant knowledge without unnecessary complexity.
"He really pushed the relevant points," Oscar notes. "It was very much like, if you don't want to know this, that's fine, but it's probably going to help you on site."
Oscar's competitive nature and willingness to learn, combined with his ability to communicate effectively and ask questions when needed, set him apart as a student. His approach was simple: give everything your best effort, be receptive to advice from experienced professionals, and don't be afraid to admit it when you don't understand something.
The practical training at Melbourne Polytechnic prepared Oscar well for his current role in volume building, where he works primarily with drainage, stormwater and sewerage systems. The skills he learned in Certificate II in Plumbing (Pre-Apprenticeship) 22569VIC were translated directly to real-world applications, from reading plans to using various tools safely and effectively.
His previous experience in personal training also proved valuable, particularly his communication skills and understanding of proper ergonomics and injury prevention. "There was a lot of free personal training sessions I gave on sites" in his first month on the job, he jokes.
Winning the Outstanding Student of the Year award came as a surprise to Oscar, who attributes the recognition to his attitude and willingness to learn. His future goals include gaining experience across plumbing's eight different streams and eventually taking on apprentices of his own.
Oscar's journey demonstrates that career changes, while challenging, can lead to fulfilling and stable employment when approached with the right attitude and quality training. His success at Melbourne Polytechnic studying the Certificate II in Plumbing (Pre-Apprenticeship) 22569VIC proves that hands-on education, experienced instructors and practical facilities create the foundation for outstanding student achievement.
Plumbing is more than unblocking drains - gain essential skills for an in-demand career in the construction trades.