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From self-doubt to success in carpentry and waterproofing

From self-doubt to success in carpentry and waterproofing

Sep 17 2026
Red completed a waterproofing certificate while doing her carpentry apprenticeship to strengthen her understanding across both trades

After working multiple jobs, trying to forge a career in disability services and almost burning out, Red Godwin decided to move to Victoria for a fresh start. 

Growing up in Tasmania, she spent time helping her dad around the house and restoring furniture. She knew she wanted her new career to involve working with her hands, being busy and feeling satisfied at the end of each day. 

Carpentry had always been high on her list of careers, but when Red finished high school, she was told her maths skills weren't good enough. She remembers people saying that she would never get into an apprenticeship and, if she did, it would be too difficult for her to complete. 

Red recalls thinking she didn't want to try because she was embarrassed and worried she would be rejected. 

This all changed when Red started meeting other tradies and apprentices while working labouring jobs after moving to Melbourne. She said she was always surprised when she'd mention she didn't have a lot of experience and people would respond, "That's okay, you can learn while doing." 

While out on a job one day, someone suggested Red look into doing an apprenticeship, explaining that it was a good way to put some structure around what she was already learning. She couldn't believe it. Someone thought she could do an apprenticeship, and she jumped at the opportunity. 

Having studied other courses at TAFE in Tasmania, Red found Melbourne Polytechnic was the best option for her to do a Carpentry Apprenticeship because the classes were face-to-face. And she knew she would need additional support along the way. 

"I wanted the experience of going to trade school, and learning at TAFE, and I thought I would have more support based on my previous experiences." 

Red wanted to be able to go to trade school and enjoy practical workshops in a fit-for-purpose space. This is what Melbourne Polytechnic offered, so the decision was easy. 

She also knew that online learning wasn't the right fit for her. Having teachers she could speak to face-to-face, ask questions and learn from in person made a significant difference to her learning experience. 

Once Red started her apprenticeship, she was surprised by the additional resources and time the teachers put into their students’   learning experience. She also couldn't believe how easily she picked up the maths components of the course. 

It was in the practical application, being able to see the angles and measurements being used, that Red understood maths concepts that had previously been difficult for her. 

"I can do math when I'm working with my hands on things and I can see the numbers in real life. I can see the process. The equations are in 3D." 

In a conversation with one of her apprenticeship teachers, Red learned she could complete a Certificate III in Construction Waterproofing CPC31420 while doing her apprenticeship. Red explained that her carpentry teacher, Hugh, said: 

"Your apprenticeship is yours to build." 

This not only gave Red additional skills, but it also provided her with a deeper overall understanding of why certain tasks needed to be performed when building spaces such as bathrooms and kitchens. 

Interested in understanding the "why" behind construction processes, Red saw waterproofing as an opportunity to broaden her knowledge and become more effective in her role. 

Doing the additional certification has also allowed Red to get more involved and be more useful in the end-to-end process at Walker Carpentry, where she works. 

"We do a little bit of everything, but the more knowledge I have, the more potential I have for work." 

Even though Red is only part way through her apprenticeship, she already feels like her life is significantly different. She feels much more confident, especially as she knows she is bringing valuable skills into a small business and supporting her employer. 

"I'm educated enough to know I'm doing things the right way." 

The additional qualification has given Red confidence in her abilities and reinforced that she is capable of learning new skills when provided with the right support and learning environment. 

Doing an apprenticeship has shed some light on Red's understanding of what is possible for her when it comes to education. Now that she knows she can learn new things, and that she simply has a different learning style, she has confidently signed up for more learning opportunities outside her apprenticeship. 

When asked what advice she has for other people in her position, Red said it's simple: 

"Learning with Chris and at Melbourne Polytechnic has shown me it's never too late to go back to school."  

Once you've had a learning experience that works for you and is tailored to your needs, there's no limit to what you can achieve.