Carpentry graduate Hayes is building the foundations for a global career

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Carpentry graduate Hayes is building the foundations for a global career

Hayes Robinson is part of the first cohort of students to complete his trade qualification at RMIT’s new Trades and Innovation Centre in Bundoora. Having recently completed his Certificate III in Carpentry, he is ready to take on his next challenge.

“Completing the qualification wasn’t the finish line for me, it was another milestone,” he said.

Now working in the façade industry, Hayes always had a sense that building and working with his hands was his calling. Carpentry offered the perfect pathway to turn that instinct into a career.

“I knew I wanted to pursue a trade and complete a carpentry apprenticeship and RMIT provided the perfect environment, facilities and student support.”

Person wearing hardhat

Hayes Robinson

Carpentry apprentices at RMIT work full-time on site alongside their studies, giving them maximum exposure to the quality, safety, planning and coordination needed to meet real industry standards.

“Being on site full-time teaches you very quickly that communication, reliability, problem solving and teamwork are just as important as your individual trade skills,” Hayes said.

Working on real projects also helps you understand how your role contributes to the wider team and overall project success.

Hayes said studying at the Trades and Innovation Centre helped him develop the confidence and skills he needed to succeed in real construction environments.

“The facilities at RMIT were excellent, from the equipment and tools through to the materials and workspaces that reflected real industry conditions,” he said.

“Having access to these purpose-built training areas made developing practical skills much easier and gave me confidence to apply what I learned directly on site.”

College of Vocational Education’s Trades and Innovation Centre at the Bundoora campus.

Studying at RMIT reinforced for Hayes that completing an apprenticeship is just the beginning of a longer journey.

“Having a trade provides a strong foundation, but there are always opportunities to develop leadership, management and business skills,” he said.

"How far you take it is largely determined by your own drive and commitment."

Six people standing on wood structure outdoors

Carpentry graduates on stairs made by the cohort within their course.

Through his carpentry studies, Hayes has already opened doors to leadership opportunities, work on major commercial projects in the façade industry, and future business ambitions. He will soon be relocating to New Zealand to work on a major hospital project, while continuing to pursue his long-term business aspirations.

“I’m excited to see where that journey leads next.”

For future apprentices and students considering a trade, Hayes’s advice is simple but firm.

“My biggest piece of advice would be to commit fully,” he said.

“Show up early, give 100% every day, stay eager to learn and take every opportunity that’s offered to you. If you do that, you’ll build a rewarding career and gain skills that will stay with you for life.”

Interested in a trade qualification? Explore RMIT’s Apprenticeship and Traineeship programs.

27 July 2026

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