Every career starts somewhere. This is what being in the making looks like.
National Apprenticeship Week 2026 celebrates the journeys that are still taking shape. This year’s theme, “It’s in the making”, is a reminder that careers aren’t built overnight, they’re formed through hands-on learning, persistence, and the willingness to keep going.
At United, apprenticeships are about more than gaining a qualification, they’re about building people up. Andrew and Jesse’s stories reflect what “in the making” looks like in action. Their journeys highlight the value of starting somewhere, learning along the way, and shaping a career with purpose.
By investing in apprentices like Andrew and Jesse, we’re not just filling roles, we’re building capability, loyalty, and the future of our workforce. Because great careers, great tradespeople, and great businesses aren’t found fully formed. They’re made.
For Andrew, It Started With Learning From His Dad. And It Grew Into A Career Of His Own.
My journey has been a long one, starting my apprenticeship as a breakdown technician with my father, Joe Jenner. He has been a huge help, and I hope to follow in his footsteps one day. I worked with him for five years before he shut down the service part of his business.
I then came across United, who took me on at the end of my apprenticeship and put me through TAFE, big shout-out to Jeff, Dennis, Matt, and Andrew for being awesome bosses. My favorite part has been learning how to fix and maintain container handlers, as well as how to assemble and disassemble masts and booms. With my qualification, I see myself getting back out on the road, working on container handlers at the Port of Brisbane again.
My advice to those starting in the industry is to take care of your body, make sure you listen, and ask questions, even if you think they’re dumb. The dumbest question is the one you didn’t ask.
Jesse Turned Curiosity About Mechanics Into Confidence On The Tools.
I’ve always had a strong interest in mechanical systems, and United gave me the opportunity to start an apprenticeship to turn that interest into a career. I’ve really enjoyed putting the skills I’ve learned into practice, diagnosing and repairing the equipment we use every day.
The one-on-one practical and theoretical training I’ve received on the machinery we maintain and service has been invaluable in building my confidence and understanding. I’m gonna continue to develop my skills as a tradesman while gradually progressing to work on the larger, more complex equipment in our fleet.
My advice for anyone starting out in this industry is to work hard, take initiative, and never be afraid to ask questions. Every question is a chance to learn something new.
Congratulations to all our apprentices!
A huge congratulations to Andrew Jenner and Jesse Parslow who will be completing their apprentices this year! This is an incredible achievement that reflects their dedication, hard work, and hands-on learning.
We also want to recognise all our current apprentices across the business. Every day they step into the workshop, take on new challenges, ask questions, and grow their skills, they are shaping a career that’s uniquely theirs. Their dedication and curiosity are building experience and confidence that will carry them far, and we’re proud to support them as their journey continues.
Keep pushing forward, stay curious, and be proud of how far you’ve come. Your careers are in the making, and we’re so very proud to support you every step of the way.
Interested in starting your own apprenticeship? United is always welcoming new apprentices.
Contact us today to learn how you can begin your journey.