Melissa landed a job at the Graphic Design company where she did work experience in high school, and has now won Gold recently in the Sydney National Worldskills 2008 Competition.

Nancy is a final year apprentice in a very non-traditional trade: being a tattoo artist at a custom tattoo design studio, Tatudharma. She shares just how she entered the industry and what she loves about it.

Nick Davies comes from a household of computers. So when his TVET teacher at school suggested his class head to Worldskills Regional competitions, Nick thought he’d take advantage of the opportunity.

Nathan Day is a furniture designer and maker in Western Australia. He's one of the few people lucky enough to be able to create artwork for clients which becomes more like part of the family, than just a piece of furniture.

John Redmond started in the manufacturing industry as a fitter and turner apprentice in 1961. Now, he owns a three shift manufacturing factory, which is, he shares, "growing and succeeding in every way."

Peter Nicholls has been toiling away in the manufacturing game for more than three decades. And while he doesn't deny he has picked a tough industry sector forge his career, he wouldn't have it any other way.

"Imagine yourself 100 miles into the bush, with no petrol stations, no hospitals, no one near and no assistance. When a crisis occurs, you've got no one to help you, except yourself, and all you've got to rely on is your experience."

When Shaun Kenny was at school he was told doing an apprenticeship was a 'lower option'. Lucky he didn't listen. He is now the Managing Director of his own successful cabinet making business.

After more than a decade working as a successful chef, Matthew Aitken left the heat of the kitchen to learn about the process of making wine.

Flying high: Imagine a job were you get to soar above the MCG on a wire system during the Olympics or hang from the walls of the Telstra Dome while Robbie Williams performs below.

Dikran Manjian loves solving problems and the buzz of seeing satisfied customers.

Kevin Spiteri started his career with manufacturer Broens Industries as an apprentice toolmaker, but thanks to his trade background has been promoted up to the marketing department.

Geoffrey Sandry is a body builder, but he doesn't pump iron at the gym. Instead, his workouts involve constructing bus and coach frames.

Jason Cullen was a diesel mechanic in the Army before he made the switch to training. He now looks after more than 100 mining apprentices.