James eyes a business opportunity with family

“I got into the cabinet making trade through school. I had a woodworking teacher who got me to apply for a job and I started four days after I finished school,” he said.

James said he enjoyed the trade and his work at Kustom Kitchens in Portland included creating kitchens, laundries, bathroom vanities and walk-in robes.

“I love when things are perfect and being able to lift someone’s home and bring them joy,” he said.

James said he loved learning new skills at TAFE that he wasn’t always able to practice on the job.

He was also rewarded for his efforts and won the 2023 Cabinet Making Apprentice of the Year at South West TAFE’s Trades Awards in October.

James is hoping to join forces with his sister one day and run their own cabinet making business.

“My sister is currently studying cabinet making as well so the plan in the future is to possibly start our own business,” he said.