The Right Support Helps Lucas Start His Plumbing Career

For Lucas, starting a career in plumbing wasn’t about finding the motivation or skills to work. He already had both. As someone who is profoundly Deaf, what he needed was the right support to connect with an employer willing to understand how he communicates, work through the practical considerations, and recognise what he could bring to the job.

With support from Jobedge, Lucas was able to navigate the job search, access interpreters, prepare for interviews, and connect with Olde Style Roofing and Guttering, where an open approach from Managing Director Darren Fraser and his team led to the apprenticeship opportunity Lucas had been working towards.

Plumbing had always been a natural career choice for Lucas. His dad is a plumber, he enjoys practical, hands-on work, and he knew he wanted a career that would keep him active and outdoors.

“I enjoy being active and working in a hands-on physical role,” Lucas said. “I like working outdoors and I didn’t want to be stuck inside in an office job.”

A career Lucas wanted to pursue

By the time Lucas connected with Jobedge in November 2025, he had already completed a pre-vocational plumbing course and held his White Card, first aid qualification, and provisional driver’s licence. He was motivated and ready to work, but finding the right apprenticeship opportunity had been difficult.

Lucas’s native language is Auslan. Before finding Jobedge, managing job applications, interviews, and interpreter bookings on his own had become increasingly difficult.

“I applied for many jobs. I wasn’t successful and I had to book my own interpreters,” Lucas said. “It became a lot to do, and I didn’t have any success.”

After registering with Jobedge as an Eligible School Leaver, Lucas began working closely with Jobedge Manager, Rebecca. Jobedge helped him secure commercial cleaning work in January, while continuing to support his longer-term goal of securing a plumbing apprenticeship.

Together, Lucas and Rebecca continued the search, reaching out to around 15 to 20 plumbing businesses and securing several interviews.

“Jobedge called a lot of employers, we practiced interview skills, they assisted with communication support by booking interpreters, and we started to get interviews,” Lucas said. “It was a good partnership. I felt very supported and more motivated.”

Finding the right employer

As Rebecca approached employers, some had questions about workplace safety, training, and how communication could work effectively in a plumbing environment, Jobedge helped them understand how practical workplace adjustments and visual training strategies could support Lucas to learn new skills safely and effectively.

One of those conversations led to Olde Style Roofing and Guttering.

Managing Director Darren Fraser remembers meeting a young person who was ready to make the most of an opportunity.

“My first impression was of a respectful and motivated young man who was eager to succeed and prove himself,” he said.

Darren had some initial questions about how employing a Deaf apprentice would work in practice. Rather than allowing those questions to stop the conversation, he spoke with Rebecca about what support could be put in place.

“What helped me work through those concerns was speaking with Rebecca, who addressed them openly and provided reassurance,” he said.

Lucas was offered a work trial with Olde Style and, later that same week, an apprenticeship.

Support that made a difference

Lucas started his apprenticeship in June 2026, with Jobedge continuing to support both Lucas and the team at Olde Style Roofing and Guttering as he settled into the role.

This has included Deaf awareness training for staff, assistance with interpreter bookings for workplace training, and helping Lucas access technology and other communication supports.

Jobedge also helped Lucas understand and access the Employment Assistance Fund, which he now uses to support his certification training.

In the workplace, Lucas and his colleagues have also developed practical ways to communicate day-to-day.

“The team have been great and supportive, teaching me every day,” Lucas said. “We communicate using voice-to-text and gestures, and I’ve also taught them signs for the tools we use. I really like my job!”

For Darren, the approach to supporting Lucas is much the same as it would be for apprentice: address challenges when they arise and give people the opportunity to learn.

“Lucas is progressing well. We address any challenges as they arise, just as we would with any apprentice,” Darren said. “His key strengths are his attention to detail, eagerness to learn, and positive enthusiasm.”

Building skills on the job

Since starting with Olde Style, Lucas has been learning the tools, techniques, and practical skills involved in roof plumbing, which he quickly discovered was quite different from the plumbing he had previously studied.

His experience also shows what can happen when employers are willing to ask questions, consider practical adjustments, and work with the right support rather than making assumptions about what someone can or cannot do.

For other employers considering employing a Deaf person, Darren’s advice is to start with the people involved.

“I would recommend first ensuring your team is supportive, then speaking with the applicant and their employment consultant,” he said. “You may be surprised to find that disability presents fewer barriers in the workplace than expected.”

For Lucas, the search for an opportunity has now been replaced by the opportunity to build a career. His focus is firmly on learning his trade, developing his skills, and making the most of his apprenticeship.

Through Inclusive Employment Australia, Jobedge supports participants like Lucas to pursue their employment goals, while working with employers to understand their needs, identify practical workplace supports, and create opportunities where people can demonstrate what they have to offer.

If you’re looking for support to find work, or you’re an employer wanting to build a more inclusive workplace, Jobedge can help. Contact our team to find out more about Inclusive Employment Australia and the support available.