Making a career change can be daunting, but it can also be one of the most rewarding decisions you'll ever make. Whether you've been in your current job for years or just a few months, feeling unfulfilled or stagnant can signify it's time for a change. Perhaps you've discovered a new passion or interest, or maybe you're simply looking for a fresh start. Whatever your reasons, switching careers can offer unique opportunities for personal and professional growth and a chance to pursue work that aligns with your values and goals.
For Tradesales’ fabrication team leader – Donna Cornect – the decision to apply for a position at the Tradesales factory in the Avon Valley Industrial Park was pretty simple.
“I'm a practical person, and I like working with my hands. I'd spend over 20 years working in the oil and gas sector, with much of that time spent in an office-based role, and I knew that there had to be more out there," said Donna.
“I initially called about a job at Tradesales in dispatch but was told they'd already filled it. However, I was encouraged to send through my CV regardless and was offered the position of fabrication team leader for Tradesales’ relocatable site solutions.”
Before joining Tradesales, Donna worked in geoscience for some of the biggest names in oil and gas in Australia, including INPEX, Woodside, Mitsui, Santos, BP and more.
“The job was interesting, but as I live over an hour from the Perth CBD, the commute was beginning to take its toll, and I was getting frustrated doing the same work every day," said Donna.
The job took Donna and her husband who works as a geophysicist - around Australia and abroad, including New Orleans, where they were based when Hurricane Katrina made its devasting impact on the city.
“We got out in time, but it took about six weeks before we were allowed to head back into New Orleans,” said Donna.
"The destruction was heartbreaking. I wanted to do as much as I could to help.”
Closer to home, Donna now volunteers for BlazeAid in WA, a volunteer-based organisation that works with farmers and families in rural Australia after natural disasters.
Donna and many others volunteer their time to rebuild thousands of kilometres of fences on properties lost in bushfires and floods, such as the devastating Wooroloo bushfires in Perth's hills in 2021.
On top of this, Donna spent some time in the army reserve driving trucks in the Helena Valley and has also done stints as Bushfire Front and St John volunteer in local community.
“I like making stuff and doing things. No two days are the same here a Tradesales, and I find that incredibly rewarding,” said Donna.
When asked what advice she would give someone in a similar situation, Donna puts it simply; there is no need to stay in the same job if it’s not satisfying.
“You’ve got to want it. If you don’t want it, then the sacrifices are big," said Donna.
"I want to say thanks to Factory Coordinator Dave McEwen, who motivated me to send in my CV. I really appreciate that he gave me that opportunity, and I’m thoroughly enjoying it.”
When not in the office, Donna dabbles in one of her many hobbies, including car restoration, artistic fabrication, fruit and vegetable farming and even wine processing.
Welcome to the team Donna.