Employee Highlight – Gordon’s Story

Gordon Clark is employed as a welder and fabricator at Kotzur’s Walla Walla manufacturing facility. He began working for the business in May 2016. His daily tasks involve the manufacturing of structural components and ring beams used in the construction of silos.  

Before joining Kotzur, Gordon was completing a Fabrication Trade Qualification when an accident in 1994 prevented him from finishing the last few modules of his certificate. Once he had recovered from the accident and he had rejoined the workforce, Gordon always felt like he had unfinished business. 

After joining Kotzur, Gordon set about investigating options to complete his trade qualifications on his own, his determination to complete these qualifications didn’t go unnoticed. When Kotzur learned about his quest, enquiries were made with Susan Bruce from Training Services NSW. This led to connecting Gordon with Registered Training Organisation Educational Living Pty Ltd, a move that would significantly aid him in his journey.   

In 2022, Gordon was advised by Educational Living that he only needed to complete four or five modules to meet the prerequisites of a trade qualification. He signed up for the Trade Pathways Program. Most of the modules were completed from work and involved collating evidence through daily activities.  

Thanks to the support of the Kotzur business, Susan Bruce and Educational Living, Gordon recently earned his Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication.  

A great achievement!