General News
6 October, 2025
Young dad leading by example with dedication on the tools
The 27-year-old father of two was recently named the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Trade Student of the Year.
For proud Torres Strait Islander and Kalkadoon man Griffin Clapham, carpentry is more than a trade – it’s the foundation of a better life for his young family.
The 27-year-old father of two is completing his Certificate III in Carpentry with T.Real.Co., training through TAFE Queensland’s Mount Isa campus.
His dedication and passion saw him recognised as the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Trade Student of the Year at the 2025 TAFE Queensland Mount Isa Trade Excellence Awards.
This latest recognition builds on his 2024 success as Building and Industries Apprentice of the Year, cementing his rise as one of Mount Isa’s top young tradespeople.
Griffin said his daughters – aged three and one – are the reason he started and the reason he pushes himself for greatness each day.
“When my first daughter was born, I knew I wanted more for her and for our family. That’s what pushed me to start my apprenticeship,” he said.
“Now I’ve got two little girls, and they’re my biggest motivation. They were both at the awards this year – my youngest even ran up to the stage while I was accepting the award. It makes me proud that one day they’ll see the hard work I put in and know why I did it.”
For Griffin, being recognised at the Trade Excellence Awards was both humbling and motivating.
“It’s surreal. Winning makes all the hard work feel worth it – not just the work on the job, but at TAFE Queensland too,” he said.
“I never really knew what I wanted to do until I picked up a hammer. Carpentry just clicked for me. I love it, and I want to be the best tradesman I can be – like the ones I look up to at work. That drives me to step up – whether it’s on site or on campus – and be a role model for other apprentices.”
Through his apprenticeship with T.Real.Co., Griffin has worked across a variety of projects, from house maintenance to large-scale commercial renovations. The mix of projects has helped in develop practical skills and confidence across different aspects of the trade.
His employer, Tim Real, said that Griffin stood out since day one.
“When I first interviewed Griffin, he told me that if I gave him a chance, he wouldn’t let me down – and he hasn’t,” Tim said.
“From the start, he’s shown up every day, given 100 per cent, and never stopped asking questions. He’s eager to learn and is always looking to better himself. That’s rare, and it’s inspiring to see.”
Tim, who also completed his carpentry apprenticeship with TAFE Queensland in Mount Isa, said Griffin was proof of the value apprentices bring to a business.
“We dedicate time to our apprentices because we want them to succeed. Watching Griffin grow into the tradesman that he’s becoming has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career,” he said.
Griffin hopes his journey encourages other young people, especially Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, to give trades a go.
“Just try it. There are no silly questions, and you might just find something that you love doing, like I did.”
Looking ahead, Griffin is focused on becoming the best tradesman he can be, with hopes of one day running his own business.
“For now, I just want to keep learning and improving. Down the track, I’d love to have my own construction business,” he said.
With two Trade Excellence Awards under his belt and a bright career ahead, Griffin is already proving to his daughters – and to himself – that commitment opens doors.
