Jack Roudon's Balanced Approach to Career and Life

After high school, he started a Carpentry apprenticeship in Auckland, but a serious concussion from a workplace accident forced him to take four months off.

Upon return to work, he decided Carpentry was not the right fit for him anymore and given the recent concussion, he decided to hang up his tool belt and look for other opportunities within the construction industry.

He reached out to Western ITM in Whenuapai and began working at Pine NZ Group’s Frame and Truss manufacturing plant. After a year on the job, he began an apprenticeship in Timber Structure Manufacturing, completing it in just nine months thanks to transferable skills from his Carpentry background.

Finishing his qualification was a proud moment for Jack, “Sometimes you feel that you’re not making much progress, but then all of a sudden, you’re closer to completion than you think you are,” said Jack.

Jack emphasises the importance of work-life balance - gym sessions and team sports help keep him mentally and physically strong. Having represented New Zealand in T20 Tag and competing in Australia, he values the commitment and routine that come with sports.

“I like that we care about the quality of our work and you want to do your best, and it is building people’s homes. I describe it to friends as building the skeleton of a house. I’m proud of what I do and it’s fulfilling knowing you are doing a good job, clients are happy. Some are even surprised at the quality of the work. I’m good where things are in my world – work is a big part of it, and doing what you enjoy and gives satisfaction is pretty high on my priority list.”