At 40, Christopher Reppel swapped his career in sales for timber and toolbelts.
He took a bold step and started a carpentry apprenticeship with Cairns’ based MB Constructions and Ballinger Training and Consultancy, and the move has changed his life.
“Ever since I left school, I wanted to be a carpenter,” Christopher said.
“It wasn’t until I was doing some reno work at our townhouse that I realised this is what I need to do. It made me feel focused and fulfilled.”
With a young family, a mortgage, and plenty of uncertainty, the decision to start an apprenticeship was hard but Christopher knew it was the right one.
The recent winner of the 2025 Queensland Training Awards Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year for Tropical North Queensland is proving that there’s great careers to be had in regional Queensland.
“I got fitter, sorted out my mental health, and I look forward to Mondays again,” he said.
Christopher credits the tight-knit team at MB Constructions, support from Ballinger and from his wife for helping him thrive.
“I’ve worked in a lot of teams, but this one is different,” he said. “A few times I found myself feeling beaten from a task I was allocated, but from a distance I hear ‘don’t let it beat you Chris’, and just with that, I have an ‘I got this’ moment and I get it done.”
Christopher is sharing his story to encourage people to give a trade a go. Through his YouTube channel Midlifecarpentry, he is inspiring others to take the leap, no matter their age.
“I started Midlifecarpentry to share my journey, and now I’ve seen others follow,” he said.
“I had a 45-year-old lad get in touch and he mentioned he was looking for an apprenticeship in Cairns. He now works in the MB Construction team and will be coming up to his 2nd year soon.” For Christopher, his apprenticeship is more than a job.
“Although it’s not always glamorous, a trade is a lifestyle. It’s helping mates on the weekend, being there for your family, it’s a community.”
Find out more about National Skills Week 2025.
Explore Free Construction Apprenticeships for Over 25s.
Learn more about Queensland Training Awards.
Last updated 14 August 2025
