At 34 years old, Simon Ashby took a huge risk, trading in his office job of nine years to become an apprentice for a Perth cabinetmaker before enrolling at TAFE.

He joined a growing number of people choosing trade-based professions across Western Australia.

“I was actually getting a bit depressed in my old job, I felt like I was putting in 100 per cent effort for no reward,” the now 38-year-old recalls.

“I always loved woodwork at school, but I felt pressured to go to university so I pushed that dream aside.

“I think back then university was held in pretty high regard, there was more weight behind it, whereas now there has been a push the other way.”

Ashby went on to gain a Bachelor of Commerce from Curtin University, but struggled to find a job in his field.

After applying to multip

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