In the tech world there are stories of resilience, determination, and transformation aplenty. Yet, Steven Coombe’s journey stands out, not just as a testament to his passion for technology, but also as a reflection of his Indigenous Australian heritage and the challenges he faced in his youth.
From facing hardships to navigating the complexities of the job market, to finally finding his place in ThunderLabs’ Tech Apprenticeship program, Steven’s story is both inspiring and enlightening.
Adam Long, Managing Director at ThunderLabs, recently had the privilege of hosting Steven on The Thundercast. Their conversation unveiled Steven’s transformative journey, from his early days grappling with HTML on Code Academy to his current role as a Tech Apprentice at ThunderLabs.
NAVIGATING THE JOB MARKET: AN UPHILL BATTLE
Steven’s initial foray into the tech world was marked by enthusiasm and curiosity. “When I was in year 9, I was introduced into HTML through Code Academy,” he recalled.
However, after his initial training, the real world presented its challenges. “Oh, it was just a whole lot of just sending resumes and never getting any responses,” Steven candidly shared, highlighting the difficulties he faced in securing a job.
THUNDERLABS’ TECH APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM
But as fate would have it, ThunderLabs’ Tech Apprenticeship program beckoned. This program, designed to nurture and guide budding tech enthusiasts, became a turning point in Steven’s career.
Under the mentorship of Shane Bell, Senior Developer at ThunderLabs, Steven began to flourish. Shane, with his vast experience and dedication, took on the role of ensuring Steven’s success in the program.
“Shane is… a senior programmer in our team. He’s definitely very experienced… The amount of knowledge he has is insane,” Steven remarked, emphasizing the pivotal role Shane plays in his professional growth.
At ThunderLabs, Steven’s day-to-day work involves collaborating with the IAG team. Speaking of his interactions, Steven shared, “The people I work with are absolutely amazing. They’re very calm, very supportive, and very smart.”
This supportive environment, combined with the structured guidance of the Tech Apprenticeship, has been transformative for Steven. “I don’t want to give a cheesy answer, but honestly, anything’s possible at this point,” he said, attributing his newfound confidence and optimism to his involvement in the apprenticeship.
CULTIVATING CURIOSITY: THE STEPPING STONE TO SUCCESS
Reflecting on his experiences, Steven emphasized the significance of inquisitiveness and the importance of seeking guidance. “The first obvious advice I would give is definitely ask questions,” he advised.
This proactive approach, coupled with the support from mentors like Shane, underscores Steven’s story, making it a beacon for budding tech professionals.
LOOKING AHEAD: THE BOUNDLESS HORIZON
In essence, Steven Coombe’s odyssey from facing hardships as a young Indigenous Australian to becoming a pivotal tech apprentice at ThunderLabs epitomizes the power of resilience, mentorship, and continuous learning.
As the tech landscape continues its relentless march forward, narratives like Steven’s serve as a poignant reminder of the boundless opportunities awaiting those who dare to take the plunge and have the right support system in place.
