Founder: Jackson Burchell

Jackson’s passion for Vocation Education & Training, and teaching others lead him to create the ‘Take That Step’ initiative where he can assist, support, guide and educate other incredible individuals wanting to start their journey and TAKE THAT STEP  towards their chosen career pathway.

Jackson has always had an interest in how things worked, so he decided to pursue a career in the Heavy Vehicle industry as a Diesel Mechanic. To achieve this goal, Jackson started his journey within the VET sector in year 11, undertaking and completing a Certificate II in Light Vehicle repairs and in year 12 completing another Certificate II in Under-body Repairs. This gave Jackson the best start in pursuing his career and a big advantage when applying and starting an Apprenticeship after finishing school.
In 2015 Jackson started his dream career in the Mobile Plant Industry as an Apprentice Mobile Plant Technician with Toyota Material Handling Australia (TMHA) and has now worked for TMHA for 9 years.
Jackson has always had a high interest and passion to train and teach others, in 2019 after becoming a fully qualified Technician, Jackson was promoted to the Position of Team leader/Technician and was given the opportunity to lead his own team which was a massive personal achievement. Wanting to get an understanding as to what it takes to be a leader, Jackson Completed a Certificate IV Leadership & Management and Certificate IV Business with Time Education and Training. Jackson has continued his education and is currently completing a Certificate IV Training & Assessment.  In 2023 Jackson was given the opportunity to become a Mentor for Apprentices. This would see him train, guide, and support apprentices to ensure they have a successful and fulfilling start to their career. 

Harrison’s VET journey began in Year 11 when he undertook a Certificate II in Construction Pathways, following it with the completion of a partial Certificate III in Carpentry while completing Year 12.

For seven years, he worked for Barossa Valley builder, Hoffmann Building Services. While completing his carpentry apprenticeship, he also commenced a Bachelor of Secondary Education at the University of South Australia, which he has since graduated as Dux of Education.

Harrison is now fulfilling his career goal of being a positive inspiration through his teaching, influencing students to be successful, critical, and creative individuals. He is able to achieve this by drawing upon his extensive subject knowledge gained through his VET pathway.

“I want to be the positive influence that can guide and inform students to being successful and valuable members of society. Whether that be through high school education or a VET pathway, I want my students to know it's all possible and that all pathways can lead to success.”

Harrison was named South Australia Young Achiever Award's Most Outstanding Apprentice in 2019. Harrison was the Winner of the 2021 South Australian Apprentice of the Year Award, and 2021 Runner-up Australian Apprentice of the Year Award at the Australian Training Awards. He credits these accolades for opening doors and providing a platform to promote the value of VET pathways.

Harrison looks to continue his work within education, inspiring and guiding students down the pathways which are right for them. He is excited to represent Take That Step and work closely with the initiative to inspire more young people to TAKE THAT STEP and get involved with VET!