Passion and perseverance help craft a rewarding career

Determination, resilience and a passion for helping clients achieve their vision have helped South Australian cabinet maker Dana Koch complete her trade qualification after an extraordinary seven-year journey.

Dana first began her apprenticeship with Reds Country Designs in 2014 while still at school, working with the business for six months before stepping away from the trade. As she became more independent, Dana realised she needed to establish greater financial stability before returning to complete her qualification.

“I always intended to go back and finish my apprenticeship, but I didn’t think it was ever going to be an option. There’s only one cabinet making business locally and I figured if I moved away, I wasn’t going to get another opportunity. But I’m lucky that my employer is also a really good friend too.”

In 2022, Dana returned to Reds Country Designs and recommenced her apprenticeship, undertaking a Certificate III in Cabinet Making through Mas National (Mas). Despite having to repeat previous training modules, she approached the opportunity with enthusiasm and determination.

However, Dana’s apprenticeship journey was not without significant personal challenges. During her training, she welcomed her first child, taking time away from work to focus on family life. Tragically, following the birth of her second child, Dana and her family spent months in hospital caring for their baby before experiencing an enormous personal loss.

“There was no pressure to return, but in the end I just couldn’t sit still and do nothing,” Dana said. “I felt like if I gave my work up, I would probably fall in a hole. With my friends and family being so supportive, I was like, I can get through this.”

Throughout her apprenticeship, Dana was supported by Mas and her Apprenticeship Consultant Tarah Marygold, who maintained regular contact and was available whenever Dana had questions or needed assistance navigating her training.

“Tarah signed me up when I first started and again when I restarted my apprenticeship,” Dana said. “She was always there if I had any questions and was my go-to person when I needed an extension. The team at Mas also checked in regularly to see how things were going.”

With Tarah’s support, Dana received the extension she needed to finalise her remaining modules and complete her qualification in early 2026.

Reds Country Designs owner Shane Redden said Dana’s positivity and resilience have made her an invaluable member of the team.

“Dana is one of the most positive and capable people I have worked with,” Mr Redden said. “No matter the challenge, she approaches every task with a smile and gives it her best. She has become a role model for our other apprentices and has set a standard they aspire to achieve. Her product knowledge is exceptional, and she is always willing to support others and share her skills.”

Now fully qualified, Dana works as a Design and Client Consultant, overseeing projects from initial client consultation through to final installation. Her role includes measuring, estimating, design assistance, supplier liaison, ordering, working drawings and project coordination.

Dana’s remarkable commitment to her trade and resilience in overcoming professional and personal challenges have also earned her recognition at state level. She was named one of four finalists for Apprentice of the Year at the 2026 South Australian Training Awards.

“I felt like I was just like every other apprentice out there, so it’s kind of nice to get that recognition. The fact that I made it to the top eight and then to the top four, I’m stoked with that.”

Despite the recognition, Dana said her greatest reward comes from seeing a project completed and a client’s vision brought to life.

“I love seeing a client’s reaction when their project comes together,” Dana said. “Being involved from start to finish is an amazing process. I don’t think I’ll be going anywhere too soon, that’s for sure. I’ve worked this hard to get to this point, I’m sticking it out.”