After a few attempts at finding a passion for his future, Darcy Gardiner has locked in the trade of carpentry.

Gardiner says his love for the outdoors and desire to maintain an active lifestyle post-footy swayed him in the direction of undertaking a carpentry apprenticeship.

“I tried Business at university a couple of years ago and it didn’t really suit me too much,” Gardiner said.

“More hands on, active, doing stuff things, is more my go.”

The Brisbane Lions wellbeing staff know that footy isn’t forever and strive to provide pathways for future development.

They helped Gardiner sign up to study a Certificate III in Carpentry at TAFE Qld and work under Hire A Hubby’s Graham Smith. 

“They really encourage having other skills here at the Lions, as I said, I have done other little things so it is nice to settle on something that I can focus on outside of footy,” Gardiner said.  

The 23-year-old is one of the first professional athletes to sign up under the new Elite Sportspersons Apprenticeships and Traineeship Program.

The new program supports flexibility with athletes rigorous training schedules by fitting the site and theory lessons around their sporting commitments. 

 “It makes it a lot easier for athletes like myself to do it, as it is not as time consuming as it used to be,” Gardiner said.

“I will work out a schedule that suits me, and on my day off I will try and get out there on site and tick off a few areas in the modules, and I will obviously go to TAFE and tick that off as well.”

In the coming years Gardiner’s focus will still remain at the Lions, so his apprenticeship could take as long as eight years.

“It will take a lot longer than usual…it is all competency based, so if they know you can do it you can tick things off a lot earlier,” Gardiner said. 

The apprenticeship couldn’t come at a better time. He just bought his first home and says the extra knowledge on the tools will come in handy. 

“I tried to buy one that I didn’t have to do too much to,” he said. 

“There will probably be things that will pop up, so hopefully I learn from this experience and that I’ll be able to take it into the future with this place.” 

Gardiner will commence his carpentry apprenticeship on Wednesday the 22^nd June.