Sebastian Pulgar

From Bar Work to Heights: Sebastian’s Journey to Success at Orange College

A Fresh Start in Melbourne

When Sebastian arrived in Melbourne from Chile in May 2023, he had no idea that his journey would take him from working in a bar to becoming a certified height safety specialist with a promising career in construction. At 33 years old, his story is one of adaptability, smart decision-making, and making the most of every opportunity.

Like many international students, Sebastian started with an English course at International House, which he completed in June 2024. But it was his next decision—to extend his stay in Australia for two more years—that would set him on the path to success.

Choosing a New Direction

“At the beginning, I chose painting just as a way to stay here, as a migration pathway,” Sebastian admits honestly. “At that time I was working in construction, but I didn’t see myself there in the future. I never thought about dedicating myself to painting long-term.”

He had considered carpentry, but the carpenters (or “chippies” as they’re known in Australia) he worked with advised him to choose painting instead. “They told me carpentry doesn’t pay well at the beginning and it’s more risky,” he explains. So in 2024, Sebastian enrolled in the Certificate III in Painting and Decorating at Orange College in Melbourne.

What started as a practical visa solution soon evolved into something more meaningful. “After I decided to stay permanently and changed jobs, the world of construction started to appeal to me,” he reflects. “It’s very different from office work. I don’t see myself all day sitting in front of a computer. I prefer physical work, even if it’s dirty, dusty, with cold or heat. That suits me better.”

Building from the Ground Up

Sebastian’s construction journey began humbly. After working just one month in a bar upon arriving in Australia, he met his future boss through playing football. “He introduced me to the world of construction,” Sebastian recalls. “I started as general labour—carrying materials, cleaning, the basics.”

His dedication didn’t go unnoticed. After six months of hard work, he was promoted to skilled labour and trade assistant in the same company. “There I worked with carpenters and concrete workers, and I started to like it. It was fun being there with tools—entertaining and cool,” he says with enthusiasm.

Despite his progress, after about a year and a half, Sebastian felt stagnant and knew it was time to look for new opportunities.

A Bold Move into Height Safety

One weekend, while browsing the job site SEEK out of boredom, Sebastian spotted a position for a height safety installer at a company called GDP near Flemington. With no experience or qualifications in the field, he applied anyway—just to see what would happen.

“The next day, the owner contacted me. We talked about my experience and situation in Australia,” Sebastian remembers. “He gave me an eight-hour trial at the Melbourne Museum and at the end told me: ‘The job is yours.'”

There was just one catch—Sebastian didn’t even have the required height safety ticket. “I had to pay for the course myself, about $600 for two days: theory and practice. If you pass, they give you the ticket,” he explains. He passed, and his career in height safety began.

Finding the Right Fit

After four months at GDP, Sebastian moved to another height safety company where he currently works—a move facilitated by a former colleague’s recommendation. The interview was refreshingly straightforward: fifteen minutes while waiting for the bus, and he had the job.

“I started on April 28, 2025, and I’ve been there almost ten months now,” he says proudly. The company has even offered him sponsorship, though Sebastian has wisely chosen to wait. “I said no for now because I’m still studying. My idea is to finish the diploma, apply for the Graduate Visa, and then accept the sponsorship.”

At 33, turning 34 this year, he’s cutting it close to the age limit, but his timing is strategic. “My current visa expires in March next year, so I’ll apply for the Graduate Visa before my birthday,” he explains. Another colleague has already been sponsored by the company, giving Sebastian confidence in the offer’s legitimacy.

The Orange College Experience: Teachers Who Care

When Sebastian talks about his time at Orange College, his appreciation is evident. He began his Certificate III in Painting and Decorating with trainer Anthony, whom he describes as “very nice guy” who made classes as engaging as possible, with weekday theory and weekend practicals.

But it’s his experience with trainer Mark that truly stands out. “Mark is a legend. I hold him in the highest regard,” Sebastian says emphatically. “He’s not just a teacher, he’s a mentor. He understands that students are far from their country and is always willing to help.”

Mark’s support went beyond the classroom. When Sebastian’s education agency unexpectedly went bankrupt, leaving him responsible for payments that hadn’t reached the college, Mark stepped in: “I spoke with Mark and he tried to help me. He talked with the college’s administration and they gave me payment facilities—they didn’t demand everything at once. They asked when I could pay and worked with me.”

This kind of support meant everything to Sebastian. “Teachers like that make you want to come to class,” he reflects.

Academic Excellence and Practical Learning

Beyond the personal support, Sebastian found the course content valuable and well-delivered. “Obviously, you gain real experience in the field, but Mark and Anthony made great efforts to explain everything as clearly as possible, both in theory and practical work,” he notes.

Mark also rewarded dedication and efficiency. “Sometimes when we arrived early, we were a small group. Mark would tell us: ‘If you want, you’ve already finished, you can leave. The others have to stay,'” Sebastian recalls with a smile.

Currently, Sebastian is pursuing his Diploma of Building and Construction (Building), which he started in June/July 2024 and will complete in November 2025. This additional qualification will further strengthen his position in the construction industry.

Overcoming Challenges with Resilience

Sebastian’s journey hasn’t been without obstacles. Yet he approaches such challenges remarkably calmly: “I take things very relaxed,” he says. “Obviously, life isn’t easy. We always go through ups and downs, but you have to keep moving forward. There’s no other choice.”

His commitment to Australia is unwavering. “I’ve never thought about returning to Chile or going to another country,” he states firmly. This determination, combined with his positive attitude, has served him well.

Advice for Future Students: Make It Count

Sebastian is passionate about encouraging future students to take their education seriously. He’s observed fellow students who rarely attended classes or showed up only once or twice a month. “If you’re paying a lot of money to be here in Australia, the minimum you can do is go to class,” he emphasizes. “Even if you’re not planning to dedicate yourself to that field in the future, take the course seriously because you’re investing a significant amount of money.”

His perspective on the student journey is both practical and philosophical. “This is a long journey. If you want to stay here, it’s a very long journey, and every sacrifice at the beginning has its reward.”

Sebastian also stresses the importance of engagement: “There are people who go to class but don’t listen, they just talk with friends. Better to just leave and talk with your friend outside. If you’re in class, be present.”

Success Through Dedication

Sebastian credits his positive experience at Orange College partly to his own approach. “I never had any problems with the school. I think if you attend, are responsible, and take the course seriously, there’s no reason to have problems.”

He’s heard of other students having issues with schedules or units, but attributes this to their lack of engagement. “The people who had problems were the ones who weren’t dedicated, who didn’t come to class,” he observes.

His advice is simple but powerful: show up, work hard, and respect the opportunity you’ve been given.

Looking to the Future

Today, Sebastian is successfully balancing his height safety work with completing his diploma. He’s inspired by seeing other Latino students and graduates who have built successful businesses from humble beginnings in construction.

“Seeing others who started from the bottom and now have their own company—that’s inspiring,” he says. “You never know who might be a future colleague or partner.”

With a sponsorship offer waiting, a diploma almost completed, and a Graduate Visa application on the horizon, Sebastian’s future in Australia looks bright. His journey from serving drinks in a bar to installing safety systems at heights across Melbourne is a testament to the power of saying yes to opportunities, working hard, and choosing the right educational partner.

A Heartfelt Recommendation

When asked if he would recommend Orange College to future students, Sebastian doesn’t hesitate. “Yes, 100%. Especially Mark and Anthony. If anyone wants to dedicate themselves to painting, I totally recommend them.”

He extends his appreciation to other trainers he’s met at Orange College as well. “I’ve talked with the carpentry and cabinet making teachers too—they’re also great. But definitely, 100%, Mark and Anthony. If someone wants to pursue painting, it has to be them.”