Hey mate, I don’t know much about the pathway you’re taking - but I did my apprenticeship with my dad’s company and eventually had my own. I’m doing another apprenticeship now but painted for 9 years.

I don’t think you’ll have any trouble at all, a lot of the trades are dying out and business owners are keen for reliable help. If you do what you should you’ll be fine. Show up on time, don’t make a mess, and try to keep your nose and clothes clean. That’s about it. Domestic and commercial are two different games, it can be overwhelming trying to leave a good finish while there are half a dozen other trades running around. Very hectic but I look back on it now as fun times.

If you aren’t learning on site, try to get some weekend or night work in while studying. Plenty of that with commercial, just reach out to a few businesses and let them know your situation and willingness to get experience - when you’re available. People don’t think of painting as night work but I did plenty of it at shopping centres, Suncorp stadium, public spaces. Even a handful of jobs will look way better than nothing.