Back when Josh Kerfoot (Class of 2007) and Matthew Kerfoot (Class of 2017) were students at William Clarke College, you could often find them in the Industrial Technology workshops, learning their craft with sleeves rolled up and tools in hand. But what they learnt during this time went far beyond technical skills. It was a quiet confidence, a strong work ethic and a sense of purpose that’s stayed with them ever since. Today, they’re using what they’ve built to give back to the College that helped shaped them.

Josh often recalls the early days at William Clarke, where subjects like Wood Technology sparked not only a passion for practical skills but also a deeper appreciation for craftsmanship and problem-solving. “I have very fond memories of classes with Mr Ben Lincoln,” he recalled. “I learnt a lot in those classes. He was able to challenge us all in a way that was fun and I enjoyed the hands-on style of learning.”

Matthew remembers his years at the College as formative in developing both confidence and community spirit. “It’s where I built lifelong friendships and where I learned a lot about who I am,” he shared. “I’m grateful for the support I received, especially from teachers who believed in me and encouraged me to pursue my goals.”

Cousins Josh and Matthew are now third-generation leaders at Kerfoot Pty Ltd, a multi-award-winning electrical contracting company based in Seven Hills. Their time at William Clarke instilled not only practical skills and knowledge but also a sense of responsibility and care for others, values they now bring to their work as they invest in students interested in exploring trade careers.

It’s this commitment to helping others that makes their story so deeply inspiring. The Kerfoot business began in a shed back in 1972 with an old Holden panel van and a box of business cards strung with fuse wire. Founded by Keith and Barbara Kerfoot, the company grew steadily thanks to a reputation for quality workmanship and reliable service. More than 50 years later, this renowned business employs over 160 staff, operates more than 45 vehicles and delivers specialist electrical services across NSW. Yet for this close-knit family, success has always been about more than business. It’s about how that success is used to support, mentor and encourage the next generation through genuine partnership with William Clarke College.

“I was always proud of what my grandfather and his sons had built,” Josh shared. “I loved working with my hands and there was something really satisfying about seeing the results of a hard day’s work. But more than that, I have a lot of great memories of people talking so highly about my grandfather – the way he carried himself, the respect he earned. That really stuck with me.”

Josh began as an apprentice straight out of school, learning every aspect of the trade from the ground up. He worked as a tradesman, led teams on complex sites, stepped into project management and eventually became General Manager. This November will mark 20 years with the company. “I’ve been incredibly blessed to be part of this journey,” he reflected. “It’s been about honouring what came before and building on it in a way that creates opportunities for others.”

For Matthew, that sense of legacy has always felt deeply personal. “It was really the relationship between my grandfather and his sons that inspired me,” he said. “Seeing how close they were, working together and building something meaningful as a family made a lasting impression on me. I admired the trust and teamwork they shared and it made me want to be a part of that legacy.”

After finishing school, Matthew also took the hands-on path, completing his apprenticeship and gradually stepping into leadership. He now supervises a team within Kerfoot’s Mechanical Electrical department, bringing with him the same values he saw modelled from a young age: humility, care and commitment to excellence.

While both men have taken their place in the business, their eyes have never drifted far from the place that helped shape their early steps. Today, the Kerfoot family remain deeply connected to William Clarke. From attending career expos and mentoring students to offering work experience and apprenticeships to those interested in a trade pathway, their contribution is both practical and personal.

“We’ve had several students come through our Work Experience program and go on to complete apprenticeships with us,” Josh said. “It’s a privilege to work alongside them, not just teaching them a trade but helping them grow in confidence, character and direction.”

In fact, the company’s Work Experience program offers students comprehensive insight into the electrical industry by working alongside five specialised teams and receiving personalised mentorship. These experiences allow students to explore career paths they may not have otherwise considered.

The team at Kerfoots are especially passionate about helping students who might feel unsure about their next steps after school. “Not everyone’s path is the same,” Josh explained. “University isn’t the right fit for everyone and that’s perfectly okay. My advice to students is to focus on finding what you’re truly passionate about. When you discover something that excites and motivates you, like I did with the electrical trade, it opens up the opportunity to grow, develop skills, and excel in a way that feels meaningful and rewarding. Whether that’s in a trade, a creative field or something else, pursuing what you love is what leads to long-term success and satisfaction.”

Matthew shares a similar view. “University isn’t the only path,” he said. “If your child is interested in pursuing a trade – like becoming an electrician, plumber or carpenter – that’s something to be proud of. The trades offer rewarding careers, solid incomes and real-world skills. They also offer a hands-on learning path where you can build real skills and progress steadily.”

What sets the Kerfoot family apart isn’t just their belief in opportunity but their willingness to help create it and support it. For Matthew, continuing the legacy his family built means forming strong relationships with both clients and community. “I want to keep building those relationships just like my father and grandfather did. It’s about honouring the past while looking ahead with fresh ideas and ambition.” Josh echoes this sentiment, stating the importance of focusing “on supporting the next generation by offering meaningful apprenticeship opportunities and pathways into the industry, helping young people build long-term careers”.

What Josh and Matthew have modelled goes beyond career advice or a pathway into the trades. It’s a way of leading with generosity, integrity, humility and faithful purpose. It’s about valuing people, giving back with gratitude and choosing to invest in others with the same care they once received. The legacy they’re building is seen in the students they’ve mentored, the lives they’ve encouraged and the example they continue to set for what it means to do good work in the world.

By Catherine Sanchez, Publications Officer