From No Direction to Sydney-Bound: Grayson’s Story
When Grayson Connol first heard about MOB Academy, he wasn’t sure what to expect. He was disengaged at school, unsure of his future, and on the edge of giving up altogether. Fast forward, and Grayson has just returned from Sydney, where he worked at Australia’s biggest AV trade event, his first major industry experience, made possible through a course he found at MOB.
It’s been a massive shift. And it didn’t happen overnight.
Finding His Place
“I was ready to drop out,” Grayson says. “At my old school, most of my mates had already left, and I didn’t really talk to anyone. I didn’t know what I wanted to do. It just felt easier to give up.”
Moving down from Brisbane earlier this year, Grayson made the decision to attend MOB full-time. That decision, he says, gave him space to reset, and, eventually, to find something he actually cared about.
A Chance Encounter That Changed Everything
In December last year, Kirra Services visited MOB to speak about their AV (audio-visual) program, run in partnership with Commbox. Grayson had already been exposed to the world of AV through a former roommate who worked setting up stages and sound systems. He loved tagging along and had a quiet interest in pursuing it himself, but didn’t know how.
“I got back in touch with them, and I ended up getting an interview. That’s how it all started.” Grayson said.
Diving Into the AV Industry
Grayson officially joined the AV course with Kirra Services in February and hasn’t looked back.
“It’s been really good. I’ve learned a lot, and I love working with the gear, setting up microphones, stages, understanding how it all comes together.”
Recently, Grayson headed to Sydney to support AV work at a large-scale event. It was a major moment for any Year 12 student, and a milestone for someone who once felt like he had no future.
“It’s pretty surreal being in Sydney for work,” Grayson says. “I’ve never done anything like this before. Meeting the crew and actually getting paid to do something I love… it’s a big deal for me.”
“I was so happy when I found out. I called Mum and Dad straight away. They were really proud of me.”
This opportunity, organised through Kirra Services and Commbox, included paid work, flights, and accommodation and represented more than just a job. For Grayson, it was proof that change is possible.
More Than Just a Job
“This has changed how I see my future,” he says. “I never thought I’d get into something like this. I always wanted to, but I didn’t know where to start. Now I’ve got something to work towards. My dream is to keep going with AV and become the best I can in the industry.”
It hasn’t always been easy. Grayson is open about his past struggles with mental health.
“I was depressed for a while. My dad and I clashed a lot, and I didn’t really know how to handle things. I started going to Headspace for support.”
That support, along with the relationships and structure he found at MOB, helped him move forward.
“Coming to MOB made a big difference. It’s better than any other school I’ve been to. I’ve made more friends, I feel comfortable here. It gave me confidence again.”
The MOB Difference
Grayson credits the team at MOB, especially Nathan and Ricardo, for helping him stay on track and find direction.
“They were always there to help. If you’re a young person thinking about coming to MOB, I’d say just do it. And don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are people here who actually care, and they’ll help you find your thing – whatever that is.”
“This opportunity has shown me that life isn’t easy,” Grayson says, “but it can be really rewarding when you find something you love.”
MOB Academy | Kirra Services | In partnership with Commbox
