DRIVEN TEEN HAS FUTURE PLANNED

AT just 17 years of age, one Palm Island Year 12 student has saved more money than the average millennial.

Josiah James started his own lawn mowing business a year ago. In that time he’s saved enough money to buy an $ 11,000 boat and a second- hand car.

The Townsville- born student is undertaking a school- based carpentry apprenticeship and is setting his sights for the future high, hoping to start his o own business using his boat.

Josiah ( left) said he was enjoying his apprenticeship with Palm Island Shire Council.

“I go full- time in two months when I finish school, I love it,” he said.

“I have another mate who does diesel fitting with the school.

“My parents motivated me, they’re both hard workers.”

Josiah said with marine science being his favourite subject at school, he loved going out on his boat.

“I am a very keen spearfisherman,” he said. “I want to run a business off my boat – I want to set up a spearfishing shop on Palm or snorkelling tours.

“My dad has a bigger boat than me, so we could partner up. I’ve always loved being on the water.”

Josiah, who will finish school at the end of October, said his early success had come from hard work.

“Work harder than the person next to you,” he said.