Sail Into an Exciting Career

Austal is seeking new apprentices to join the world’s best shipbuilding team.

Ambitious and industrious individuals who want to experience the satisfaction of being part of some of the world’s most advanced shipbuilding projects are being offered that very opportunity by Austal, the Henderson-based company that design and builds fast ferries, patrol boats and other aluminium ships.

In addition to ongoing recruitment of qualified tradespeople to supplement the company’s existing highly skilled workforce, Austal is currently seeking applications for approximately 60 new apprenticeships.

Commencing in December 2005 and January 2006 these apprenticeships are the ideal way to launch into a rewarding career in shipbuilding. They are available in the following fields:

• Aluminium Fabrication and Welding
• Electrical Mechanics (Electricians)
• Mechanical/Marine Fitting
• Marine Fitout (Cabinetmaking)
• Machinist

“Those fortunate enough to secure these highly sought after positions will learn their trade from the best aluminium shipbuilders in the world and have the opportunity to work on some of the most high-tech manufacturing projects in Australia,” said Megan Jacka, Austal’s Human Resources Co-ordinator.
“Very few Australians can point to one of the world’s most advanced naval patrol boats as it is prepared for launch and say ‘I helped to build that’ but such opportunities are regular occurrences for our employees. Our apprenticeships are the ideal way for people to become part of this exciting industry, while at the same time gaining a valuable trade qualification.”

Austal has an award winning history in training and is committed to ongoing training, equal employment opportunities and safe work practices. It currently employs some 150 apprentices among the 1000 workers at its shipyards, which are situated just south of Fremantle.

Recently completed vessels give potential employees a taste of the variety of interesting projects they can be expected to be involved in. Already this year Austal has delivered the world’s largest aluminium ship, the 127 metre long trimaran fast ferry “Benchijigua Express”; an 85 metre vehicle-passenger catamaran for Greece; 10 naval patrol boats for the Middle East and the 50 metre luxury adventure cruise vessel “True North” which operates in the Kimberley region.

Also completed earlier this year was HMAS “Armidale”, the first of 12 (and possibly 14) patrol boats Austal is building for the Royal Australian Navy. This major project will provide work for the company through to at least the middle of 2007 and with other major contracts such as the design and construction of a new class of warship for the US Navy also being pursued, there has never been a more exciting time to join the Austal team.

Those who are interested in the chance to work for one of Western Australia’s leading companies should forward written applications indicating the desired apprenticeship and including academic records to:

Austal HR Team
100 Clarence Beach Road
Henderson WA 6166
Email: hr@austal.com

To be eligible applicants require Year 10 C grades (or better) in English and Maths, plus Manual Arts for Engineering Trades or Science for Electrical Trades. Alternatively, a pre-apprenticeship certificate from a registered training provider should be provided.

Applications close on Friday 16 September.

ENDS