Tradesmen Of The Future Attracted By Austal's First Class Apprentice Opportunities

Shipbuilder invests in future skills with major intakes … and more to come.

A combination of local and country applicants have started on rewarding, long-term careers, securing highly sought after apprenticeships at Austal. The Henderson-based shipbuilder is continuing its long-standing commitment to developing world-class tradespeople with this year's intake of new apprentices set to eclipse those of the previous five years.

Already this year a total of 46 enthusiastic individuals hailing from as far away as Collie and Geraldton embarked on a four-year program to achieve a trade qualification. Another 18 successful recruits will commence their apprentices in the next few days, following a path taken by over 300 new Austal employees since 2000 and countless others before that. The company is currently seeking candidates for a third intake.

Austal's Human Resources Co-ordinator Megan Jacka explained that apprenticeships are offered in the electrical, aluminium fabrication and welding, marine fitout and marine fitting (engineering) trades.

"While tailored to the specific requirements of shipbuilding, these apprenticeships teach skills that are sought across a broad range of other industries," she said.

In contrast to many of the employment opportunities available in these trades, where jobs last only as long as a specific construction or fabrication project, shipbuilding is a career choice with easily identifiable long-term prospects. For example, the Federal Government already has plans to spend some $10 billion on naval ship construction projects that are expected to provide work through to 2018.

Austal, Australia's largest aluminium shipbuilder, already has contracts running through to mid-2007 and has signalled its intention to pursue a significant proportion of this future naval work. At the same time the company will pursue international contracts for naval vessels, fast ferries and other commercial craft – something it has been doing successfully since 1988.

Austal Executive Chairman, John Rothwell said "With our growing status and opportunities worldwide at the cutting edge of aluminium ship construction, Austal provides ambitious West Australian youth an unequalled opportunity to gain a valuable trade qualification whilst building some of the world's most advanced commercial and military designs".

With over 1000 employees in Western Australia, Austal is a major employer. Mr Rothwell says the potential problem of apprentices feeling like they are nameless face in the crowd is addressed by the structure of the workforce.

"We deliberately keep the teams small so that everyone has a chance to get to know the people they work with. This is particularly important for our apprentices as it ensures they are working under the close supervision of highly qualified staff, which accelerates the learning process considerably," he said.

"Many of our experienced tradesmen have themselves moved through the ranks since starting their careers as Austal apprentices, so they can offer really valuable advice and support."

In addition to providing quality on-site training at its modern, fully enclosed shipyards Austal supplies its apprentices with uniforms and safety equipment plus a full tool kit worth in excess of $2000. The company also covers TAFE training costs including fees, text books and stationery. Country apprentices are entitled to a Living Away from Home Allowance.

"This means that the wages our apprentices earn while learning are not consumed by the costs associated with their training," Ms Jacka said.

"Apprentices are also supported through significant recognition programs and, with our expanding operations in the USA, there are promotional and travel opportunities available on completion of their training."

Applications for Austal's current apprenticeship intake close on Friday 22 April. Successful applicants will commence their training in July, embarking on a long and exciting career.

For further information about apprenticeships and other employment opportunities at Austal see the Careers section of the website or contact the Human Resources Department: email hr@austal.com