TRADE JOBS HAVE HUGE APPEAL
MACHINERY giant Hastings Deering has been swamped by a record number of applications for its 2021 apprentice intake amid signs the coronavirus pandemic is making traditional trades more attractive.
Brisbane-based Hastings opened applications for 40 positions in June for four weeks, with more than 1000 applications in the first week alone and 2695 received in total.
The company, which sells and services Caterpillar trucks, bulldozers and other heavy equipment, said applications were up 26 per cent on last year. Hastings Deering general manager of people and external affairs Vincent Cosgrove said the majority of applications were for Brisbane diesel fitter roles followed by auto electrician apprenticeships in Brisbane and regional areas such as Rockhampton and Mackay. “The diesel fitter apprenticeship is clearly the applicant’s preferred trade across all our locations,” he said.
“We received applications from every single state and territory in Australia, proving applicants are prepared to relocate.”