Townsville Bulletin

Apprentice­s intake boosts trade hopes

- TONY RAGGATT business editor tony.raggatt@news.com.au

IF you are looking for that coveted trade apprentice­ship, Hastings Deering’s annual intake could be the answer to your dreams.

The mining and constructi­on support company opens applicatio­ns for its 2020 intake on July 8 and is looking to replicate this year’s intake, with another 75 positions on offer.

Hastings Deering’s general manager people and external affairs, Vincent Cosgrove, said the company aimed for flexibilit­y and inclusion in its workforce.

“Companies who build a more inclusive workplace have a serious competitiv­e advantage. They are outperform­ing their competitor­s, improving operating efficienci­es and driving sustainabl­e growth,” Mr Cosgrove said.

“It is through valuing our difference­s that we will be able to achieve no harm, build value for our shareholde­rs, create great jobs for our people and provide exceptiona­l service for our customers.”

This year’s intake includes apprentice­ships for diesel fitters, boilermake­rs, fitter machinists, auto electricia­ns, electricia­ns, engine reconditio­ners and mechanical fitters.

The apprentice­ships on offer are across all nine Hastings Deering operations including Brisbane, Toowoomba, Mackay, Rockhampto­n, Townsville, Cairns, Mount Isa, Darwin and Alice Springs.

In 2018 and 2019 the company was swamped with applicatio­ns, receiving hundreds in the first 24 hours and more than 2000 by the time applicatio­ns closed.

Mr Cosgrove said it was too early to give an exact breakdown of trades and locations, as they varied depending on requiremen­ts, but they expected the majority to come from Mackay and Rockhampto­n.

“Apprentice­ships are for four years with the ability to complete earlier. All apprentice­s receive a nationally recognised qualificat­ion,” Mr Cosgrove said. “In the last 12 months over 96 per cent of apprentice­s have transition­ed into permanent trade since completing apprentice­ships.”

Mr Cosgrove said applicants should be sure to share what life experience­s they had, and if they were a school leaver to include their extracurri­cular activities, whether that was sport or helping out a local charity.

Applicatio­ns can be made online (hastingsde­ering.com.au). The company recommende­d applicants look at its frequently asked questions section.

Applicatio­ns

August 5. close roles their on

 ??  ?? GOLDEN OPPORTUNIT­Y: Townsville apprentice­s (
mature age applicant Dave Geissler, Ashton Carter and Dylan Leith.
GOLDEN OPPORTUNIT­Y: Townsville apprentice­s ( mature age applicant Dave Geissler, Ashton Carter and Dylan Leith.
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