Influx of new apprentices a sign things are improving
Wednesday january 20,2010
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KML’s Glenn Spinks with new apprentices Bert Bourke, Jeb Bishop and Cameron Dunlevy earlier this week..
Following a tough year in 2009, Cobar’s industries appear to be recovering well with one of the major indicators being the employment of 16 new local apprentices.
Eight local companies have offered apprenticeships in a range of trades.
KML Industries has employed three new apprentices, Bert Bourke, Jeb Bishop and Cameron Dunlevy which will join four third year apprentices at the company.
Peak Gold Mines has employed Laura Hardin-Harpley (electrical), Tristan Everett, Dylan De Jong (both heavy vehicle mechanics) and Mitchell Shields (metal fabrication), while CSA Mine welcomes David Watson (boilermaker), Travis Dunlevy (fitter) and Rohan Lloyd (electrician) to its team.
Promec has employed two light vehicle apprentices Scott Evans and John Arnold.
Joel Mawhinney will join Fairbank AutoPro as an apprentice mechanic, Jay Webster
Electrical has employed Ben Turton as an apprentice and Greg Prisk will begin work with WesTrac in February as an apprentice plant mechanic.
Thomas McBride is a third generation employee of the McBride family-owned Cobar Masonry and Engineering after taking on an apprenticeship in engineering fabrication with his father Mark.
Promec’s Jerry Jenkins said the employment of apprentices is a proactive way to address a trades shortage.
“There is a shortage of tradesmen both in
the local area and in our automotive trade,” he said.
“One way to improve the problem is by putting on apprentices and giving them a go.
“I try to give them a diverse range of experiences in retail, mining and repair work.
“Our aim is to produce good tradesmen,” Mr Jenkins said.
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