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Bechtel backs adult apprentices to meet LNG shortfall
30-Nov-2011
CONSTRUCTION giant Bechtel will put on 400 adult apprentices as a crucial part of its workforce building three LNG plants in Gladstone.In what is one of Australia’s largest single uptakes of apprentices, the program will allow the new workers to gain full trade qualifications in just 18 months, rather than the usual four years, under the Federal Government’s National Apprenticeships Program.
Kerry Whitaker from Gladstone Area Group Apprentices (GAGAL) said it was very positive news for the region.
“This is a very good news story,” she said.
“What shouldn’t be lost in this is that these apprenticeships are over and above the normal intake for Bechtel. These are not instead of other apprenticeships.”
“I have had people say to me but what about the kids? They need to know that these are additional jobs.”
Ms Whitaker said GAGAL had been running a similar adult apprenticeship scheme since 2005, with one 56-year-old joining to study tiling and finishing his trade 12 months later.
As the skills crisis worsens, adult apprenticeships are increasingly a solution for companies desperately seeking workers.
In August, Anglo American put on 19 adult apprentices at its mine sites in Queensland and New South Wales, in addition to its regular intake of school-based apprentices.
Like Bechtel, the Anglo apprentices are run through the National Apprenticeships Program which allows adults with unfinished apprenticeships or skills in allied industries to fast track their
trade qualification.
It means experienced workers can have their existing skills recognised, and then work to obtain the competencies they still require.
Bechtel will build three LNG plants in Gladstone – Queensland Curtis LNG, GLNG and Australia Pacific LNG.
The company’s managing director Andy Greig said the program was a win-win for the company and workers.
“It will help meet the demand for skilled labour and give adult workers with uncompleted apprenticeships, or those working in allied industries without a trade qualification, the chance to complete an apprenticeship in a reduced amount of time,” he said.
Recruits will be sourced from across Australia and the process will begin immediately through a series of advertisements focusing on seven trades - electrical fitter mechanics, dual trade electrical/instrumentation, metal fabrication boiler maker welders, metal fabrication pipe fitters, mechanical fitters and carpentry formworkers.
Likely candidates will include:
• people who have partly completed an apprenticeship
• permanent Australian residents with overseas qualifications not yet recognised in Australia
• ex members of the defense forces with aligned skills
• people with other related trade qualifications and
• trades assistants from the construction and engineering trades
SOURCE: Shift Miner Magazine Online
