Bechtel has an invaluable partnership with GAGAL on the Yarwun 2 Project in Gladstone. Since the project’s inception in late 2007, we have used the services of GAGAL to provide high quality, productive apprentices to our job site.

Being in close partnership with GAGAL has long term benefits for both Bechtel and the local community. Although we work worldwide, Bechtel is committed to building local workforces at all levels. The upcoming projects in the Gladstone region will increase Bechtel’s need for skilled local workers. By working closely with GAGAL to facilitate skills development through employment and training of apprentices, Bechtel will be able to continue to source and employ locals for ongoing work in this region. On the Yarwun 2 Project, we have been able to host a range of apprentices, including mature-age apprentices, indigenous apprentices, and people at various levels of their apprenticeship indentures.

The service that GAGAL provides is one of great benefit to us as an employer, as they are able to specifically administer the key resources for the successful completion of apprenticeships. Being exposed to a pool of host employers also benefits the apprentice or trainee, as rotations and availability to a range of local employers provides for greater experience and furthers their acquisition of trade skills towards future work. Apprentices we host receive experience within the exciting career path of large construction projects and I have had the pleasure of seeing apprentices become Leading Hands within our crews and even go on to own their own businesses. On this project, Bechtel has been able to offer quality learning opportunities within the boilermaker, carpentry and sheet metal worker disciplines.

I believe Bechtel is one of the leaders in the industry when it comes to the ongoing and supportive exposure of apprentices and trainees to vital experience. Successful integration of the apprentices within the workforce has been founded on regular open forum meetings to discuss any issues they have, as well as a planned rotation system across site activities and under different supervision, enhancing their knowledge and skills. The core structure of this success is due to the commitment of both GAGAL and Bechtel Supervisors and Leading Hands who are keen to share their trade experience to keep our local apprentices highly skilled and enthusiastically engaged. The performance and progress of each apprentice is coordinated by supportive Field Officers who visit the site regularly and demonstrate an exceptional standard of commitment to the local community and the apprentices under their care.

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