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Investing in the next generation to build skills for the future – Apprenticeships

Above Water Systems (AWS) plays a critical role at Garden Island - managing the Captain Cook Graving Dock and providing critical ship repair, maintenance and engineering services to the Royal Australian Navy. Our commitment goes further. Over the past 10 years AWS has assisted 100+ apprentices and trainees qualify in their chosen field; building true Australian Industry Capability and delivering quality outcomes for our business to support the Navy to keep Australia safe. We are proud to invest in the next generation and build capability and skills for the future. 

Currently, AWS employs 23 trade apprentices and eight trainees at Garden Island.* Apprenticeships include Electrical, Boilermaker, Sheetmetal, Fitter/Machinist, Pipe Fabrication/Plumbing, Shipwright. Traineeships include Electronics and Mechanical in the Technical and Weapons space.

Dock Operations and Reticulated Services Program Manager, Anthony Burrows says apprenticeships are a win-win for both individual and employer. “The apprentice gains valuable on-the-job training while building credentials and skills and learning a trade in a unique dockyard environment. For AWS, we are able to develop and build a stronger talent pipeline for the Defence Industry to support Plan Galileo, and develop business leaders of the future. Apprentices bridge the skills gap. We have better retention rates, because young people come in with a support network around them and feel that they belong, so they are more engaged and more productive. Young people also bring a fresh approach to the workplace through their diversity of thought, passion and motivation.”

Max Kufner, Vice-President Above Water Systems began his own career as an apprentice and is a great example of how an apprenticeship can be the foundation to building a career and achieving a leadership position in a multinational company.  “Apprentices have a wonderful opportunity to develop a successful career path just like I did,” says Max.

Fitter/Machinist Apprentice, Tyler Field, tells us about his apprenticeship with AWS.

Q. Why did you apply to Thales for an apprenticeship?

My father works for Thales and I heard about the opportunity through him. He worked at Garden Island (GI) but now has a contract with Thales in Ottawa, Canada. I have a lot of interest in what Thales does at GI, in manufacturing, working with metal products, hands on-practical work, solving problems and I love fixing things.

Q. Describe your journey with AWS so far.

I’m in my first year and so far it’s been very interesting. I am studying at Ultimo TAFE whilst gaining valuable on-the-job training. I’ve learnt a lot of new things. I do a lot of work on the weapons systems such as gun overhauls where we strip, survey, repair and reassemble.

Q. What have you learnt/experienced?

There’s a huge support base with AWS and a lot of people with a lot of experience who can teach you a lot of things. My experience has been positive. I’ve been fortunate to learn so much; my knowledge from where I started to what I know now is out of the ball park. I’ve picked up many skills including how to use machines and machining processes. I have commenced in the workshop but will progress to work on the ships. Some guns can be overhauled in the workshop where others the work has to be performed on-board.

Q. Describe the culture, support and team. 

The tradespeople I work with and my team are very supportive, right up to my supervisor.  There’s so much knowledge here and everyone is willing to help me succeed. Every day is different, it’s never repetitive, there’s a variety of work going on in the workshop. My team works with the latest technology and I’m proud to be part of a business built on innovation. I’m still in my first year, but down the track there is plenty of cutting-edge technology within the workshops that I will be able to work on. They also supported me working through COVID. I’ve been working on site the whole time.

Q. What is your end goal?

I want to finish my apprenticeship, learn my trade and continue to support Maritime operations. I then want to then do a traineeship which I hope will lead to more avenues within Thales. I’ve grown up with boats and ships my whole life. It’s one of my passions.

Q. Tips for anyone thinking of doing an apprenticeship.

Don’t hesitate. If you want to do it, just do it. Take every opportunity you can get.

For information on all Thales roles go to www.thalesgroup.com/en/career or contact our team at TalentAcquisition@thalesgroup.com.au.

Contact
Greg Gocher, Regional Production Manager, Above Water Systems
Greg.Gocher@thalesgroup.com.au