St Patrick’s has continued to excel in sustaining apprenticeship intake numbers at ASC Shipbuilding (ASC). Five of the 23 apprentices who commenced in 2014 were students from the College.
Since the ASC commenced their apprenticeship program in 2010, St Patrick’s has provided 14 apprentices – approximately 20% of their total intake.
The employment of apprentices at ASC is extremely competitive with approximately 800 applications being received when recruitment is advertised every year. We are fortunate to have an excellent relationship with ASC and they are prepared to send their senior trade executives to the College to make a presentation when apprenticeship opportunities are advertised every year.
Students are not only given information on the company, what they do and career opportunities within it, but also what apprenticeships are available and how to apply for them.
Feedback from interview panel members indicates our students are well prepared for the interviews with key components to show through including:
- attitude;
- aptitude;
- presentation;
- comprehensive resumes and covering letters; and (most of all)
- examples of work and / or projects they have worked on.
The five College students who were successful in gaining an apprenticeship this year were:
- Jarad Hearnden, Electrical apprentice (Class of 2013, Applied Engineering);
- James Robinson, Electrical (’13 Applied Engineering);
- Jack Elsom, Metal Fabrication (’13 Automotive);
- David Vaile, Metal Fabrication (’13 Plumbing);
- Mason Browning, Electrical (’14 Applied Engineering).
Mason, who is completing Year 12 this year, is the only school-based apprentice in the group of 23 apprentices.
College Principal, Mr Rob Thomas, and Industry Relations Manager, Mr Jim Montgomery, attended the 2014 Apprentice Program Event at ASC, Osborne, where the 23 newly appointed apprentices were welcomed into the organisation by ASC Chief Executive Officer, Steve Ludlam.
Mr Ludlam stated ASC’s apprenticeship program represents one of the largest in the State and the newly appointed apprentices will be part of the most advanced manufacturing facilities in world and the apprenticeship represents the commencement of an exciting career.