Caboolture Shire Council has developed an apprenticeship training program to give young people trade qualifications that can lead to jobs in the commercial world. Council already had the enviable record of all apprentices from the past 20 years finding permanent employment immediately. The apprenticeship training program was developed to make the Shire’s apprentices more valuable employees to Council and any future employer.
“It gives them skills that are slowly being lost in the trade,” said Council’s Plant and Fleet Manager, Neil Claridge. “In the ever demanding and competitive commercial world the more experienced the tradesperson, the more sought after he or she becomes.”
Council realised that many prospective employers did not have the same modern plant or facilities enjoyed by Council, so two projects were chosen that would broaden apprentices’ experience, while providing community assistance and preserving some of Caboolture’s heritage. A train was built using scrap materials from an abandoned Toyota and an old grader was restored from a property at Longreach.
Both projects taught the apprentices mechanical and welding skills that have been superseded by high tech training. The 1939 Caterpillar 9K motor grader was stripped and rebuilt over 18 months.
Wherever possible, apprentices had to use traditional hand tools instead of electric or air tools. Many missing parts had to be rebuilt from scratch because they were not available second hand or from the manufacturer.
The apprentices learned how to interpret and acquire parts and trouble shoot areas of concern that did not exist in modern equipment.
“All the skills required to become a versatile and proficient tradesperson were required during this project,” Neil Claridge said. “There has been a dramatic improvement to the skills level of the apprentices. Morale is high as they work with a higher degree of confidence.”
He said the restored grader would be put to work and the train would be lent free of charge to help non-profit organisations with fund raising and promotions.
For further information contact Neil Claridge, email claridgen@caboolture.qld.gov.au or telephone (07) 5420 0601.
