News and Media
24 September 2010
Townsville apprentices are 'building the nation'
Defence Housing Australia (DHA)'s Apprenticeship Support Scheme began as a package to complement the Nation Building-Economic Stimulus Plan (NB-ESP)
and it has had great success, particularly in Townsville, since its conception. The six Townsville apprentices, employed under the scheme, couldn't be happier.
'We love working under the DHA apprenticeship scheme,' said Townsville local, Jacob Hill, a second year electrical apprentice. General agreement has been echoed from his fellow apprentices in the program.
Townsville has had some of the highest levels of construction for DHA, with much of it funded through the NB-ESP, due to an increase in Defence personnel being posted to the area. This demand has led to an increase in housing projects helping Townsville's construction industry fend off the possible threat posed by the global financial crisis.
'I think Townsville is booming at the moment and there is lots happening for us in the foreseeable future,' said Garret Schmid, third year apprentice bricklayer.
Of course, without the stimulus package the future may not have been looking so bright for these young construction workers. The additional construction seems to have bolstered workers up, so as they can continue to hire such apprentices and keep the industry alive.
For Anthony McLean, from AJ McLean Builders, hiring apprentices is something he feels he can give back to the industry that has given him a career.
'It's been very good, the initiative from Defence Housing in conjunction with Torgas has been great and its got a young bloke [Clint] into a profession that he is enjoying,' said Mr McLean. 'It keeps you young at heart too.'
Clinton Von Deest, the second year apprentice carpenter working with Anthony McLean, is learning a lot and loving every minute of it.
'It's been really good. I've had plenty of work which I've really enjoyed so far,' said Clinton.
Although only part-way through their apprenticeships these young workers are already looking to the future. They are hoping that the currently high construction levels in the town will continue.
When Reef Brand-Adams, second year electrical apprentice, thought about his future he was certainly full of optimism.
'I first see myself finishing my apprenticeship,' said Reef. 'Also opening my own business would be a good thing and in ten years hopefully that will be an option.'
The current scheme will continue until the apprenticeships are completed, with DHA funding 50 percent of the cost of hiring the apprentices. DHA hopes this initiative
will provide these young apprentices with the kick-start they need for a prosperous career in the construction industry.