Training and upskilling keeps Kalgoorlie business competitive

Ausdrill has introduced a strong training program in their business, recruiting new staff into apprenticeships and upskilling existing staff.

Brendan Evans, Maintenance Training Coordinator at Ausdrill in the Goldfields region says Ausdrill has a strong history of apprenticeship programs and developing staff to meet the business’ needs.
 

“The Ausdrill Group recognises that our workforce needs are better met by recruiting and developing apprentices for the trades within our operations,” says Evans. “This is in line with our philosophy that apprentices are our future workforce. We invest in training to ensure our workforce has the skills and abilities to remain competitive in the future.”

Ausdrill’s commitment to training is evident in their current workforce. Ausdrill employs six apprentices in the Goldfields region, with a further 22 across the Ausdrill Group, and 21 tradesmen undergoing trade upgrade apprenticeships.
 

“Ausdrill aims to recruit at least one apprentice each year across business units within the group, typically a school leaver,” says Evans.

To ensure they are selecting the right apprenticeship candidates and to improve efficiency, Ausdrill has reviewed and refined their apprentice recruitment process.

“Over the past few years we have developed a set criteria that all prospective apprentices must adhere to,” says Evans. “Candidates must have a Certificate II in Automotive or Engineering (Mechanical field), successful completion of Year 11 or preferably Year 12, good passes in all school subjects, and an ability to pass a pre-selection test and an interview by a panel of senior maintenance personnel.”

 “We also have an extensive trade upgrade program where an employee with an existing trade qualification, such as Light Vehicle Motor Mechanic, is put through a mature-age apprenticeship in Engineering with a range of units more suited to the maintenance and repair of drill rigs.”
 

“Each Ausdrill apprentice is rotated through each of the maintenance areas of the company and has an opportunity to work in both exploration and on-site drill and blast environments. This provides a well-rounded, practical experience,” says Evans.

Apprenticeship Support Australia works closely with Ausdrill, supporting their apprenticeship and traineeship operational requirements across Australia and offering localised support in the Kalgoorlie region.