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A SECURE EMPLOYMENT FUTURE SAYS AUSTRALIA’S TOP APPRENTICE
Brad Donaldson of Strathalbyn is Australia’s top apprentice. He received this accolade recently at the 2004 Australian Training Awards, held at the Crown Entertainment Complex in Melbourne on November 18.
Brad, 21 is a 4th year EEAGTS (Engineering Employers Association Group Training Scheme) apprentice toolmaker with host employer Clipsal Strathalbyn.
Brad completed a prevocational course before entering an apprenticeship with the Engineering Employers Association Group Training Scheme. He is currently undertaking studies in the Advanced Diploma of Mechanical Engineering at TAFE SA’s Regency Institute.
Brad commutes from Strathalbyn to TAFE SA’s Regency Institute for his training, initially without a car and often stays with friends in Adelaide to attend TAFE. As part of his study at TAFE, Brad was required to build an injection moulding machine tool from scratch.
To qualify for the National awards, Brad won the South Australian Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by Holden. To win this award he had to submit a portfolio of work and give a speech on the advantage of employing apprentices over fully qualified tradespersons. Brad’s presentation which advocated apprentices’ youth and enthusiasm, saw him win a $2500 study grant and he was profiled by Channel 9 for an advert promoting apprenticeships after winning the Award.
Before commencing his apprenticeship, Brad wanted to be a cabinet maker and did not know what toolmaking was all about.
An introduction to Clipsal Strathalbyn Manager, Steve Spencer changed all that. Steve gave Brad an opportunity to see what toolmaking is all about.
“The support provided to me by Clipsal Strathalbyn has been great. They’ve allowed me to use the company’s workshop to complete my projects for the Advanced Diploma and they have supported my higher level training both financially and by providing time off,” says Brad. This has enabled Brad to achieve a higher level qualification whilst an apprentice.
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He really enjoys the CNC area, automation and advanced machining areas and the more high tech machinery.
Stephen Spencer commended “He is an exceptional apprentice who demonstrates skills and attributes beyond his years. He has a great future ahead of him.” Andrew Haste, Brad’s EEAGTS Training Coordinator commented “Brad was identified early as a high potential apprentice with the technical capability and the interpersonal skills to be very successful”. As Brad’s employer, EEAGTS nominated Brad for these awards.
His goals are to complete his Advanced Diploma of Mechanical Engineering while undertaking a further apprenticeship to achieve his A Class Electrical Licence.
Brad does not see work as a chore because he loves what he does. In his spare time he enjoys working on his car at home. Part of the apprenticeship program required Brad to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Awards, and to date he has achieved his Bronze Award.
Brad has some sound advice for school students considering an apprenticeship.
“Concentrate on technical subjects such as woodwork, technical drawing, technology, English and Business Maths.
Practical subjects like creative woodwork and furniture making are useful because the construction skills and knowledge are transferable. Even mathematics makes aspects of the study and work easier. You need to have an interest in practical and technical skills and must be mechanically minded to succeed.”
Brad believes the best way for those to follow his example and understand what toolmaking is for them to take on some work experience and see the process.
“People are impressed when we show them a small die with a polished punching cavity. It’s not about making hammers which is the common misperception. Work experience is also good, because you can see what a job entails.
Brad recommends an apprenticeship as it provides job stability for 4 years.
“You gain a good qualification and the trade really helps to give you a secure employment future.”
A passionate advocate for training as a pathway to success in career and life, Brad uses his skills to solve problems in his work. He considers apprenticeships and training to be the “only way to go” in his industry.
“Training has given me every opportunity in my career so far, because once you get a trade, you will always have work,” he said.
The current skill shortages in the trades areas are well publicized. Take Brad's lead and consider a trade. Manufacturing and engineering industries have current vacancies and are looking for applications now for these positions.
Expressions of interest for 2005 apprenticeship vacancies at Clipsal can made through Engineering Employers Association Group Training Scheme on 8300 0133 or by visiting www.eeagts.asn.au |