Today, it’s vitally important for mining and civil industry leaders to play their part in shaping the future workforce.
Demand for skilled labour continues to rise and apprenticeships have dipped to a 10 year low, with industries facing an unprecedented shortage of skills and widening threats to workplace efficiencies.
Mader Group is a global conglomerate providing heavy equipment maintenance (mobile and fixed plant) to a widening customer base.
As an industry leader with 15 years’ operational experience, Mader Group is proud to be addressing the shortage with the introduction of a Trade Upgrade Program.
The tailored training program aims to bridge occupational gaps by developing the skills of experienced tradespeople to increase the supply of Dual Trade Mechanics in Western Australia’s labour market.
Officially named ‘Trade Up’, the 18 month program equips experienced Light Vehicle Mechanics (Automotive and Road Transport) with the necessary skills and knowledge to confidently work across a wide range of sites and workshops as qualified Heavy Duty Diesel Mechanics.
“This is an opportunity for industry leaders to work together to create long term career pathways for Dual Trade Mechanics,” said Charlotte Annakin, Trade Upgrade Program Coordinator.
“With a largely trade qualified team in the office, we know what to look for in a good Mechanic and have cherry-picked candidates to ensure the best chances of success. We’re asking companies to partner with us as we train, prepare and mentor these candidates for placement in the industry.”
During the program, apprentices are mentored by Mader Group’s very own Heavy Duty Diesel Mechanics on various worksites and are backed by a knowledgeable management team who have come from trade backgrounds themselves.
“Our apprentices will work alongside some of the most experienced minds in the business. They will obtain well-rounded knowledge and gain valuable insight into operations as they undertake practical workplace experience,” said John Greville, Mader Group’s Chief Operating Officer.
“We’ve already seen some great success stories with key customers. The program allows us to grow industry skillsets whilst also offering customers a cost effective alternative to equipment maintenance.”
The program offers partnering companies short and/or long-term solutions to filling labour requirements with the option to hire (no sign over fee) candidates permanently upon conclusion of their contract.
Since establishment of the program in late 2019, Mader has already achieved several milestone achievements; its first intake of Trade Upgrade participants hit the 6 month mark in their 18 month apprenticeship journey and the second intake are now trained and ready for placement.
In addition to this, Mader Group has landed the 992 (OB25) project at BHP Eastern Ridge which will see a 21-strong team maintain their train load out fleet, including Supervisors, Mechanics, Auto Electricians, Boilermakers and four recently upskilled Trade Upgrade Mechanics.
The Trade Upgrade Program has ambitious goals to grow the Diesel Mechanics of tomorrow with strong potential to be scaled up over time to meet growing industry demand and interest.
