Institute to train apprentices
18-04-2007
Hastings Deering Institute to
train apprentices
As the Caterpillar equipment dealer
in Queensland, Hastings Deering are one of the largest employers of apprentices
in the state with some 250 currently in competency based training. This
number will increase to 300+ over the next year or so.
Via our Hastings Deering Institute of
Training we have entered into an agreement with SkillsTech in Brisbane
to commence a pilot for a new apprenticeship program involving a group
of stage one apprentices who have commenced this year in our Brisbane,
Toowoomba, Mt Isa, Cairns and Townsville branches. As part of this we will
have students from Mt Isa, Cairns and Townsville travelling to the Trades
and Technician Institute at Bradnam Street in Acacia Ridge for their “off
the job training” component of their apprentice training. They will be
attending training for two three week blocks, between mid May and the end
of November.
The apprentices are beginning the off
the job theoretical component of the MEM30205 Certificate III in Engineering
– Mechanical Trade, and the training being delivered is specialised training
using a new Caterpillar curriculum, currently not available at any other
of the department's campuses in Queensland. The new training curriculum
is available to both apprentices employed by Hastings Deering as well as
our customers.
Our aim, in conjunction with SkillsTech
Australia, is to provide training utilising the very latest materials,
equipment and technology used by the mining and heavy earth moving industry
where Caterpillar is the market leader.