Singleton-based company Morgan Engineering is living up to its motto “we make it happen” by paving the way for growth in the sector – and region – through its expanding apprenticeship program.
The ongoing development of a skilled and trained workforce is core to its vision and culture.
It’s demonstrated in their approach to addressing identified needs in the industry that also grows into capabilities across their business.
“We have two pathways for trainees, the traditional TAFE initiative and our TA/apprentice program we developed in liaison with Gimbal Training,” Morgan Engineering general manager Jeremy Brett said.
“The current qualifications available to engineering apprentices does not adequately address our future requirements.
“So, our partnership with Gimbal Training aims to provide both trade qualifications and specific skills and experience critical to our business.
“For example, line boring has no TAFE training or qualification.
“The task instead is completed by a qualified fitting machinist, fitters and turners or CNC machinist who need significant time on the job to gain the required experience.
“Because of this, we engaged Gimbal Training to allow us to create efficiencies and develop a highly-skilled pool of liner borers – a specialist qualification that is currently not available.”
Renowned for its flexible training and assessment models that create personalised pathways to gain qualifications, Gimbal Training developed a unique program tailored for the team whereby Morgan Engineering’s trades’ assistants and adult apprentices could fulfil on-site support requirements while completing their trade training.
Participants will receive a Certificate III in Engineering and Mechanical Trade.
They’ll also secure practical experience on a mine site, while the business benefits from their investment in training, better use of resources, and an ongoing strategic apprenticeship initiative.
“Prior to the creation of this innovative program with Gimbal Training, we had always welcomed apprentices undertaking their qualifications through TAFE,” Mr Brett said.
“We have a very high success rate for retaining apprentices within the business.
“Previously, seven trainees have gone through and stayed with us – five of whom are now in leadership roles.
“The business’ success rate can largely be attributed to the type of hands-on experience in the workshop and site activities they are undertaking as well as Morgan Engineering’s proud team culture.
“‘Grow your own timber’ is a saying that aligns with the vision for our apprentice program.
“We’re setting the foundations, building our internal talent pool and ensuring our apprentices are trained to the highest standard and capabilities.
“TAFE will teach them the trade and we’ll teach them how to be a tradesperson.
“Paired with this, we believe that our vision and culture set us apart from other engineering companies.
“We value our employees and believe they are the engine of this organisation.
“We look after everyone and ensure not only their professional development but growth as an individual.”
By supporting training and development as core to the business, Morgan Engineering is developing a culture of active learning, which ultimately improves productivity, staff engagement, employee retention and customer satisfaction.
To learn more about their apprenticeship program, check out the website at www.morganengineering.com.au
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