Thiess Invests in Apprentice Training Program

Brisbane, Australia, September 20, 2012 --(PR.com)-- Mining, construction and services industry leader Thiess has formalised its partnership with MEGT Australian apprenticeships Centre to equip its apprentices and trainees with the skills to meet future project commitments.

This follow the recently released Queensland Energy and Telecommunications Industry Skills and Workforce Development Report 2012 which revealed more than 40,000 skilled workers would be required in the energy and resources sector.

Thiess says the shortage of skills is a serious issue across all its operations nationally and is continuing to make significant investment in building capabilities through employment and training of Australian Apprentices.

Every challenge however has its opportunities and recently there was recognition that the growth and diversity of the organisation’s businesses was creating opportunities it could harness in order to retain its employees through career development and provide those benefits consistently across all states and skills sectors. Being able to provide cross-Departmental and multi-site work experiences is particularly valuable for young people starting their career and an apprenticeship or traineeship gives them this experience at the same time they increase their qualifications and the qualifications of our more mature staff.

Australian Mining General Manager People and Capability, Mark Vining says with every challenge an opportunity emerges.

"While we remain focused on securing and developing new industry talent, the opportunity to focus on staff retention has paid dividends with excellent professional development programs to fast-track careers, as well as the chance to relocate and participate in some of the company’s largest projects," he said.

"We provide cross-departmental and multi-site work experiences, which is ideal for young people starting their careers, giving them invaluable experience while increasing their qualifications."

Thiess and MEGT Australian Apprenticeships Centre operate across Australia, an important factor in the streamlining of systems and processes of state-based education qualifications within a federal Australian Apprenticeships framework.

"We see this as an important partnership," Thiess general Manager Finance and Commercial Construction, David Goodman said.

"It’s a partnership between our organisations to develop our people, capture ideas and embed those ideas through collaboration. It is important for us in terms of consistency in paperwork and processes for funding and training to ensure we support our people in gaining qualifications and building capacity in our businesses."

MEGT Australian Apprenticeships Centre General Manager, Jan Griffin, said it’s exciting to work with an organisation that has the same passion for traineeships and apprenticeships. Kathleen Mason the MEGT national accounts coordinator working on site with Thiess will ensure there is seamless communication and will aim to optimise every possible opportunity for government support.

Thiess Services Manager Training & Development Andrew Severn, says benefits have already started flowing through the organisation.

"We are looking forward to this as a win-win – for Thiess, for MEGT and for young people starting their career," he said.

Australian Apprenticeships are an Australian government initiative.