ASC has today welcomed 26 new apprentices to its submarine maintenance and shipbuilding business, elevating ASC’s apprenticeship program to one of the largest in South Australia.
ASC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Steve Ludlam said the new intake would lift the total number of apprentices working at ASC to 76, reflecting the company’s commitment to developing a pool of skilled talent to meet its growing production requirements and expectations of its customer.
“Each apprentice we bring on board represents a significant investment in ASC’s future,” Mr Ludlam said.
“And while ASC will reap rewards from our carefully planned skills recruitment program, our apprentices will also benefit from the unique opportunity to work on two of the most complex defence programs in Australia – maintenance of the Collins Class submarines and construction of the Hobart Class air warfare destroyers.”
This year’s intake of 26 apprentices also represent the first intake under ASC’s newly established Apprentice Development Program.
“This program will enable us to focus on identifying the future trade and technological skills we need, especially in areas where there is a shortage of trades expertise,” Mr Ludlam said.
ASC’s total cohort of apprentices includes adults, school-based apprentices, AiGroup training apprentices and a significant number who are studying at TAFE institutions around Adelaide.
“AiGroup must be congratulated for its unwavering support for apprenticeship programs across Australia. I look forward to strengthening ASC’s relationship with AiGroup as we grow much needed skills for the future,” Mr Ludlam said.
Mr Ludlam also announced Mr Robert Wood, a graduating electrical apprentice, as the winner of ASC’s 2010 Alan Saunders Award - presented annually to the apprentice who has demonstrated an outstanding level of initiative while applying a high level of safety awareness and a commitment to ASC values.
“It’s humbling to be formally recognised for the work I love to do every day. After all, I’m just a sparky working on a boat,” Mr Wood said.
“Working at ASC has been an amazing experience thanks to the support from the tradesmen, my bosses and peers throughout my apprenticeship. I look forward to further expanding my career within the company.
“It’s great to see ASC recognise existing talent while welcoming new guys embarking on, what I can assure them will be, very rewarding careers.”
ASC’s 26 new apprentices include six mechanical, nine fabrication and 11 electrical apprentices and will begin their employment with ASC today on 31 January 2011.
ASC (formerly known as Australian Submarine Corporation) is the nation’s last remaining Australian-owned prime defence contractor and, this year, celebrates 25 years of excellence. The company constructed the Collins Class submarines and today delivers design, upgrade and maintenance services for the submarines through-life. ASC is also the shipbuilder of Australia’s next generation warships – the Hobart Class air warfare destroyers. ASC employs over 1,700 personnel in South Australia and Western Australia, including 370 engineering and technical specialists.
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