News and Media
11 September 2009
Dream career for Townsville apprentices
After months of searching, three Townsville apprentices are finally working in their dream career thanks to Defence Housing Australia (DHA) and the Nation Building – Economic Stimulus Plan.
Clint Von Deest, Jacob Hill and David Reaston are employed under DHA’s Apprenticeship Support Scheme. Their excitement in being provided this opportunity was reported on this website in June and now, four months on, these young apprentices couldn’t be happier.
Since their positions started, all three Townsville apprentices have worked on DHA constructions funded by the Economic Stimulus Plan.
They are being supported by local apprentice provider TORGAS, and are working with local sub-contractors.
“I am loving it,” said Clint, a first year carpentry apprentice. “I have never done this kind of thing before, so I didn’t know what to expect, but it is great.”
First year electrical apprentice, Jacob Hill is also enjoying the job of his dreams. “If I hadn’t got this apprenticeship, I would still be labouring unhappily,” Jacob said. “I know I would still be looking for an apprenticeship.”
Thanks to the increased construction activity generated by the Economic Stimulus Plan, 20 apprentices around Australia now have secure work through the Apprenticeship Support Scheme. Electrical apprentice David Reaston believes the best thing about this apprenticeship is the skills he is learning.
“I’m learning a lot of trade based stuff, such as electrical testing and safety, but I’m also learning life skills like working hard and making sure you do a good, quality job,” David said.
The Townsville apprentices will work on Defence housing projects funded by the Economic Stimulus Plan until 2011.
DHA created the apprenticeship scheme in response to increased Defence housing constructions. DHA will fund half of each apprentices wage for the length of their apprenticeship.