Supporting the next generation of trade professionals
Four apprentice Boilermakers will swap their text books for trade certificates in 2022, completing their training and joining Bradken Australia’s Hunter Valley and Ipswich-based Mining Services team as fully qualified tradespeople.
Bradken
Asia Pacific
Four apprentice Boilermakers will swap their text books for trade certificates in 2022, completing their training and joining Bradken Australia’s Hunter Valley and Ipswich-based Mining Services team as fully qualified tradespeople.
Sam Freeman
Boilermaker, Sam Freeman completed his apprenticeship at Bradken’s site in Ipswich, Queensland earlier this month and said the driving force behind his choice to pursue this career path was his Grandfather.
“As soon as I was old enough, my Grandfather had me out in the shed helping him with whatever project he had on the go which gave me a real appreciation for working with my hands,” Sam said.
Having joined Bradken half way through his apprenticeship, Sam said the whole team at Bradken’s Ipswich, Queensland workshop had gone out of their way to welcome him to the team and support him as he completed his qualifications.
“I thank everyone at Bradken, from the blokes on the floor to the team in the office, for making sure I got the right exposure to all aspects of the trade to become a capable and confident tradesman.”
Abby-Lee Hammerich
19-year-old first year apprentice Boilermaker Abby-Lee Hammerich said the experience of her first few weeks at Bradken’s site in Ipswich, Queensland has been insightful.
“What I’ve liked most is how mentally stimulating the environment is,” Abby-Lee said.
“Being a young individual, watching and figuring out everything that’s going on around me feeds me with a yearning to want more, to want to learn more, do more and achieve more.”
Jye Jones
Despite a family background in the Carpentry trade, Jye Jones, 21, completed his apprenticeship and joined Bradken as a fully qualified Boilermaker in February 2022.
“I was never interested in going to university, I always knew I wanted to pursue a trade – not necessarily as a Boilermaker, but that’s kind of what I fell into and I’d say it’s worked out pretty well for me in the end,” Jye said.
“The people I work with at Bradken are great. They have been genuinely invested in me doing well and have made it really easy for me to learn and ask questions.”
Hayley Megahey
First year apprentice Boilermaker Hayley Megahey, 19, said the support she’s received from the team at Bradken in the first few weeks of her apprenticeship has been both comforting and encouraging.
“I’ve only been here for a short time, but the team at Mt Thorley have been great,” Hayley said.
“I feel really comfortable being at site and I’m grateful to have the opportunity to speak to and learn from other people that have been in the trade for a while – they answer all my questions and give me really helpful advice.
“For example, I’ve been practicing my vertical-up welding and a couple of the team saw that I was struggling with the way I was holding the welder, and came over to give me advice on how to improve my technique.”