XSTRATA Mount Isa Mines has welcomed 58 promising new apprentices into its Mount Isa Mines apprenticeship program.
Training for the apprenticeship program is delivered at the Xstrata Skills Centre, and, along with on the job training, apprentices are also required to attend allocated blocks of study at the local Mount Isa TAFE several times throughout their second, third and fourth year.
Xstrata Skills Centre Superintendent, Dave Watson, said a huge number of applications were received for this year's apprenticeship program.
"We received 700 applications for the 2012 intake of apprentices, which was almost double the number of applicants from the previous year," said Mr Watson.
"Seventy per cent of the group is from Mount Isa, which is great because the program is providing real employment and skills opportunities for people living in the North West.
"Xstrata runs one of the largest apprenticeship programs in North Queensland with on-site training and tailored training courses, allowing apprentices to develop specific skills in order to increase their expertise and competency." The apprentices will spend the year at the Xstrata Skills Centre in Mount Isa as part of their apprenticeship program, with the remainder of the four years spent rotating through diverse work areas to maximise their experience in the mining industry.
The group is made up of 16 electrical fitter mechanics, two radio technicians, two refrigeration mechanics, four auto electricians, 14 diesel fitters, 12 fitter and turners, and eight boilermakers.
Of the 58 apprentices selected, there are eight females made up of five electricians, one radio tech, one auto electrician, and one fitter and turner.
Xstrata is also employing 20 school-based trainees who will undertake a Certificate 2 in Surface Extraction Operations.
This program is designed to give the students an understanding of what is involved in each trade as well as get them ready and qualified to work on site.
The apprentices started work on January 30.
Ergon Chief Executive Ian McLeod said the induction of 32 apprentices was a wonderful achievement for the organisation, which remains strongly committed to training the workforce of tomorrow.
"The apprentices were chosen from more 2000 applicants for the sought-after positions.
"They'll be based at more than 30 locations across Queensland, from Thursday Island in the north, south to Stanthorpe and west to Cloncurry," Mr McLeod said.
"The apprenticeships we offer each year reflect the changing needs of our 4600-strong workforce," he said.
"The 2012 apprenticeships include communications technicians, distribution linespersons, systems electricians, a transmission linesperson, mechanical fitter and boiler maker. "
Mr McLeod said the new intake included a mix of mature-aged apprentices and teenagers straight from school, along with 12 female apprentices and four Indigenous apprentices.
All new apprentices attend a week-long induction, which includes health, safety and environmental awareness training.
Depending on their chosen trades, the recruits will then undergo between three and eight weeks of technical training in Brisbane, Townsville or Rockhampton, preparing them to return to their home depots to begin work.
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