Hastings Deering 2022 apprenticeship deadline draws near

A newly-graduated Blacks Beach diesel fitter is proof of the mantra ‘if at first you don’t succeed try, try and try again’. The deadline for the next apprenticeship intake is midnight Sunday.

Newly-graduated Blacks Beach diesel fitter Shane Thompson, 43 is proof of the mantra ‘if at first you don’t succeed try, try and try again’.

He joined Hastings Deering as a trades’ assistant 11 years ago before being accepted as an apprentice in their 2019 intake after applying eight years in a row.

“I had worked as a crane driver and a rigger previously and always wanted to work as a fitter at Hastings Deering: it was a dream goal of mine,” Mr Thompson said.

“I saw the trades’ assistant as an entry point, but knew I wanted to upskill and formalise my qualifications and become a tradesman.

“My advice to others is to never give up: I applied for eight years in a row before finally being accepted and I have never looked back.

Newly graduated Blacks Beach diesel fitter Shane Thompson, 43 is proof it's worth applying more than once for a job. He tried eight times for an apprenticeship with Hastings Deering before he was accepted as an apprentice in the company's 2019 intake. Picture: Contributed

“The aptitude tests proved to be my downfall and so I worked with my supervisors to work on the skills needed and everyone worked with me to get the experience and understanding so finally I nailed it.”

Hastings Deering will close it applications’ portal for 2023 apprenticeships midnight on Sunday with figures again showing increased applications from females and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.

The mining and construction support company opened applications for 40 plus positions at the start of the month with more than 10,000 people already visiting the 2023 apprenticeship web page.

Newly graduated Blacks Beach diesel fitter Shane Thompson, 43 is proof it's worth applying more than once for a job. Mr Thompson _ pictured second right at the front with the Mackay cohorts at his 2019 induction _ tried eight times for an apprenticeship with Hastings Deering before he was accepted. Picture: Contributed

Hastings Deering’s General Manager-People and Culture Peter Rigbye said flexibility and inclusion within its workforce was always a critical component of apprenticeship recruitment and anyone with an interest in working with the company should not be put off by reports of high number of applicants in previous years.

“Even though we have a set number of positions available we always look to find a place for others who stand out but may not make the apprenticeship cut,” he said.

“Last year, six applicants in the 2022 campaign who were unsuccessful have been placed across the business in stores roles and as trades assistants.”

The apprenticeships on offer are across all nine Hastings Deering operations including Brisbane, Toowoomba, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville, Cairns, Mt Isa, Darwin and Alice Springs.

“While it is too early to give an exact breakdown of trades and locations, as they will vary depending on operational requirements, we have already seen strong figures for diesel fitting positions with an atypical spike in application numbers in Brisbane and Mackay,” Mr Rigbye said.

“Adding to that we have also already seen a significant jump in the applications from females – with close to 19 per cent of applications in the first two weeks from females and similarly around 13 per cent of applications from ATSI – both considerably higher than in previous years.”