Latest Mackay Seaport News

MPA seeks interest for boilermaker apprenticeship

Originally published on 11th November 2006

Four years ago Paul Schmidtke would have spent at least a week wading through a mountain of applications from school leavers, eager to enter the workforce.

But how times have changed.
MPA asset services manager Paul Schmidtke, apprentices Todd and Trevor Koina and leading hand Greg Kasper examine a damaged dredge bucket at the seaport workshop.
Mr Schmidtke – the asset services manager with the Mackay Port Authority – is at a loss to explain the lack of interest in trade apprenticeships from the region’s school leavers this year.

“We like to have at least six apprentices on our books at any one time – we see it as a commitment to the community to provide training and jobs for our young people,” he said.

But for whatever reason – school leavers are looking at other vocations.

“Sometimes the applicants don’t even bother to turn up for the interview,” he said.

“The MPA has just appointed an apprentice carpenter – and we are still seeking candidates interested in an apprenticeship in boilermaking. A few years ago we would have expected at least 50 applications.”