In October 2019, on the back of a tightening skills shortage, Mader Group established ‘Trade Upgrade’, our tailored training program open to apprentices throughout Australia.
In this unique initiative, Light Vehicle and Heavy Road Transport Mechanics have the opportunity to become fully qualified Heavy-Duty Diesel Mechanics for placement into the mining industry.
Mader’s Trade Upgrade mechanics complete their Certificate III in Mobile Plant Technology in an 18-month shortened apprenticeship, starting with 10-weeks in TAFE to ensure they are equipped with the theory and practical knowledge necessary for them to head off to site.
As an industry leader in equipment maintenance, Mader recognise the importance of growing and developing the workforce of tomorrow and feeding new, qualified tradespeople into the industry.
Arthur Boulton, Manager of Trade Upgrades – East Coast, says that the program not only empowers tradespeople to tackle the workplace challenges of the future, but it also gives back to the mining sector by providing an effective long-term solution that creates a lasting difference.
“We aim to build a real working team environment, running classes of 10-15 mechanics where intakes go through the learning process together and form close relationships, develop learning styles and allowing us to recognise the natural leaders within each group.”
“Upon completing their initial training, we deploy our apprentices to clients and sites invested in the development of their knowledge and skill for on-the-job training.”
“Mader prides itself on the quality and skillset of our trade personnel, so by engaging our Trade Up mechanics with clients that understand the program, they receive further technical learning and mentoring for a strong foundation into the next step in their career,” said Arthur.
Active on a large number of sites across Australia, Mader has the flexibility and capacity to expose Trade Up mechanics to various sites, regions, and equipment, effectively building well-rounded tradespeople. These opportunities can include underground and open-cut roles with major miners, OEM’S, and more, to encompass all aspects of the mobile plant trade.
Upon successful completion of their training, Mader Trade Upgrade Mechanics graduate with a Certificate III in Mobile Plant Technology. With the support of the training team, they are then transitioned into roles throughout the Mader business.
Once qualified, apprentices are empowered to take charge of their career, with graduates able to map out a long-term career plan, establishing achievable milestones and upskilling in new areas to discover talents, passions and career paths that will lead to greater opportunities.
This excerpt is an overview from the TAFE Queensland article ‘Giving apprentices a Trade Upgrade.’ Read the full article here >>>