Closure Of Bhp Spurs Youth Jobs
Newcastle Herald
Wednesday May 7, 2003
SEPTEMBER 1999 may have heralded job losses at BHP but for one Hunter institute it was the beginning of an era of employment training.
In just over three years MBA Group Training and Personnel (GTP), an arm of the Newcastle Master Builders Association, has produced 70 graduates who have equipped themselves with a trade.
GTP secretary Robert Fuller said more than 140 apprentices were training in the program and all had employment.
``We nurture these people to make sure they have a career, not just a job," he said.
Mr Fuller said the closure of the BHP steelworks after 85 years in Newcastle inspired him to lend young people a helping hand.
``We talk about youth unemployment.
``It certainly was a reason why we did it then. We had a responsibility."
The GTP mentoring program is supported by 90 Hunter businesses, and apprenticeships are available in building, carpentry, plumbing, roof tiling, roof plumbing, joining, plastering, wall and floor tiling, painting and urban landscaping.
Traineeships are also offered in retail, furniture and cabinet making, office administration and general construction.
Mr Fuller said GTP apprentices were highly regarded in the construction industry.
``We often get comments back from the building industry that they are the best they have had because of their attitude, training and skill levels."
GTP apprentices and trainees learn about their industry and gain formal theoretical training in occupational health and safety at a TAFE college.
Second-year apprentices are placed with a host employer while third-year apprentices gain further on the job training to hone their practical trade skills.
Unlike other TAFE students, who have to organise their own employer, GTP apprentices are provided with a suitable employer.
Employers areassessed by training program co-ordinators to ensure they are able to provide sufficient work for apprentices.
For employers who take on apprentices, GTP handles all the payroll work.
Mr Fuller said employers often kept apprentices for the life of their apprenticeship.
Apprentices not given permanent employment at the end of their training were placed on a list, and GTP helped them find a stable job.
Meritorious students who seek further career development are given an opportunity to complete a one-year management course, known as Certificate IV, at the Back to Basics Business Training school in Minmi.
Training group manager Michael De Lyall said the management course had produced several success stories including that of a 20-year-old whose career blossomed soon after he graduated.
``We've actually got one who looked after a million-dollar project after finishing carpentry," he said.
He said helping people develop a vocational skill was a rewarding experience.
``It is the buzz of seeing people get employed."
Although most of the apprentices are young, a wide age group is represented.
Competition for entry is strong and each position attracts an average of 30 applicants.
To be accepted, applicants must demonstrate a commitment to their desired industry.
© 2003 Newcastle Herald