New recruits start at Downer

31/01/2020

Thirteen Maryborough locals are honing their skills as apprentices after joining Downer’s Rollingstock Services railway facility in Maryborough recently.

The new recruits will develop skills in fields including fabrication and mechanical and electrical over the next four years to gain a nationally recognised trade certificate.

This intake of apprentices is the largest ever for Downer’s Maryborough Service Delivery Centre. The facility serves as a leading rollingstock overhaul, repair and refurbishment centre, employing more than 250 people.

The apprentices will support work on recent contracts awards including accessibility upgrades to the Queensland New Generation Rolling Stock (QNGR) fleet.

Downer’s Executive General Manager, Rollingstock Services, Tim Young, said he was very pleased to welcome the apprentices to the company and especially to see many locals recruited.

“We are delighted to welcome the new apprentices to our site. We are dedicated to supporting the Maryborough community through employment, so it’s pleasing to be able to build on that with our apprenticeship intake this year,” he said.

“These new apprentices will equip our business with much needed skills, while at the same time supporting education and skills development in regional Queensland.”

The recruits’ structured learning program will be complemented by practical on-the-job training, alongside qualified tradespeople and mentors.

Manager of Downer’s Maryborough facility, Andrew Slawson, said the strength of the apprentice intake was a clear demonstration of Downer’s commitment to developing the workforce of tomorrow and providing apprentices the opportunity to build a career in the rail industry.

“Downer has a long history of providing opportunities to people beginning their careers in our industry,” said Andrew.

“This commitment to developing our talent continues to be integral to our success as a company and our apprentice program provides our new recruits with the opportunity to develop the core skills necessary for the future success of the manufacturing industry.”

The 2020 intake brings Downer’s apprentice numbers up to 30 at the Maryborough facility.