Skills shortage tackled with in-house apprentice program

Emerson Network Power has launched its own in-house apprentice program in Australia to overcome the lack of skills in its core business areas.

A specialist manufacturer of precision air cooling and power protection equipment for data centres and computer rooms, the company has decided to invest in its own structured training program for TAFE apprentices, and has taken on three new staff as part of the program.

"It's no secret that Australia is in the grip of a dire skills shortage, and this situation is particularly acute in our industry despite the best efforts of the school and TAFE systems," said Christine Wilkie, director, Human Resources, Emerson Network Power Australia.

"Fortunately for us, we have a strong relationship with some of the leading TAFEs in the country, such as Kingswood and North Sydney in New South Wales, from which our new apprentices have been recruited."

The apprentices are required to spend four out of five weekdays at work, either in our national training facility for one-on-one tuition from the company's engineers, in production facilities and R&D labs in Sydney, or on site with Emerson service technicians or sub-contractors.

This approach ensures that each apprentice gains exposure to all facets of their chosen trade within the shortest possible time. One day a week is spent studying theory at TAFE, with the apprentice's tuition fees fully reimbursed by the company on condition that they pass their course curricula.

For more information, contact Christine Wilkie on 02 9914 2983.