Thales Australia has taken on a record 20 new apprentices and trainees at the Garden Island dockyard in 2012.
The intake is more than double the nine apprentices and trainees who graduated to fully qualified employees at the end of 2011.
Thales Australia CEO Chris Jenkins said the record intake of apprentices and trainees was a positive sign for the future of maritime sustainment work at Australia’s largest naval ship repair and maintenance facility.
“We are very proud of the support role we play to the Royal Australian Navy at the Garden Island facility.
“Successfully sustaining the ships based at Garden Island requires constant training to build the skills of our workforce and ensure we have skilled employees training for the future.
“A broad range of skills are covered by the 20 new apprentices and trainees we have taken on this year, including various trades, weapons repair, technicians and electronics.
“These are advanced and specialised skill sets essential for the sustainment of the Navy’s east coast fleet.
“With a build-up in the size of the fleet based at Garden Island already starting, we are looking to ensure we have the skilled workforce necessary to meet the challenge of a larger east coast-based fleet.
“The arrival of HMAS CHOULES in December will be followed in coming years by the new Air Warfare Destroyers and the LHDs, the largest ships ever to be operated by the Navy.
“The Navy’s Garden Island facility is a vital national strategic asset, and we work closely with the Navy to ensure ship sustainment is carried out on budget and on time, every time.”