APPRENTICESHIPS – INVESTING IN THE FUTURE

Chess has recognised that we face a shortage of people with traditional skills on the shop-floor.

We are an engineering company that relies totally on the traditional technical skills of boiler making, fitting, fabrication and machining.  A large part of our work involves the repair, replacement and maintenance of production lines, transport and mining and manufacturing processes.

Since early last year we have significantly increased our apprenticeship numbers and have adopted the policy that our apprentices are valued members of the Chess team.  They are emphatically not a source of cheap labor to be utilised on menial or repetitive tasks but are here to learn the skills that will allow us to build a successful future together.

Early responsibility is a cornerstone of the Chess approach to personal development.  This builds self-confidence and pride of workmanship at an early stage in the apprentice’s career.  Chess also works closely with a local TAFE college to ensure that our apprentices develop in both the theoretical and practical aspects of their chosen trades.

Regular mentoring and monitoring of apprentices’ work and progress is carried out at both shop-floor and management levels helping to ensure that individual progress is maintained and that problems or difficulties are dealt with at an early stage.

Chess Engineering is also a committed supporter of the work experience concept which allows us to identify potential tradesmen and women with the interest and aptitude to commit to a career in one of the traditional trades.