Harlsan future-proofed the business.

At present the mining industry is booming and many companies can’t find staff to fill roles that were often filled by overseas candidates. Harlsan had the foresight ten years ago to start training apprentices in conjunction with Kalgoorlie’s Central Regional Tafe. The apprentices now have key roles in the organisation.

Mitch Brennan the Program Manager of Industry Services at the Kalgoorlie Central Regional Tafe stated “There is a skills shortage in the Goldfields and around Western Australia, with employers seeking to fill positions in a range of industries. We encourage employers to support apprenticeship programs in their organisation to ensure a skilled and strong workforce for the future”.

“It’s been fantastic to work with Harlsan over the years in supporting their apprentices through their qualifications. We’re especially pleased to see how far our graduates have progressed and congratulate them on taking on leadership opportunities and enhancing their careers”

According to Australian Apprenticeship and Traineeships Information service there has been a decrease of 13.9% of apprentices and trainees in training in WA from the previous year. (2020)

(Source Feb 9 2021 HERE)

The apprentice program is a dynamic, four-year training plan that commences with twelve months working as a workshop assistant, followed by two years of learning machine manufacturing skills and finally developing automated machine skills. The program includes mentoring and skill development advice from experienced and drilling consumable practitioners in WA.

The first apprentice started in 2012, was Brendon Hutchings, he was also a finalist in the Goldfields Business Awards Apprentice of the year in 2015. Brendon is now our very talented, Production and Customer Support Manager. In the same year Jesse James started his and by 2016, he had won the Apprentice of the Year at the Goldfields Business Awards. He has recently been appointed as the Machine Shop Leading hand in the Harlsan Kalgoorlie production facility.

Lewis Reynolds completed his apprenticeship at the end of 2020 and was a finalist in the 2019 Goldfields Business Awards Apprentice of the year. Recently Jordan Hooks, and Justin Brown have completed the program and are both currently employed as a First-Class Machinists at Harlsan. Liam Lyle is currently undergoing the program.

In the coming weeks we will welcome Adam Nicholas who will be commencing the Apprenticeship program.

We would like to congratulate all our successful apprentices who are leading the way in manufacturing drilling consumables that delivered to countries globally.

If you are interested in more information about our Apprentice Program, please email employment@harlsan.com.au