Solid Energy West Coast operations seeking new apprentices

12 October 2011

Solid Energy West Coast operations seeking at least 10 new apprentices

Solid Energy’s export coking coal operations on the West Coast are offering at least 10 apprenticeships across a range of trades.

Spring Creek Mine near Greymouth will take on six apprentices – two in each of the electrical, mechanical and fitting trades. In the Buller, Stockton Alliance is looking for a light vehicle mechanical apprentice for its Ngakawau workshops and has already identified a number of local candidates for three heavy plant mechanical apprenticeships. Depending on the number and quality of applicants, additional apprenticeships may be offered. Both sites have a preference for local people.

In mid-2010 Stockton Alliance, the partnership between Solid Energy and Downer EDI Mining New Zealand, took on four young Westport men as apprentices – two in general engineering and one in each of automotive and electrical. With his first block course coming up in November, Ethan Hogarth is now well on his way to gaining his automotive engineering qualification. He has no regrets about signing on with Stockton Alliance.

“Having a trade gives you great options and so far it’s been awesome,” Ethan says. “This is what I’m really interested in and what I learn at work I can put into effect with my own truck so I’m really happy. The other thing that’s good about working here is that we’re flat out; there’s always plenty to do, but the guys I work for are really helpful and always keen to give you a hand and answer questions, so it’s all good.”

• Apply on-line for Stockton Alliance’s light vehicle mechanical apprenticeship at http://stockton.capitalsl.com/jobcentre/
• Apply for the Spring Creek positions at http://www.solidenergyjobs.co.nz/jobcentre/

ENDS

© Scoop Media