Our new first-year apprentices have settled into their roles across the business after onboarding in February.
Eighteen apprentices have started work with Sugar and Renewables this year across the electrical, fitting and turning, boilermaking and diesel fitting trades.
Group Manager Mechanical Engineering Tienie van Blerk said he was proud of the way in which the new apprentices had stepped up to the challenges of their new roles and embraced the Wilmar values.
“They've integrated really well into the business and are demonstrating the values of teamwork and passion in their day-to-day work," Mr van Blerk said.
"I'm really impressed by how keen they are to learn from our experienced trades and become the best they can be."
Group Manager Electrical Instrumentation and Control (EIC) Chris Pickering said one of the benefits of a Wilmar apprenticeship was the exposure to a diverse range of equipment, processes and technologies.
“The sugar industry is known for turning out really well-rounded apprentices and our factories have some of the most advanced technological platforms available," Mr Pickering said.
"Our electrical trades are working with advanced automation and control systems, modern power generation and distribution systems, and smart instrumentation.
“Most electrical apprentices only get exposure to a narrow range of equipment. Ours are trained across a large range of industrial plant.”
General Manager Engineering Istvan Torok said the Apprenticeship Program was an important part of Wilmar's skills development and retention strategy.
“We have one of the largest and most successful apprenticeship programs in Queensland,” Mr Torok said.
"Not only do we have a very high completion rate, but we have a high retention rate among our newly qualified tradespeople.
"These first-year apprentices will become the highly-skilled tradespeople we rely upon to keep our factories, locos and mobile fleet running efficiently. They'll also become mentors for future generations of apprentices at our sites.”
Wilmar Sugar and Renewables currently employs 120 apprentices across the business.
Applications for the company's 2027 intake will open on 9 June.
