The search is on for Wilmar Sugar Australia’s next generation of tradespeople.

Australia’s largest sugar manufacturer is currently recruiting apprentices to start work early in 2021.

Wilmar Training Superintendent Daniel Shipard said opportunities existed in the electrical, fabrication, diesel fitting, and fitting and turning trades, with 27 positions up for grabs across the company’s eight sugar mills.

He said apprentices could kick start their career in a challenging, high-tech industrial environment, supported by a great team.

“Our apprentices get to learn their trade while working alongside some of the best tradespeople in their field,” Mr Shipard said.

“The diverse nature of our business means our apprentices get to perform a unique mix of industrial and civil work.

“Safety is integral to everything we do at Wilmar. We work hard to ensure our apprentices adopt safe work behaviours from day one that will set them up well for their entire careers.”

Mr Shipard said Wilmar’s apprenticeship program was considered one of the best in Australia, with its completion rate of 95 per cent – more than double the national average.

Shenikah Grabs, a first-year electrical apprentice at Kalamia Mill in the Burdekin, said she chose to learn her trade with Wilmar because of the company’s well-rounded apprenticeships and high safety standards.

“With Wilmar you get to do a little bit of everything and learn a really wide range of skills.”

Herbert fitting and turning apprentice Jayke Hawes said he chose to do a Wilmar apprenticeship because of the large variety of work on offer.

“There’s never a dull moment at the mills,” he said.

“Regardless of whether it’s the theory or practical side of your trade, you’re always learning something.

“I get to work on multi-million dollar projects. I am not just stuck working on smaller jobs.”

New apprentices are provided uniforms, a professional tool kit and safety equipment, and will have all their training fees paid for them.

Applications close on Sunday, 2 August.