2010 promises to be a great one as businesses get back on track and look to expand. This is where we can help. Our popular 30 minute business consultations are the perfect way to assess whether recruiting through the apprenticeship or traineeship process is a good option for you. Call us now to schedule a slot in the diary. Remember we are rewarding all referrals that convert to new business with Gold Movie Passes - all you need to do is 
REFER A FRIEND.

We are on Video! Check out this video link for a good snapshot of who we are and what we are all about.

I know we all groan about Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) but we all need to be reminded that PPE is there to protect you from harm in the workplace. So, now that we are in the New Year this serves as a timely reminder to check your gear and replace it if it is getting old, or make sure you have the basic items in your work bag. If you need some extra supplies please contact your field officer so supplies can be delivered promptly.

To make this segment a little more interesting we decided to have some fun with Darren Gibson, our OH&S Manager and get him to dress up in our PPE stock to demonstrate what you should have in your kitty. You can also download the poster to put on a wall or have in your bag as a point of reference.

 Here are the basics:

• Head – hard hat, hard hat attachment required when working on construction sites that requires head protection or a wide brimmed hat to protect from the sun
• Eyes – safety glasses both clear or tinted
• Hands – riggers gloves
• Ears – ear muffs
• Mouth/nose – dust masks or respirators if necessary
• Feet –  steel cap boots are a must. Don’t forget we reimburse on presentation of the original receipt the cost of your boots to the value of $65.00
• Other clothing – includes a fluorescent safety vest, long pants and shirts or jumpers and jackets in winter
• Protection from the sun – sunscreen

Other equipment is supplied relevant to the industry. Please speak to Darren or your field officer for any special requirements.

We are proud to announce that STE 1300apprentice will be commencing our very first 1300apprentice Awards Program
in 2010.

Designed to recognise and encourage apprentices, trainees, employers and mentors - the 1300apprentice Awards will honour outstanding work throughout the year.

Some of the categories will include Apprentice of the Year, Trainee of the Year and Host Employer of the Year. Stay tuned for more details and in the meantime we encourage your feedback, nominations and any other suggestions for categories!

Contact Samantha Leet for more information.

1300apprentice are soon to launch our fully tailored OH&S induction program. The OH&S induction program is specifically designed for our apprentices, trainees and host employers to conveniently complete in their own time at any time of the day. The program will be available online for all current employees to complete yearly to reinforce the importance of safety in the workplace.

Further information will follow in the next editions of this enewsletter or if you wish to know more please contact our OH&S Manager, Darren Gibson on 0407 663 086.

“WorkCover is committed to NSW workplaces being among the safest of the world’s modern economies and ensuring that, when injuries do occur, the injury management and workers compensation schemes operate efficiently and effectively to provide security to those affected.”  > Click here for more details.

STE 1300apprentice is also very committed to ensuring that our host workplaces and employees are safe and as mentioned in our December edition of this enewsletter at the end of each month we will be giving you a monthly update of our safety record.

We don’t have many incidents or accidents to report for 2009 and we want to keep it this way for 2010. In our February edition we will let you know how we fared in January 2010 and urge each and every one of you to keep safety front of mind in the workplace and report any incidents, accidents or near misses.

This month we are spotlighting Horticulture (Landscaping) and our apprentice Scott Hilder along with his host company Co-Ordinated Landscapes.

Did you know that Horticulture (Landscaping) in the Sydney metropolitan area has recently been listed on the National Skills Need List? This means it attracts extra incentives for apprentices who are entering the trade.

For more information on trades listed as a skill shortage area go to the hot links section of this eNewsletter.

Landscape horticulturists are trained to construct and renovate garden landscapes and to identify plants and trees in domestic and commercial environments. Apprentices in this area learn how to use and maintain equipment; prepare soil and new sites for construction; and to install drainage and irrigation systems.

Scott who is just about to roll into the third year of his apprenticeship has always had a passion for the industry. “I love the outdoor work, working with my hands and the sense of achievement I get when I look back on the finished job” Scott said. “I commenced with Co-Ordinated Landscapes in January 08 which is a commercial landscaping business and I have worked on numerous sites which has really allowed me to expand and develop my skills. Every site I work on I learn something new - they are a great company to
work for.”

Brian Smithson, Operations Manager of Co-Ordinated Landscapes said “We are a progressive commercial landscaping business committed to encouraging and developing our apprentices in this trade. Our partnership with STE 13000apprentice enables us to do this with great success.”

Co-Ordinated Landscapes have just re-launched their website.
> Click here for more information

The National Skills Needs List (NSNL) identifies trades that are deemed to be in National skills shortage. Trades on this list are eligible for additional government incentives. > Click here for more information

• Apprenticeship – 1st Year Fitter Machinist  > More
• Apprenticeship – 1st Year CNC Machinist  > More
• Apprenticeship – 2nd Year Air Conditioning and Refrigeration  > More

> Click here for more apprenticeships

• Traineeship – Property Services Certificate IV  > More
• Traineeship – Transport & Logistics Certificate II  > More

> Click here for more traineeships