This month we focus again on traineeships with Part II of our Demystifying Traineeships. Traineeships can sometimes be an option overlooked, as they are not understood as well as apprenticeships. Below, we pick one area where traineeships are undeniably a fantastic option to illustrate just how an employer would benefit by taking on a trainee.

Here are our top five reasons why traineeships are perfect for an industry such as the real estate industry:

1. Cost benefits are considerable when compared to the cost of directly hiring an employee with no experience or skills;
2. Off-the-job training is organised for you;
3. All paperwork is organised by 1300apprentice - in fact the host employer is not responsible for employing the trainee at all;
4. The recruitment process, mentoring and guidance is all handled by us;
5. Industry specific requirements such as the Certificate of Registration is embedded within the training qualification.

So maybe you think that traineeships don't apply to you. Well think again. A traineeship is an option available to most industries. Part II of Demystifying Traineeships covers a broad range of industry sectors that offer traineeship programs.

Traineeships apply to both blue and white collar industries. For instance trainees can be placed in industries such as floristry, the health sector such as dental assistants or pathology, or community services such as child care. Other options include animal care and management, IT or Transport & Logistics (Warehouse), or business or even demolition in the building and construction industry. The list goes on.

At the end of the day, the right option, whether that is a traineeship or an apprenticeship, comes down to your unique set of requirements and weighing up the pros and cons of both programs. It is worth asking the question and at 1300apprentice we are more than happy to guide you through both options. For more information please contact Samantha Leet on 1300apprentice or 0418 441 570.

We are pleased to announce that one of our 1300apprentice Heavy Vehicle Motor Mechanic apprentices, Anthony Edward has been awarded the College Prize for Best Work Practice Stage 1 from the South Western Sydney Institute. Anthony is hosted by PK Management Consulting Services Pty Ltd.

What makes this story even better to tell is that Anthony has not long been an Australian citizen, emigrating from Iraq when he was just 16 years old. Anthony is now 20 but when he first arrived wasn’t able to speak English. The very first thing he did was complete a Certificate III English course. Anthony is now a 2nd year Heavy Vehicle Motor Mechanic apprentice. He first became interested in mechanics through experience in a workshop with a family friend. His first job was to put in a gear box and he soon realised that he had passion and enthusiasm for this industry.

When asked why he likes working in his trade, Anthony replied "Working on a car is too small for me. I can't get my hands around the engine which is why I like working on trucks instead - they have bigger engines!"

Anthony commenced his apprenticeship with PK Management and says "PK is a very good place to work, I've learnt a lot from working for PK and I'm really grateful for that. I would also like to thank 1300apprentice for supporting me throughout my apprenticeship."

Janardhan Pillay, the Workshop Foreman at PK Management is very happy with Anthony's progress and achievement saying "Anthony is capable of working with minimum supervision. He is very disciplined, has respect and a great personality." 

We would like to congratulate Anthony on winning his first career accolade.

This month injuries have been higher than normal ranging from strained backs and knee, a burn to the hand and a foreign particle in the eye. It is timely to remind all our apprentices the importance of wearing the appropriate PPE that can alleviate these types of injuries.

Our OH&S Manager, Darren Gibson has brought to our attention the latest Workcover Safety Alert which is on Tilt Slabs for the construction industry. An increasingly popular method of construction, the tilt slabs each weigh in excess of 30 tonnes! So the dangers are obvious! Danger is at its most critical when the slabs are craned in and disconnected from the chains - there have been times when slabs haven't been braced correctly.

Check out Workcovers Safety Alerts >  for more information on tilt slabs.  
Also see below the FREE workshops Workcover are offering small businesses.

WorldSkills 2010
Brisbane, 7-9 May 2010
The Ultimate Skills Showdown
Last year our apprentice from CSC, Justin Poidevin was an ACT Regional Gold Medal winner!
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Group Training National Conference
14-16 April 2010
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The National Careers & Employment Expo
30 Apr-1 May 2010
Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre
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1300apprentice looked the part at the recent Executive Assistants Network Expo 2010. Check out the photo of our neat little stand.

Nominations are now open for the GTA Today’s Skills, Tomorrow’s Leaders program
Today’s Skills: Tomorrow’s Leaders is a 5 day professional development program that brings together 20 apprentices and trainees from across Australia – high achievers in their chosen professions and potential industry leaders of the future. The creative learning environment is a unique opportunity for participants to develop their leadership and self management skills. They are challenged to take their current training successes to the next level and provided with practical tools to help them clarify their vision for the future.  More>

Fairfield City Farm - Rebranded and Reopened!
In support of one of our fantastic host employees, the newly named City Farm @ Calmsley Hill flung their gates open to the public on 28 March. The City Farm @ Calmsley Hill is where the country comes to the city. A place where children and adults can enjoy a variety of exciting shows and get up close to a range of native and farmyard animals.
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Workcover's Free Workshops for Small Business
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Foundation5Dollars
I recently met these three businessman at a breakfast held for Local Man and The Van members and this great story on their new charity - Foundation5Dollars. 100% of all money raised is distributed to charity. If you would like to find our more, become a local hero or donate $5 - Visit www.foundation5dollars.com.au and follow the 2 easy steps to give $5 and then tell 5 people about it.

Kool Kids Club
We like to support fantastic initiatives run by our host employers like Clovelly Bendigo Bank's recent donation of $50,000 to the Kool Kids Club. Kool Kids Club is a prevention and early intervention program that provides education, sporting, life skills and child protection support to children aged 7-13. The program has been highly successful at teaching children new skills and positive behaviours, improving school attendance, improving physical fitness and general health and providing support and assistance to families in need. Check out this ABC  video link>

We have a number of apprenticeships and traineeships that are available at the moment. Check out our Hot Jobs >  to see what's on offer. Also, don't forget to follow us on Twitter to be alerted of new jobs that come up.