Hastings Deering apprenticeship program now open

Cat dealership, Hastings Deering, has officially commenced its 2024 apprenticeship program and is actively accepting applications from Queenslanders and Territorians for positions across its nine locations nationwide.

Some apprenticeship positions that are open include engine reconditioning, auto electricians, electrical fitter mechanics, boilermakers, diesel fitters, and mechanical fitters.

Hastings Deering General Manager for People and Culture, Peter Rigbye, said as a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), the company is more than just an employer.

“Our vested interest in supporting our apprentices to achieve nationally recognised trade qualifications doesn’t stop with a promising career across a range of industries,” he said.

“Many leaders in our business started as apprentices, which speaks to the value of our program, career path opportunities, and the culture which is embedded throughout Hastings Deering.”

With more than 600 apprentices successfully completing training with Hastings Deering in the last ten years, Rigbye said the intakes have become increasingly competitive and urges prospective candidates to get their applications in soon.

“Our apprentices are always in good company, all coming with different skills, genders, backgrounds and experiences—whether they are coming from high school or a mature age apprentice transitioning into a trade,” he said.

“When we talk about starting ‘something big’ at Hastings Deering, we are speaking directly to our core objectives of giving our people the resources to build relationships, growth opportunities and flexibility that suits their lifestyle.”

As well as starting a promising career with the company, which is one of the largest global Cat dealers, Hastings Deering apprentices are provided with full-time paid positions and paired with ‘buddies’ to help support them through their first year.

The business’ four-year competency-based program has won it several awards over the years, including the Queensland Training Awards.

Hastings Deering’s training program combines workplace-based hands-on training combined with formal learning through Hastings Deering RTO at the purpose-built training facility, the Hastings Deering Learning Centre.

The 50-plus positions are available across Alice Springs, Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Mackay, Mt Isa, Rockhampton, Toowoomba, and Townsville.

Applications for the 2024 intake close on June  25, 2023, with successful candidates commencing training in February next year.