Western Australia's appliance servicing industry is celebrating an important milestone with the graduation of its first cohort of locally-trained apprentices helping to meet skills demands across the State.
The qualification, which trains apprentices to set-up, service and repair electrical and refrigerated appliances, was previously only delivered in Australia on the east coast.
The delivery of the apprenticeship in WA is providing industry with new opportunities, after the McGowan Government responded to demand by funding Perth-based registered training organisation, Energy Skills Solutions, to develop and deliver it in WA.
Apprentices Nicholas Chambers, 52, and Peta Tournay, 30, are two of the graduates who quickly enrolled in the training when it became available.
Nicholas has worked with the Metropolitan Appliance Service in Myaree for almost a decade. Nicholas transitioned into appliance servicing from another trade at age 43. He enjoys training others in his workplace and hopes having the formal training available in WA will attract new people to work with him to service this growing industry.
Peta began working at her family's Bunbury Appliance Service business a few years ago, initially in an office-based role. When a position in the workshop became vacant, Peta, who had worked in other trades, transitioned to the tools, signed up for the Certificate III in Appliance Service qualification and is now fully qualified.
More information about the Certificate III in Appliance Service qualification is available on the Jobs and Skills WA website https://www.jobsandskills.wa.gov.au
As stated by Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:
"Our Government's investment in local training opportunities is helping overcome significant barriers to training and securing pathways to rewarding careers.
"Having a pipeline of skilled workers is crucial for the success of our local industries and for our State's continuing economic advancement post COVID-19.
"Access to highly-trained apprentices will be key in meeting a high demand for workers across a range of occupations and industries.
"The delivery of this qualification in WA is already making a positive contribution to the lives of today's graduates and will encourage more young people to take up opportunities in the industry."
