Operating the largest hydraulic crane in the Southern Hemisphere is no mean feat but a pre-apprenticeship program funded through the Marshall Government's Skilling South Australia initiative will give 20 jobseekers a foot in the door of the crane services and transport industries.
Minister for Innovation and Skills David Pisoni said the 20 participants in the Rigging Pre-Apprenticeship program would learn the ropes at MAX Cranes and Equipment Hire before 14 progress into traineeships in the Certificate III in Mobile Crane Operations.
"This is another example of the Marshall Government working with industry to deliver the skills needed by businesses and real employment outcomes for South Australians," Minister Pisoni said.
"Since Skilling South Australia was launched in 2018, more than 44,500 new apprenticeships and traineeships have commenced, more than 200 skills projects have been developed in partnership with business, and more than 2,700 employers have hired their first apprentice.
"This 18-month qualification will create a pathway for those seeking to operate the 1,200-tonne hydraulic crane owned by MAX Cranes.
"Operators for this crane need to complete the qualification and have at least 10 years' industry experience to be considered for the operational crew."
Member for Stuart Dan van Holst Pellekaan said the training program was a great way for South Australians looking for work to acquire skills that would serve them throughout their working life.
"The participants in the pre-apprenticeship program will experience working with a range of cranes, trucks, trailers, rigging equipment and light vehicles that are owned by MAX Cranes," Dan van Holst Pellekaan said.
"South Australia is in the middle of a jobs boom and with projects like the SA/NSW interconnector starting soon and the massive Goyder South renewable energy project having planning approval there will be exciting job opportunities for years to come.
"The training project will be delivered in Adelaide and across regional South Australia, in Port Augusta, Whyalla, Moomba and Port Pirie.
"The participants involved in the program will be exposed to safe working methods, complex lifting techniques and will receive mentoring and a work placement with experienced and qualified riggers and crane operators.
"The MAX Academy in partnership with CERT Training will provide the tailored pre-apprenticeship training along with the Certificate III in Mobile Crane Operations."
MAX Cranes and Equipment Hire Managing Director, Mark Kuhn said the project aligned with his organisation's goal of providing fulfilling career opportunities for the community.
"In developing our core value proposition for the business, we looked at the aspirations of two key groups - young men and women leaving school or a tertiary institution, and more mature workers looking to reskill and supporting a career change," Mr Kuhn said.
"We imagined them wanting to do the best for themselves and their families by gaining skills for their future."
Skilling South Australia is a $200 million partnership with the Australian Government to deliver the skills required by industry and ensure South Australians are ready to step into jobs and enjoy rewarding careers in the future.
Established in Port Augusta in 2002, MAX Cranes is a leading heavy lifting, transport and equipment hire company operating throughout South Australia and across the country on a range of projects, including wind and renewables, mining and resources, heavy industrial, construction, oil and gas, transport and infrastructure and rail.
For more information on Skilling South Australia and how to get involved, visit:
https://innovationandskills.sa.gov.au/skills/skilling-south-australia
