nurturing talent and independence - … · qualification in 2013. another three trainees are part...
TRANSCRIPT
MAINTAINING its reputation as one ofthe leading employers for youth inGloucester, Drifta Kitchens has no fewerthan three trainees graduating from theirfirst year of an apprentice cabinet makingqualification in 2013.
Another three trainees are part waythrough their first year of an apprentice-ship in cabinet making while another hasjust begun a sheet and metal fabricatingqualification.
“Jack (Yates) is the first sheet and metalfabricating apprentice we’ve put on aheadof our move into manufacturing trailersnext year,” Drifta’s Luke Sutton said.
Mr Sutton said Drifta was proud of itsrecord of training young apprentices.
“We’ve got five or six tradesmen stillworking here that have completed theirapprenticeship with us,” he said.
The business has also been a strong sup-porter of Gloucester High’s school-basedtrainee program.
“The school’s been great. They’ve reallyshown a lot of interest in what we do andthey know what we want. We’ve built areally close relationship with GloucesterHigh through the program,” Mr Suttonsaid.
Drifta leading the way for youth
❑ Busy boys: first year apprentices Shane Maurer, Alex Forbes, James Yates, Jack Yates, Levi Saich, Josh Startin and Josh Wright with Luke Sutton
BUCKETTS Way Neighbourhood Groupoffers extensive support for young people withdisabilities.
The service provides support for young peo-ple with disabilities to participate in communityactivities and events as well as prepare for workand gain experience in the jobs market.
“Learn new life skills that lead to independentliving and allowing our clients to live life theway they want with the support needed toachieve their goals is our main aim,” BuckettsWay Neighbourhood Group manager GeorgineWise said.
“We also offer supported holidays and assistance with events out of our area.”
Earlier this year a bunch of talented youngartists from the Bucketts Way NeighbourhoodGroup were asked to exhibit their work at theGloucester Gallery.
The exhibition was funded through theRegional Arts Support Program.
“The community participation program runby the group supports young people with a dis-ability to learn new skills and thoroughly enjoycommunity life that enables these activities,” MsWise said.
For more information about what support isavailable for young people with disabilities con-tact Nicole Dowsett or Kim Hall on 6558 2454.
Nurturing talent and independence
❑ Life skills: young artists from the Bucketts Way Neighbourhood Group at their exhibition in the Gloucester Gallery earlier this year
JOSHUA James feels he has final-ly found a vocation that suits him.
Upon leaving school in year 10,the youngster dabbled in variousodd jobs before finally accepting anoffer to take up an apprenticeshipas a trainee auto electrician withRod Fenning Auto Electrical.
Now, three months into hisapprenticeship, Joshua thinks hehas found his niche.
“Before I started I’d done a littlebit of mechanical work, but it’s stilla steep learning curve,” he said.
“I’m learning as much as I canand trying to take in as much aspossible.”
From installing trailer plugs, tofixing faulty lights and air-condi-tioning units, Joshua says there is areal satisfaction in completing ajob.
“Seeing something you’ve donethat works - it gives you a bit of akick,” he said.
His apprenticeship will last fouryears.
Josh on a steep learning curve
❑ In it for the long haul: Joshua James at work at Rod Fenning Auto Electrical
6 — Gloucester Advocate Wednesday November 13 2013 [email protected]