“It’s all in your hands” was the theme for National Apprenticeship week 2024 from 12 to 18 February, and employers in Nyngan joined the rest of the nation as they celebrated their apprentices and the great things they bring to rural communities. 

Apprenticeships are an extremely valued asset in country areas, not only do they provide much needed work for young people, but they also act as a way to encourage young people to then stay in their communities to help build the future. A powerful tool in the continuation of rural areas.  

According to the ‘National Apprentice Week’ team, ‘apprenticeships place the power to make a better future firmly in your hands by building self-worth, creating a sense of achievement and turning your personal strengths into a rewarding career’. 

Jerry Jenkins of Bogan Mechanical Industries relies on his apprentices in his busy workshop and says while it can be difficult at times it is very rewarding watching them achieve and learn. 

“Apprentices are an integral part of any trade-based business,” said Mr. Jenkins.  “Whilst not always easy, I have found that you certainly get out what you put in, commitment and patience is required from teams to produce quality trades people.” 

“We currently employ 3 apprentices in our business – two from out of town and a local girl. We value the unique skills and personalities they bring to our team and find it incredibly rewarding watching their skills and abilities develop,” he said. 

“I believe trade-based businesses play an important role in the ongoing skill set within rural and remote communities.” 

“It’s a learning pathway that builds character, confidence and commitment by learning on-the-job from real experiences, and from people who are invested in your development."

PHOTO: Brie Taylor of Nyngan is in her second year at Bogan mechanical Industries 

But most of all apprenticeships and traineeships are about equipping yourself with a set of skills that open up a world of opportunity and are yours to keep for a lifetime,” according to the organisers of apprenticeship week. 

Emily Stanton of Nyngan runs several businesses with husband James and says they would be lost without their apprentices. 

“We couldn’t do it without our apprentices,” said Mrs. Stanton. “They are a very valuable part of our team. And it is great to see them learn new skills over their years working for us and then come out the end of it as excellent tradesman,” she said.  

From an apprentice point of view, they get to learn on-the-job from seasoned professionals which on completion enhances their marketable skills and employability, while earning a wage and completing a nationally recognised qualification, it’s a win win situation. 

PHOTO: Jerry and Nicole Jenkins owners of BMI in Nyngan 

Brie Taylor is completing a light vehicle Mechanical apprenticeship at BMI in Nyngan and despite being the only girl in a mostly male dominated world, she is loving the job. 

“I’ve been working at BMI for just over a year now and I enjoy working with the blokes there and getting in and getting my hands dirty,” said Brie. “I’m really enjoying TAFE and learning all the skills I need and meeting new people.”  

“The boys in the workshop just treat me like one of the boys,” she laughed, “So its great. I am happy being an apprentice.” 

Hats off to all the local apprentices across the western plains.