July 31, 2013
Stanwell confirmed today there would be no intake of apprentices or trainees at Tarong – or any other Stanwell sites in Queensland – in 2014.
“Stanwell has made the decision to suspend the intake of apprentices and trainees for 2014,” a spokesman said.
“At a time when Stanwell is reducing employee positions across its generation sites, we want to ensure that our people have access to every opportunity.
“We will continue to meet our commitments for the 27 trainees and apprentices currently working at the Tarong Power Stations, supporting them through to the end of their course requirements.”
The announcement confirms rumours circulating earlier this week that the intake had been postponed.
A source within Stanwell told southburnett.com.au recent staff cutbacks and the subsequent reorganisation of positions meant there was insufficient staff available at present to adequately monitor new apprentices.
It is believed Stanwell still plans to mount a stand at the annual Careers Market which will be held at Kingaroy State High School tomorrow.
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The Electrical Trades Union has slammed the apprenticeship decision.
State Organiser Jason Young described it as “a disgraceful, short sighted, ill-conceived cost-cutting measure” that will further exacerbate skills shortages.
“Slashing 29 jobs in Rockhampton was bad enough but the real shocker in this is the callous manner in which Stanwell and the LNP State Government are abandoning the future,” he said.
“Our members on site were disgusted and dismayed by the decision that will see no apprentice intake whatsoever at Stanwell’s operations across the State next year.”
Mr Young called on the State Government to intervene and guarantee an apprentice intake.
“We call on the supposed National members in regional Queensland to stand up for their regions and tell their Liberal comrades to abandon this short-sighted attack on bush jobs,” he said.
