Timboon school-based apprenticeship keeps student inspired while filling region skills shortage

In a recent short film produced by South West LLEN, Timboon P-12 student Michael Simpson, 18, explains how his school-based apprenticeship as a fitter and turner at Niflex Engineering in Warrnambool has kept him inspired this year.

"It's hands-on work, not the same job every day," Michael said.

"My dad was a boiler maker when he was younger and he was always teaching me stuff on the farm so I've had a passion to get into their sort of trade.

"I've always wanted to get out and do more hands-on work rather than be stuck in the classroom every day."

The school and South West LLEN helped Michael to get in contact with the company and facilitated work experience in 2019.

"I enjoyed it heaps and they asked me to come back and do another week in the school holidays and then I was offered a school-based apprenticeship," he said.

"I learn from everyone in the workshop; everyone gives me a hand," he said.

Damien Nicol from Niflex Engineering said the school-based system was a great way to find potential apprentices.

"We were chasing an apprentice and the school-based system works really well for us because we get a good look at the student over a 12-month period and it gives the student time to feel it out and see if it's right for them," Mr Nicol said.

Michael has been based at Niflex for two days a week during his school-based apprenticeship.

"There's a definite shortage of skilled tradesmen in our industry," Mr Nicol said.

"We plan to continue moving students through the school-based system into apprenticeships. It's a really good lead-in and a way for us to sustain tradesman in the future."

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