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Articles Zeal-Futures-Awards-2024-0128-edited
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Small Host Employer of the Year.

Borcat Trailers

Shaping the next generation of tradespeople .

Borcat Trailers was named Small Host Employer of the Year at the Apprentice Employment Network NSW & ACT Awards, which were announced on Friday 11 October. It comes just five months after winning the same category at the 2024 Zeal Futures Excellence Awards, in recognition of their commitment to providing quality apprenticeship pathways within the business.

Owner and Director, Paul Gallagher, said he was shocked when Borcat was announced as the winner, but also described it as a very proud moment.  

Over the last 16 years, Borcat has hosted more than 50 apprentices and trainees through group training organisations (GTO). Since 2021, a partnership between Borcat and Zeal Futures has facilitated training and employment pathways for 16 apprentices.

Starting his own career as an apprentice vehicle builder, Mr Gallagher knows first-hand the value of employing and training apprentices and trainees.

“I am a big believer in hiring apprentices. I say it all the time, but we all get old, and this trade can be hard on the body as you’re welding and getting up, down, in, out and underneath of trucks and trailers,” he said.

“It’s important to have a steady progression of workers coming in so we don’t lose the skill, but also so we can build a pipeline of skilled workers for the future. We’ve been fortunate to get some good people coming through in the last few years. I’m also proud that our very first apprentice still works with the business 14 years on.

“We’ve been using a GTO for a long time and it’s good because I don’t always know all the answers. If an apprentice has an issue they tend to open to Darren, their Workforce Solutiuons Specialist (from Zeal Futures).

“Having Darren on hand to support the apprentices gives us piece of mind that we can address any issues that may arise and keep the apprentices on track.

“Darren also comes to toolbox talks throughout the year to ensure the apprentices’ health and safety and he also makes us aware of important news and programs we can access, such as the Educational Pathways Program, which has been beneficial in finding new talent for our business.”

The Educational Pathways Program (EPP) is an NSW Government initiative designed to improve education and career outcomes for young people by introducing students to a range of vocational training and employment pathways and assisting the transition from school to an apprenticeship.

As part of the program, Zeal Futures has partnered with host employers like Borcat through the Apprenticeship and traineeship head start initiative, offering fee-free pre-apprenticeship and pre-traineeship courses and work experience opportunities.

It is through a recent Head Start Girls in Engineering program that Borcat hosted a female student who has since joined the team as an apprentice.

Another two students have recently completed work experience, with one considering a school-based apprenticeship pathway through Borcat, while the other has expressed interest in the electrical trade.

“That’s the good thing about work experience; kids get to come and experience what it’s like working in our trade, and try things out before they make a decision,” Mr Gallagher said.

“When I was younger, I wanted to be a mechanic, so I did some work experience and decided it wasn’t for me. I also gave construction and building a go, which I didn’t mind, but what I really enjoyed in school was metal work. I did work experience in that and liked it, so that’s what I ended up pursuing. Work experience is a must.

“We wanted to participate in the EPP because some kids want to finish year 12, so this gives them a way they can still get experience and see what it’s like while they continue their studies.

“It helps us too, getting young people in and trained, and it’s nice to see them grow in the time they’re with us. They start out a little nervous and have no idea what they’re about to embark on, and eventually you see them become more relaxed and confident as they get a feel for the work.”  

As a small business, Borcat like to hit the ground running with its apprentice training. Borcat currently host five apprentices from Zeal Futures, who are exposed to all facets of the trade in their first year – such as spray painting, welding, electrics and hydraulics – before being rotated across the business to ensure variation and diversity of skills.

All apprentices undertake training and refreshers with Borcat suppliers and benefit from specialised training programs in areas like Trailer EBS programming, which is the future for road-going trailers. They are also encouraged and supported to grow their skills by pursuing additional interests, such as custom welding or making 4WD components.

If you’re interested in a vehicle building apprenticeship, click here to register your interest in upcoming vacancies.