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Nathan Grudgings, an MEGT apprentice working with Qenos Pty Ltd. is in the running for the 2015 NSW & ACT Group Training Awards, in the Apprentice of the Year category.
Career choice
Nathan’s journey began in 2011, with a pre-apprenticeship program, when his TAFE teacher told him about the opportunity to apply for a position at Qenos, as a dual trade apprentice. Based on his interest in physics, chemistry and mathematics, he chose Electro-technology, which would compliment a career in electrical and instrumentation as well as in the Oil Refining industry.
“I knew I made the right choice when in 2011 I was awarded the Pre-vocational Best Overall Student for Semester 2 in my TAFE pre-apprenticeship program. This acknowledgement of my hard work and success motivated my interest and involvement in both study and the industry”, Nathan says.
Future opportunities
As a 3rd year apprentice, Nathan is currently doing a dual trade apprenticeship in electrical and instrumentation, where MEGT hosts his employment with Qenos Pty Ltd. Qenos specialises in petrochemicals and plastic manufacturing in the oil refining industry. In addition to his TAFE courses, he is also working to attain an Advanced Diploma in Electrical Engineering (which will be completed when he gets his electrical licence at the end of his apprenticeship) and a Certificate IV in Instrumentation and Control.
“The extensive training and support that Qenos and MEGT provide gives me the best opportunity to start a long career in the electrical and instrument trade. An accelerated learning program has been an exciting and challenging opportunity and as I further develop my skills base and continue study, I become more confident in my capacity to work successfully in such a competitive industry”, says Nathan.
Love for the job
According to Nathan, the electrical and instrument trade is a very diverse and complex industry, providing challenges that are unique to any other trade. The job constantly requires you to understand and apply new skills, specifically when old instruments are replaced. In addition, the trade requires a high level of training in safety and awareness.
“The consistent development and application of new skills provides exciting challenges every day and contributes to my knowledge as a skilled tradesman. I also get the opportunity to work with other motivated and driven employees who not only provide invaluable knowledge and skills but a positive and enjoyable work environment.”
Advice for someone who is thinking about joining the industry?
Nathan considers starting an apprenticeship as one of the best ways to get on the job training and obtain qualifications which are highly regarded by business and industry. The training is government regulated to ensure that those who embark on apprenticeships are provided with the best possible training as well as a mentor, who can give an apprentice the best possible experience and training for an ongoing career.
“I strongly recommend anyone who enjoys being practical, with a positive attitude and a high level of understanding of the importance of safety to apply for a dual trade apprenticeship in the electrical and instrument trade.”
The 2015 NSW & ACT Group Training Awards, being held on 16th October, seek to acknowledge high quality apprentices and trainees for consistently completing their work and further studies to the highest standard and to encourage future leaders of the industry.
We wish Nathan all the best for the awards as he continues to work towards obtaining his hazardous area competency and his electrical licence in addition to preparing for the Qenos Olefines 2015 turn around.