Incat’s Training program was recognised this week winning the Large Employer category in the Tasmanian Training Awards. Incat Training Manager Guy Gibson, accepting the award at the ceremony in Hobart. Incat will now progress as the Tasmanian Large Employer finalist in the National Awards later this year.
Incat Metal Trades Apprentice Nick Tilyard was also recognised at the Tasmanian Training Awards as one of six finalists for Apprentice of the Year.
The Tasmanian Large Employer Training award, for organisations with over 100 full-time equivalent employees, is judged on the extent and quality of training conducted throughout the organisation . During the 2021-2022 year 75% of Incat staff attended some form of training. The company had 74 apprentices, and as many of those graduated through the year a further group has recently commenced new apprenticeships.
Apprentice training at Incat is a blend of attending TAFE and rotating through different areas of the shipyard to ensure apprentices have experience and knowledge of various aspects of shipbuilding. Continuous safety and skills on-the-job training is also incorporated across the workforce for new and longer-term employees to ensure workplace standards are met across the range of skill sets.
Two years ago Incat introduced a mentoring program where completing apprentices have the opportunity to mentor those just starting an apprenticeship. The program has the benefit of reinforcing their knowledge and at the same time making the path easier for the new starters.
Although the ships are built in Tasmania they operate globally which provides opportunity for experienced tradespeople to work overseas on vessel annual drydockings. With overseas travel now available again Incat welders, fabricators and electronics staff recently travelled to Trinidad and South Korea. More overseas support is planned with teams travelling to Spain and Malta in the next few months.
