By Parker McKenzie
Local manufacturer AirFab – who recently signed a $3.4 million contract with the US Navy – is struggling with skill shortages and is willing to take on eager apprentices.
Based in Ferntree Gully, the company produces equipment for the airline industry.
AirFab Owner Michael Millsteed said the company is always on the lookout for eager apprentices.
“Trades aren’t just about being a chippy, electrician and plumber,” he said.
“I like to think that I’ve got one of the most interesting jobs out there that people don’t normally get to see.”
With the new contract signed with the US Navy, AirFab is unlikely to take on anymore work in the coming months as they work towards filling orders for the Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force.
Mr Millsteed said he believes schools could do more to encourage young people to pursue a career in a trade and he would be willing to give work experience to a young person if they were interested.
“Two weeks work experience in year nine or 10 is not enough. These kids need to be getting out once a week out to different places,” he said.
“If they’re going down the VCAL route they must be out in the industry, trying different jobs every couple of months.”
He said anyone interested in pursuing an apprenticeship with AirFab should either ring him on the number listed on their website or “go knock on his door.”
