Gabe is an apprentice fitter at our St Marys workshop. We had a chat with Gabe to see how he is enjoying his apprenticeship and what plans he has for his future.
Hi Gabe, How’s it going at Keller?
Going well, I’m really enjoying it. There’s a lot to learn and there’s always something to do.
Tell us about your apprenticeship experience?
I have enjoyed the whole process. I’m attending Mt Druitt TAFE. This was partly affected by COVID but now I’ve returned to full time at TAFE on Tuesdays.
What does a typical day look like for you?
St Mary's Yard is only 10 minutes away from home and the days are always different depending on what project priorities are needed, or the maintenance and servicing requirements are for our plant and equipment. I do most fitting jobs, pull swivels apart and change the seals when they wear out. I help everyone with anything, I assist with rigging up a machine to change over the drilling modes, assist with deliveries to the workshop, work on concrete pumps, servicing, repairs and maintenance requirements.
At TAFE we start the day with theory in the morning and practical in the afternoon. Our practical sessions include working with lathe and milling tools.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
There is always steady work in the workshop but it’s also really interesting to go to site to fix and help out with our plant and equipment and see the machines in action. I like the variety of work. I enjoy fixing something up – there’s a general satisfaction when something is fixed.
How has COVID affected your apprenticeship?
We moved to online education for the last term. We didn’t get as much practical experience, but we at least got all the theory out of the way.
We asked Gabe’s manager how he is performing.
Gabe is performing well; he is always willing to learn. He has a great attitude and has good ideas which contribute to our yard meetings. He has a personal interest in 5S and is our 5S leader alongside myself. He is interested in the piling/drilling game and in the environment and nature.
What do see for your future?
Becoming a highly skilled tradesman, specialising in drilling equipment. I am interested in the environment. I would like to contribute to ways in minimising pollution, recycling and looking after our environment.