We would like to take this opportunity to offer our warmest wishes
for the coming festive season. As we wrap up 2009 and hopefully say goodbye to some very uncertain economic times, we'd like to thank you all for your ongoing support. Thank you also to our
1300 apprentices and trainees – well done on all of your hard work! We look forward to continuing our partnership with you all in 2010.

We are proud to announce a drop in the level of OH&S incidents here at 1300apprentice. From the next issue of this eNewsletter, we will report a monthly tally to remind us of the continual need for attention to workplace safety. For any workplace incident or accident contact our OH&S Manager, Darren Gibson immediately on 1300apprentice or 0407 663 086.

We want to keep our great track record and avoid OH&S incidents. So, if there is one time of the year that accidents are more likely to happen it is now, as we enter the "silly season". There is a need to take extra care to take responsibility for ourselves in the workplace and not allow work to be affected by the increase in celebrations and festivals you may attend.

Look after your health and your career!

Do not:

• Drink excessive amounts of alcohol the night before work
• Operate machinery when you are tired or intoxicated
• Let sleep deprivation affect your concentration
• Allow yourself to get dehydrated - especially when working outdoors
• Let the effects of partying affect your mood and your ability to focus

Know the rules and take the time to build up good habits around each and every task you do.

Here is a hit list of tips for you to keep front of mind:

1. Determine any risk and what you will need to do to safely complete a task;
2. Clear a pathway before you move something;
3. Use proper equipment;
4. Check weight. Never attempt to lift or carry loads you think are too heavy. Ask for help. Learn to lift as a team;
5. Take frequent breaks;
6. Take your time - injuries can happen when tasks are rushed;
7. Lift with your knees bent, don't stoop over an object, use the strength of your legs, hold objects close and tighten the stomach muscles;
8. Warm up your muscles with gentle stretches before engaging in any manual work;
9. Pushing loads (using your body weight to assist) will be less stressful on your body than pulling a load;
10. Organise the work area to reduce the amount of bending, twisting and stretching required.

The most important tip for manual handling is to use your common sense.

There is still a considerable skills shortage in Australia and a genuine need for all of us to take action. Is this something you feel passionate about? Do you feel a responsibility to individuals (and as part of the business community) to support your country by encouraging young people to enter a trade or traineeship?

The apprenticeship and traineeship system plays a crucial role in building Australia's skills base. Better skilled workers have better job prospects which makes the economy more productive.

The good news is, the apprenticeship / traineeship system works to help YOU to help young people to enter the workforce. When employing a new employee, why would you not take advantage of this formal training process? Your new worker is employed by us and trained to receive full qualifications which means they quickly add real value to your business with very little outlay or risk to you.

There is a great deal of personal satisfaction and real power in the possibilities you have to positively influence a young person's life like getting them started on an apprenticeship / traineeship. We would like to hear what your opinion is on this issue as we have found it is one many people are passionate about. Send us a message.

This month we are spotlighting shopfitting and our first year apprentice (soon to roll into his 2nd year), Luke Simmons who is hosted by Intermain Commercial Interior & Joinery.

Shopfitters use plans and specifications to build and install shopfronts and retail store shelves, counters, exhibition stands, kitchens and bathrooms, office fixtures and partitions. Like cabinetmakers, shopfitters learn how to properly use and operate power machinery, a variety of hand tools and to work with various building materials.

Luke, who is only 16 years old, commenced his apprenticeship in shopfitting with Intermain in December last year and has been on a big learning curve ever since. His love for woodwork saw him enter the trade in the first place and he hasn’t looked back. Luke says “although the traveling and early mornings are tough, I know that I am getting ahead with my trade.” Eventually he would like to work overseas and says “I know having my trade behind me will give me more flexibility and greater opportunities.”

At the moment though, Luke has his shoes firmly planted at Intermain. “I really enjoy the work at Intermain - I’m getting great skills - working on a number of different projects which encompasses retail, hospitality and commercial. I can see a long term future here,” Luke said.

1300apprentice also had the opportunity to speak with Luke’s parents, Sally and Phillip Simmons, who are pleased that Luke has found his feet with this apprenticeship. “We are thrilled with the support and encouragement Luke has received from both 1300apprentice and his work colleagues at Intermain”.

Kenneth Christie, Joinery Liaison at Intermain said “We’re really pleased with Luke’s progress and ambition and the support we get from STE 1300apprentice. As a company we are very committed to developing our young staff into good quality trades people. In our industry it is essential that we continue to encourage new blood into the trade and develop and give them an opportunity to excel.”

The 1300apprentice team, wish you the very best Christmas.
We look forward to another great year working with you.

Look out for Santa who is making his annual rounds with Christmas treats for all of our host employers, apprentices and trainees.

Photo: Darren Gibson, Andrianna Sarantinos,
Sam Leet, Kate Anshaw & Chad Smith

1. Apprenticeship - 1st, 2nd or 3rd Year Horticulture
   (Parks & Gardens)
2. Apprenticeship - 1st, 2nd or 3rd Year Fitter Machinist
3. Apprenticeship - 1st Year Sheet Metal

(Click here for more apprenticeships)

1. Traineeship - Certificate II Engineering
2. Traineeship - Transport & Logistics Certificate II

(Click here for more traineeships)