Brisbane Fitter and Turner Apprentice Enjoys the Popular Trade
Recently completed apprentice and 2015 QLD MIGAS Awards Night nominee Brad Lilley is now working full time as a Fitter and Turner with a company in Brisbane, and we spoke to him about what he enjoys about his job and how he started out in the mechanical trade.
Day to day life as a Fitter and Turner in Australia is ever changing and exciting, with the apprenticeship being one of the most popular options for young Australians.
Brad first starting working with MIGAS in 2011 when he commenced his fitting and turning apprenticeship with Hydraulics Specialists Australia. He sought out an apprenticeship after completing a pre-apprenticeship course in high school, which gave him a leg up in the full time apprenticeship.
“I chose to work in Fitting and Turning because I like to be challenged every day and the variety of work is never the same; drill rigs one minute, and lifts the next, or a water truck. I am passionate about my work because of the people I work with. Every day, a new problem pops up that needs to be solved in the hydraulics industry. Every machine has its own individual uses and idiosyncrasies, which means you always have to think outside of the square and solve the problem at hand.”
Hydraulics Specialists are a small but busy business located in Wacol, Brisbane, who provide specialist service to around 20-30 customers per week. As Senior Fitter, Brad is creating quotes for jobs as they come in, and liaising with more customers than ever before. This has given Brad more responsibility and confidence in himself.
“I have a new drive for my work, as I really enjoy creating quotes, and it gives me a greater insight into the time and costs involved in creating a competitive quote using reliable parts and assembles to better service our clients individual needs. I feel more responsible for quality control, ensuring it is done correctly, to a high standard and, importantly, on time!”
Brad is also required to work on and assess problems in the field, taking him away from the workshop and his normal workload. This has taught him how to be extra organised, ensuring the work ute is equipped well in advance with what he may need for all scenarios, as some of the locations are remote. While Brad is in the field, he’s still required to make sure the jobs in the workshop are operating smoothly; this means making sure all the required parts have been ordered, and the processes run smoothly and according to plan.
“I’d highly recommend taking up an apprenticeship to anyone looking because it provided an excellent base for my future career. By completing my fitting and turning apprenticeship and additional courses with enthusiasm, I am sure it gave Hydraulic Specialists Australia the confidence to offer me a full time position after I completed.”
Pictured is Eliza Brown, former MIGAS Trainee who completed her Diploma of Management with MIGAS in 2014, Brad Lilley, and Hydraulics Specialists Australia owner Lindsay Harley.
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