General News
30 October, 2023
Top gear: apprentices lauded
STRONG connection with agriculture across the Loddon is seeing high interest among Wedderburn College students for apprenticeships. Assistant principal Dean Lockhart said the agriculture connection was particularly strong with boys. He was promoting...
STRONG connection with agriculture across the Loddon is seeing high interest among Wedderburn College students for apprenticeships.
Assistant principal Dean Lockhart said the agriculture connection was particularly strong with boys.
He was promoting the college’s vocational programs last week when meeting with apprenticeship co-ordinator with O’Connors, Tim Nagorcka.
The firm’s St Arnaud operations this year had former college student Conrad Sugden in its intake of 25 apprentices across the company.
Conrad, of Korong Vale, had been part of the college’s work placement program in 2022 working one day a week at Loddon Shire and later with O’Connors.
He is now nearing the end of his first year as an apprentice agricultural diesel mechanic. “While working with O’Connors, that made me determined to seek an apprenticeship,” Conrad said.
Mr Nagorcka said the business employed 95 apprentices and positions were in high demand.
“Around 50 to 60 per cent stay in the industry after completing an apprenticeship while others head back to the family farm or start their own businesses,” Mr Nagorcka said. “We have a lot of partnerships with schools and the work experiences give students a feel for what they can be involved in.”
Conrad said the apprenticeship had already given him skills in engine repairs.