The group of first-year apprentices, ranging in age from 16 to 31 years old, will travel to Hastings Deering twice a year for training for their first three years. In their fourth year, they'll reconnect into Terra's technical training programme.
Terra's learning and development coordinator, Jo Smith, has accompanied the group to Brisbane for two weeks and says they're "loving it".
The quality of hands-on training they are getting here will do wonders for them in their careers and everyone has been very helpful and friendly.
The apprentices gain access to cutting-edge resources and equipment to enrich their learning. They'll get hands-on experience with advanced tools and learn from 10 award-winning apprentice trainers. This new partnership is one benefit of both businesses being part of the wider Sime Darby Industrial family.
Hastings Deering's Capability Manager Katrina Shaw says her team are "thrilled and delighted" to extend a warm welcome to Terra's apprentices.
Their presence exemplifies our commitment to collaboration and shared success in achieving our goals. Training these apprentices enables us to provide comprehensive support and guidance throughout their journey with us.
Thomas Clements from Palmerston North says he's enjoying how their training is structured – learning the theory in the classroom one day, then moving onto practical applications in the neighbouring workshop the next.
The training is awesome and it's this process that makes it great
Auckland Apprentice D'arcy Ashby says he felt like a "kid in a candy store" walking through the workshops in historic former World War II aircraft hangars and seeing massive Caterpillar machines, including models not available in New Zealand. The downsides have been adapting to the heat - on their first day it was 33 degrees - and being "a bit scared of the wildlife!"
Jo continues her day job remotely, while remaining on-hand to support the apprentices with their health and wellbeing. Some are living away from home for the first time, while all of them are navigating a new city, climate, and culture.
Jo herself has appreciated the chance to connect with counterparts in Brisbane.
It's an amazing opportunity to learn from and network with people here.
Terra believes this programme will make it easier to attract, retain and motivate apprentices and will enhance their employee experience, plus the quality of service offered to customers.
