From the youngest age, Babcock’s newest apprentice, Keira, has had one great passion in life – racing.
From spending most weekends on the racetrack, supporting her dad in the pitlane competing in Victoria’s Hill Climb Championship, to stripping back and rebuilding her own Holden Commodore, Keira has lived and breathed motorsport and all things automotive.
It’s also why Keira jumped on the opportunity to be part of Babcock’s apprenticeship program, following a year of work experience with the company.
Four weeks into the four-year apprenticeship, Keira said, “there’s simply a lot to learn”.
“Take the drive shaft on the AW 139 helicopters we work on. On the surface it looks like a simple task taking off the bolts that hold it into place. But if the drive shaft is damaged in any way or even if it’s accidentally knocked, that part needs to be replaced. So, there’s a careful procedure and you have to watch every movement.
“Right now, I’m at a stage where I’m looking at how other people are working, seeing how they’re doing it, and then having a turn myself.”
Keira said being able to help service helicopters for Ambulance Victoria is an enormous privilege.
“Ever since I was a little kid, I always liked the idea of the army or the police force, and while I am not doing that, I am working in such an important area.
“Working with Ambulance Victoria you’re helping patients safely get to their destination in the hope they get better. That fills me with a lot of pride.”
Babcock’s apprenticeship programs focus on ensuring our apprentices are equipped with the skills they need to thrive both here and in the workforce.
Keira said with the world moving towards electrification, Babcock allows me to combine my passion for mechanical engineering with opportunities for learning avionics.
“Probably down the track there’s not going to be the need for as many mechanics with everything moving towards electrical.
“But I’m interested in this field and I’m looking forward to learning avionics as well at some stage, so I have all the right skills for the future.”
While only having just started her apprenticeship, Keira is excited for the path ahead, particularly in completing her Aviation Australia course work.
“I haven’t started yet, but I’m enrolled into Aviation Australia where I will go every few months in order to become a licenced aircraft maintenance engineer.
“While there is a lot of pressure, especially with a 75% pass rate on each exam, I am excited to start learning the trade in full.”
This week is National Apprenticeship Week Australia which seeks to “[promote] the value of Australian Apprenticeships to employers, job seekers, industry and government”.
At Babcock, we are committed to providing the very best apprenticeship programs right across Australia and beyond. Whether it’s aviation or heavy fabrication we know that our apprentices will become the leaders of tomorrow and contribute not only to broader economy but our collective national security.