Meet Andrew Arnold – NHP’s Electromechanical Technologies Apprentice.
Q. Why did you choose a career with NHP?
A. NHP actually contacted Sunshine TAFE where I completed my pre-apprenticeship course. I went along to an interview with NHP’s National Manager Manufacturing Operations Frank Micallef to learn more about the Company and the apprenticeship program.
After visiting NHP’s Laverton site and hearing more about the fantastic work opportunities on offer through the program, I couldn’t sign up fast enough. Over the next three years I will undertake a work rotation at each of Laverton’s work centres (project panelboards, stock panelboards, moulded case and transfer switches, air circuit breakers, high current chassis, power factor made to stock, motor control, bar contactors, liquid resistant starters, project power factor, standard starters made to stock, coil winding, engraving, Fibox, warehouse assembly, cam switches, meters, joy sticks, marketing display work, general testing and fault report/repairs testing). In year four I will be given the opportunity to work in other areas of NHP, such as sales, products, marketing or inventory.
Q. What is your overall impression of NHP’s Electromechanical Technologies Apprenticeship Program?
A. I’ve settled into the program really well, thanks to the great group of people I have worked with to date. But I suppose the first thing that struck me about the warehouse and distribution centre is its size (12,000 square meters and over 140 staff). It’s really big and always busy.
Q. What kind of work have you undertaken since beginning your apprenticeship with NHP?
A. In my first three months with NHP I got the chance to work on NHP’s Wall of Wonder that is made up of seven modules that are divided into three sections containing about 150 products – showing the latest automation and switchgear products.
I’m currently working on air circuit breaker components, helping to assemble the carriage and the body.
Q. What skills have you learnt since beginning your apprenticeship?
A.Working on the Wall of Wonder has helped me to expand my product knowledge and I’ve learnt how to build air circuit breakers.
Q. What has been your best NHP experience to date?
A. That has to be completing the Wall of Wonder. This work was really time intensive – checking for faults, building and testing new sections – but really rewarding. Working on the Wall of Wonder has helped to develop my confidence, as well as improve my communication skills with team mates.
Q. Would you recommend NHP’s program to anyone else seeking an Electromechanical Technologies Apprenticeship?
A. Definitely, but I would recommend that individuals complete a pre-apprenticeship before approaching NHP. For example, my pre-apprenticeship course taught me how to read circuit diagrams, which has helped me to be a more effective team member in a shorter period of time.
I guarantee anyone taking on NHP’s Electromechanical Technologies Apprenticeship Program will never get bored.
Contact us here to learn more about NHP Apprenticeship Opportunities |
