The 3rd Brigade is honing trade and engineering skills in collaboration with civilian industries in Townsville.
Through on-the-job training at AEP Engineering, Army trades people have been learning the latest engineering practices, skill sets and machinery.
3rd Brigade Artificer Sergeant Major, Warrant Officer Class One (WO1) Dean Goninan, who oversees the brigade’s vehicle workshops, said it was a positive initiative.
“We’re always trying to stay current and up to date with what civil industry does, so I think there’s definitely room for expansion for these placements,” WO1 Goninan said.
“Some of the equipment AEP has allows them to design a concept, 3D-print a prototype, and practise-fit that prototype before they put into any structure.
“The processes they use in civil industry are very similar, but the machines and equipment AEP have, we don’t have in the Army.”
WO1 Goninan said the owner of AEP Engineering, Mick McMillan, was ex-Army, a member of the Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, and was supportive of having soldiers upskill in his workshops.
He said Mr McMillan supported the initiative and pushed it forward by seconding some skilled soldiers to his engineering firm.
“That opened the door for crafties and corporals to conduct two-week placements,” WO1 Goninan said.
“It opens up their eyes to what is available in civilian street, and shows them our investment in their personal development and growth of their trade skills.”
WO1 Goninan said the initiative helped to address the issue of troop retention in Townsville, where there were many civilian employment options for tradesmen.
He said placements of trades people at AEP Engineering would continue as the 3rd Brigade expanded and looked to build trade and engineering skills to support its growth.
