National Apprenticeship Week

Royston Australia’s (RA) growth in recent years has paved the way for it to expand the number of apprentices it has on board.

RA operations manager Jack Clark says he’s proud to support three apprentices.

“We’re thrilled to be supporting Ben Streena, Jim Jean Joseph and Samuel Brett to complete apprenticeships through South Metropolitan TAFE and on the ground here at Royston Australia,” says Jack.

“Together, this trio has a great skillset and could knock over any job in our workshop by themselves, which gives the team real strength.”

Jack says Ben, who is pursuing a Certificate III in Mobile Plant Technology, is gifted in the mechanical space.

“Ben possesses a natural affinity for all things mechanical and has a keen interest in travelling and exploring the world standing him in great stead for his role at Royston Australia.”

Jim Jean, known as ‘JJ’, is completing a Certificate III in Engineering Mechanical Trade. Following in his father’s footsteps, who serves as a heavy-duty diesel fitter at RA, JJ has already established himself as an integral part of our growing team.

“JJ sought to join our team because he recognised our passion for engines. Here, we encounter a diverse range of engines, which deeply resonated with JJ”.

JJ’s training also includes steelwork, another good skill for a diesel fitter.

“If you’re out at sea and you need to make yourself a tool to finish a job, it’s really fantastic when you can turn to someone who knows how to work a lathe and a welder and can go and knock up a tool for you,” Jack states.

Sam is completing a Certificate III in Mobile Plant Technology. He started as a trades assistant and is proficient in many areas, including clutches.

“Sam is incredibly driven,” says Jack.

“When we had busy periods, despite his previous full-time job, he always made time to assist us. His persistence paid off when an apprenticeship opportunity arose at Royston Australia, Sam jumped at the chance.”

RA’s diversity of work is a key motivator for the entire team.

“One week you’re doing a small high-speed engine and the next you’re on a medium speed engine and doing a major overhaul for two weeks at sea – and then you’re back again on the land and doing something in the workshop; it’s a good mix and keeps you interested,” explains Jack.

“When you’re working somewhere like Royston Australia, the mechanical principles are pushed to the pinnacle on big engines.”

Starting his Royston journey in the UK, Jack was 16 when he began an Advanced Apprenticeship in Multiskilled Engineering at Tyne Metropolitan College.

“I did six months fulltime at college and then for the next four years it was working four days a week and studying one day,” he explains.

“The first year was an eye opener because you came from school – where it’s nice, air-conditioned rooms and you’re wrapped in cotton wool – into the real world and you’re going straight into the dockyards, and it’s loud and it’s hard work, but you look past that, you just get on with it.”

At 32, he’s now been with Royston for 16 years.

“In the UK, a lot of work was done in-dock or alongside but when I got to Australia, everything was sailing,” says Jack.

“It was exciting because you’re sailing with the guys, you’re carrying out engine overhauls, it’s physically demanding, mentally demanding and you challenge yourself, and then you get into rough seas and you’re like ‘Am I sure this is what I want to do?!’

“But the satisfaction you get from doing a major overhaul – and when you’ve had everything thrown at you on a job – is great.”

He says apprenticeships can be tough, but they’re worth it.

“There are a lot of hard situations because you’re going through an important part of your life from 16 to 21, there are a lot of things changing, personal things, but also things you’re learning at work,” says Jack.

“You have to keep going, keep absorbing, because ultimately the end goal is that you walk out of there with qualifications and then you get some years of experience under your belt and, once you’ve done that, you can go anywhere and build your life.”

Jack made the move Down Under with his family, motivated to help build Royston’s Australian arm.

“Royston UK is a brilliant company with brilliant facilities and brilliant people, and I could see when I came here what we could do with a fresh, young company and how we could bring the best things from the UK here,” states Jack.

“The aim is to expand our operations, increase our workforce and deliver exceptional service. At the heart of this lies our belief in cultivating a team of skilled individuals who are passionate about their craft.”