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Global maritime engineering business Birdon is strengthening its Australian team, enhancing workforce diversity and providing career pathways with its 2025 Futures Apprenticeship Program kicking off this week.
The 2025 cohort comprises nine apprentices selected from 117 candidates and demonstrates Birdon’s ongoing commitment to creating career opportunities for Australians while bolstering its sovereign capacity in ship design, construction, maintenance and decommissioning.
This year’s intake features four female apprentices – two boilermakers, one painter/blaster, and one electrician – in line with Birdon’s aim to boost female representation within its production teams.
Birdon is setting new benchmarks for gender inclusion and pay equity in the engineering industry. The company’s gender pay gap stands at -8.8 per cent, compared with the industry average of 13.2 per cent.
Charlize Hayes, who completed a Certificate II in engineering at Kempsey TAFE, is taking part in the WINGS Mentoring Program – a NSW government-funded initiative that connects students with industry mentors. Currently undertaking a boilermaker apprenticeship with Birdon, Hayes said, “I’m excited to be part of a team that values the contribution of female employees while I gain experience working on key defence and transport vessels, building new boats and carrying out repairs.”
Birdon is also focusing on creating pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through the apprenticeship program, strengthening its engagement, employment and economic inclusion efforts. Two Aboriginal apprentices are starting roles as an electrician and a mechanical fitter.
Dane Bendt, a proud Birpai man who has completed a Certificate II in electronics, is commencing an electrician apprenticeship. “It’s great to have the opportunity to earn while I learn. I’m looking forward to getting hands-on electrical experience working on boats, dredge machinery and land-based equipment,” Bendt said.
Birdon’s apprenticeship program is building Australia’s maritime engineering workforce, opening pathways for both young people and mature age workers.
Martin Minogue, manager people and culture, said the company’s investment in local talent is backed by a commitment to safety, ongoing mentoring and development opportunities even after apprenticeships are completed.
“With 47 years of maritime engineering expertise and a global workforce of over 750 people, a career with Birdon offers many exciting opportunities for our apprentices,” Minogue said.
“We’re committed to growing our specialist, skilled workforce to meet the increasing needs of Australia’s defence, resources, and private marine industries.”
For future apprenticeship intakes and current job opportunities, visit www.birdon.com.au/careers/.
