Monday Member Profiling with Mark Vincent from East Coast Apprenticeships
Tells us a little bit about ECA? East Coast Apprenticeships is a not for profit group training organisation who recruits and employs apprentices & trainees in all industry areas. Our apprentices & trainees are placed with successful companies where they learn their selected trade. We look after the recruitment and employment (e.g. payroll and pastoral care of apprentices/trainees) for host employers for the duration of apprenticeship/traineeship.
How long have they been in business? – ECA started out 32 years ago in the Redcliffe/Caboolture/Pine Rivers area. We currently have 5 offices (Strathpine, Burpengary, Mt Gravatt, Maroochydore & Bundaberg)
How many people do ECA employ? – Approximately around 400 apprentices & trainees, plus around 50 staff
What is the favourite part of your job? – Assisting host employers find quality staff and seeing young (& sometimes older) apprentices/trainees complete their qualifications. It’s also amazing to see the transformation (skills & confidence) of a young person grow throughout the 4 years of their chosen trade.
What’s the significant current challenge in your industry? – Promoting the benefits of group training to new potential host employers. As could appreciate, times are tough, so employers must see the value in partnering with a group training organisation in their recruitment & employment of new staff.
What is your advice for somebody who wants to work for ECA? What skills do they need? – As a potential apprentice/trainee, I would recommend dressing to impress at interview, have a positive attitude, great communication and to show us your personality. Our existing host employers teach you the skills of their trade but they can’t teach to have a positive attitude and great communication.
What do you love most about the Bundaberg region? – The people, our community and our beautiful beaches & fishing/camping places
What’s your favourite activity to do locally and why? – Playing masters touch footy and riding my new mountain bike
What’s your favourite local restaurant and meal you most enjoy eating? – Probably a chicken parmy at either The Waves or The Club Hotel
Does pineapple below on Pizza’s? – 100%………along with olives, mushrooms, etc.
What do you do to relax outside of work? – Spending time with my family………and many hours volunteering as the junior registrar for Across The Waves Football Club.
https://ectraining.com.au/
#lovebundy #apprenticeships #traineeships
