Birdon’s 2025 Futures Apprenticeship Program kicks off

Global maritime engineering business Birdon is bolstering its Australian team, improving workforce diversity, and providing career pathways with its 2025 Futures Apprenticeship Program. The 2025 cohort includes nine apprentices selected from 117 candidates and reflects Birdon’s ongoing commitment to creating career opportunities for Australians while strengthening its sovereign ship design, building, maintenance and decommissioning capacity. This year’s intake includes four female apprentices – two Boilermakers, one Painter/Blaster and one Electrician – in line with Birdon’s goal of increasing female representation in its production teams. Birdon is setting benchmarks for gender inclusion and remuneration equality within the engineering industry. The company’s gender pay gap stands at -8.8%, compared to the industry average of 13.2%. Charlize Hayes completed a Certificate II in Engineering at Kempsey TAFE and is a participant in the WINGS Mentoring Program, a NSW Government funded program connecting students with industry mentors. Charlize, who is undertaking a Boilermaker Apprenticeship with Birdon, said, “I’m excited to be part of a team that values the contribution of female employees while I gain experience working on integral defence and transport vessels, building new boats, and carrying out repairs.” Promoting pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through the Apprenticeship Program is a key focus for Birdon as it strengthens its Indigenous engagement, employment and economic inclusion. Two Aboriginal apprentices are commencing roles as an Electrician and a Mechanical Fitter. Dane Bendt is a proud Birpai man who has completed a Certificate II in Electronics and 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,” Mr Bendt said. Birdon’s Apprenticeship Program is building Australia’s maritime engineering workforce, providing pathways for young people and mature age workers. Manager People & Culture Martin Minogue said this investment in local talent is supported by Birdon’s commitment to safety, ongoing mentoring, and development opportunities beyond the completion of apprenticeships. “With 47 years of maritime engineering behind us and a global workforce of over 750 people, a career with Birdon opens up 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 Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Group Sales Director Simon Hadfield at [email protected]