A closer look at five trades on the skills needs list

1. Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic
   A Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic commissions and services refrigeration and air conditioning units for both domestic and commercial industries. Mechanics learn how to read and interpret plans for installation and assembly and service existing units. You will become skilled in the use of tools such as pipe cutters and use gauges and mechanical and pneumatic testing equipment on a wide variety of job sites. For more information on this trade check out this SkillsOne link.
2. Sheetmetal Worker
   A sheet metal worker assembles, installs and repairs structures that are made from sheet metal. The industry uses a wide variety of metals including stainless steel, aluminium, steel, brass or copper sheets. Sheet metal workers will learn how to install pre-fabricated parts including altering parts at job sites using tools such as hammers and punches and using finishing techniques such as trimming and joining of assembled parts with hand tools and portable power tools. Find out more about sheet metal at this SkillsOne link.
3. Cabinetmaker
   A cabinetmaker uses hand and machine skills to custom build commercial and traditional style furniture. Accuracy, attention to detail, and a love of working with wood and other material is a cabinetmakers dream. You will learn to read job specifications and drawings and diagrams in order to cut timber to the right measurements. Using glue, dowels, nails and screws you will join parts together to form completed units. Finally, you will learn how to trim and sand joints in preparation towards a finished product. To really understand what cabinetmakers do check out this SkillsOne link.
4. Plasterer
   Plasterers are taught how to provide the finish to walls, ceilings and floors in a material known as gypsum, and cement using trowels or spray guns. You will learn how to take measurements to ensure that corners and angles are levels using hand tools, as well as work to prepare surfaces, construct mouldings and gain skills to repair and restore existing surfaces. Plasterers also learn how to apply textured and decorative finishes to walls, ceilings and floors.
5. Landscape Gardener
   Landscape horticulturists are trained to construct and renovate garden landscapes and know how to identify plants and trees in a domestic or commercial environment. You will learn how to use and maintain equipment and follow safety procedures. As you progress, skills learnt will include, site preparation for landscaping, building retaining walls, paving, installation of water features, soil preparation, drainage and installation of irrigation. To find out why this is the ‘best job in the world’ click here to watch this SkillsOne video.

Because these jobs are listed on the National Skills Need List, it means there are additional benefits to you as an apprentice. To inquire about these jobs or any other apprentice or trainee opportunities, please contact recruitment at 1300apprentice.