Leading the way to opportunity
A hands-on approach to learning can provide a valuable platform for career and business success. Dingo Australia is a locally owned company that is leading the world in manufacturing mini dingo diggers - an achievement driven by ingenuity and a concrete understanding of engineering principles. Proprietors Gary and Wendy Briggs employed practical know-how to improve the original mini digger resulting in a world-class machine and the beginnings of a major manufacturing company. With expanding exports and branches in major Australian cities, the company employs 140 staff and offers career opportunities in many areas of its business operations.
Apprenticeships and traineeships are offered to school students or graduates combining on-the-job training with tertiary study as a pathway to greater achievement. Dingo Australia director Noel Brownsey believes there are distinct advantages to entering the workforce direct from school.
"In many ways young people are better off getting a job first and then going on to TAFE or university because this provides them with the hands-on experience. "You get paid while you learn and you don't have to stop where you start.
"This just gives you the grounding to go to the next level. Many successful business owners and managers started out this way." With staff employed in engineering, technology, research and development, human resources, administration, marketing, purchasing and sales there's plenty of room to progress within the company.
"We've had people come off the floor and move into accounts, sales or purchasing and we're happy to train staff in all facets of the business." Studies can be completed at the Dalby TAFE campus or externally through other educational institutions to achieve qualifications that will transfer into a variety of career options.
Dingo's leading hand in fabrication Glen Green began as an apprentice engineer in automotive body building and now oversees that section of the company's production process.
"I prioritise the work coming through, resolve problems, organise work for each employee, and communicate with other sections to make sure they keep up with production. "I've learnt a lot about new technology machining, robotic welding and the effects it has on boosting production, and how to flow manufacturing," Glen said.
And with the demand for skilled manufacturing engineers increasing there is no shortage of available work. For those looking to combine career training with a real job, the local manufacturing industry may prove the ideal option. |
