Australia’s Leading Sewer Vent Shaft Design, Fabrication & Installation Company
SVSR has longstanding experience in sewer vent shaft design, fabrication and installation, and one way we maintain superior solutions is with a commitment to training and development.
In 2019, we decided to join the School-based Apprenticeships & Traineeships (SBAT) program. And we’re delighted to have since welcomed our first SBAT apprentice, Washington Nshimirimana.
Washington is completing a Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade with SVSR, whilst simultaneously working towards his HSC at Miller Technology High School. He was drawn to the SBAT program to take the first step in an engineering career. “You can see your future with this program,” he says, “but only if you work hard.”
New beginnings
Washington’s apprenticeship with SVSR is the latest in several new beginnings for him. He came to Australia in 2018 as a refugee from Burundi, Africa, a nation with a troubled history.
Granted a humanitarian visa which provides Australian permanent residency, he spent nine months studying intensive English before transitioning to mainstream high school.
“I think I will be good for this course because I am good at making things,” he explains. “When I was younger, in my home country of Burundi, I used to make small cars and other objects out of scrap metal, just for fun. I like learning how things are put together and how they’re made. I am committed to completing year 12, but I would still like to start my career in the engineering fabrication industry.”
Opportunities with SBAT
SBAT is a government-run program open to all Year 10, 11 and 12 high school students in NSW. It gives students the chance to kickstart their careers by starting an apprenticeship or traineeship while still at school. The program combines paid work, training and school subjects, with apprenticeship or traineeship hours credited to a student’s HSC requirements.
The choices are extensive and include everything from aviation to agriculture, construction, childcare, baking and business services.
Mariane Benitez, Careers Adviser and NESA Coordinator at Miller Technology High School, worked with Kylie Ridding, SVSR Managing Director, to set up all aspects of Washington’s apprenticeship.
He works with SVSR one day a week and attends TAFE one day a week. At the end of Year 12, he will have completed the equivalent of the first year of a formal apprenticeship.
Winning ways
Mariane is very happy with Washington’s performance. “He is doing so well,” she says. “He travels every Thursday from Catherine Fields to Ultimo to attend TAFE, which is a huge trip, and he has 100% attendance. He is doing a lot of subjects at school too, but he manages his time wisely, which can be tricky. He has really impressed me and all of us at the school with his initiative.”
The team at SVSR has also been impressed. “Kylie has been part of the process from day one and hugely supportive. We’ve all worked together to organise the paperwork and training plan. Kylie is amazing, and she’s happy to provide updates of Washington at work, which is fantastic.”
Marianne explains that finding host organisations for the SBAT program is one of its biggest challenges. “We want to raise awareness for SBAT and encourage employers to take part. It’s such a great opportunity for local businesses to think differently and establish new career pathways.”
Moving ahead with SVSR
Washington is also very happy with his apprenticeship. “I would encourage anyone to take part in the SBAT program because you get to learn so much and gain new skills. And SVSR is a good company, with an amazing team.”
SVSR is proud of Washington and its entire team, and it’s an openness to collaboration and innovation that also distinguishes SVSR’s design and fabrication of sewer vents, vent cowls and odour filters for Sydney Water Projects, regional customers and councils around the state.
If you need superior sewer vent solutions from an outstanding team, then contact us to take the first step for your new project.
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