The Sydney Roosters have a record number of apprentices in our NYC and NRL squads in 2017, bucking the industry trends.
Australian Apprenticeships have reported that a growing number of trades are experiencing skills shortages, aswell as difficulties attracting and keeping apprentices to trade completion.
The Sydney Roosters have a range of trades represented across all squads, with carpenters, automotive mechanics, air conditioning, refrigeration mechanics, plumbers, and electricians preparing now for their post-football careers.
We have partnered with 1300Apprentice, HIA, TAFE, and a range of businesses to provide worthwhile opportunities for our players.
This season close to a third of our NYC squad are engaged in apprenticeships and two of our NRL squad members are continuing in apprenticeships.
Jackson Frei is the youngest of four brothers, all of who have been engaged in the building trade in some capacity, so it was only natural that he would also be attracted to the carpentry trade.
He is entering the second year of his Carpentry & Joinery Apprenticeship now with MJH Built and HIA.
His manager Mitch can’t speak highly enough about Jackson’s work ethic and his commitment to the role.
He has also felt the pain of attracting good apprentice carpenters to the trade and is committed to supporting Jackson build his skills for the future.
Nick O’Meley and Kenneth Koro commenced their first year apprenticeships with 1300Apprentice after joining the Sydney Roosters NYC squad this year.
They completed a pre-apprenticeship course with 1300Apprentice before securing first year apprenticeships with Pulse Electric and Carrera Air Conditioning respectively.
The pair have seen glowing reviews from their managers since commencing their apprenticeships.
“Nick is going exceptionally well. He has shown the same attributes that have made him an elite athlete in his work role as an apprentice electrician, showing dedication and commitment in balancing his studies, workplace training and rugby league commitments.”
“Kenneth’s punctuality and attitude to his work is excellent. He is asking questions and showing initiative, he is eager to work and learn," Kenneth’s host – Carrera Air Conditioning are very happy with his performance.
The Sydney Roosters partnered with the NRL and RLPA to deliver Wellbeing and Education programs to support all players engage in worthwhile pursuits away from the game to help them develop now and into the future.
It is also an NRL requirement that every player playing in the NYC competition needs to work or study to be eligible to play.
John Hutchinson, NRL Employment and Education Manager, was certainly impressed with the number of players the Roosters have engaged in apprenticeships and is looking at ways to partner with government, industry partners, and businesses to support the engagement of apprentices across our game.
