Wade’s partnership helps build the next generation of skilled workers

Image: Wade’s Adam Jolley, back right, and Skillinvest’s Daryl Eastwell, right with some of the apprentices and trainees that Wade’s host through Skillinvest. Image compliments of The Weekly Advertiser.

For Wade’s, employing apprentices and trainees has played an important role in supporting the company’s growth and developing its future workforce.

Since 2011, Wade’s has employed more than 60 apprentices through Skillinvest in plumbing, refrigeration, electrical and business roles, some who began as school-based apprentices before progressing to higher-level qualifications.

Today, the company has 15 apprentices and trainees, the highest number it has supported at one time.

Wade’s Horsham Managing Director Adam Jolley said Skillinvest’s ongoing support had made it easier for the business to employ apprentices and trainees and develop its future workforce.

“The biggest benefit is the support we receive,” Adam Jolley said.

“Skillinvest assists with administration, compliance, mentoring and organising trade school. When we need to recruit, we can make a phone call, explain the type of person we are looking for and receive help finding suitable candidates.

“They are always just a phone call away, and that makes the entire process easier.”

The support extends to both Wade’s and its apprentices and trainees, creating what Adam Jolley describes as a genuine two-way partnership.

“The apprentices receive support as well as us,” he said. “It works both ways and has developed into a good working relationship.”

During his 29 years with Wade’s, Adam Jolley has seen the business grow from a small team of approximately six employees and expand its work across heating, cooling, plumbing and electrical services. Apprentices and trainees have supported that growth while gaining practical experience, confidence and recognised qualifications.

Many have remained with the company after completing their qualification. Adam Jolley estimated that around half of Wade’s qualified tradespeople began with the business as apprentices, while former business trainees have also progressed into longer-term roles.

Among the success stories is Jarred Martin, Wades’ first plumbing apprentice employed through Skillinvest. After completing his apprenticeship, he remained with Wade’s for several more years before relocating to Geelong and establishing a successful heating and cooling business of his own, Martin Heating and Cooling.

For Wade’s, these outcomes demonstrate the broader value of apprenticeships and traineeships. They provide people with an opportunity to establish a career while helping businesses build the skilled and capable workforce they need.