This may seem like any other apprenticeship program, but such a program was previously unheard of in Indonesia
Thiess apprenticeship program in Indonesia was first established in 1992 with just eight participants.
Since 1992, more than 1,000 apprentices have undertaken technical training as part of the Thiess Apprenticeship Program which offers off-job training to Australian standards and is certified by the Central Queensland Institute of TAFE.
Apprentices completing the five-year course can choose to train either as heavy duty mechanics, auto electricians, or in welding and fabrication.
Each apprentice is given a fixed salary, overtime pay, transport allowance, life insurance and accommodation for the length of the program, and the two best apprentices from each group are sent to Australia for further on-the-job training.
During each semester, apprentices go through five weeks of intensive training at Thiess’ Training and Development Centre at Balikpapan. This is followed by 16 weeks’ tenure onsite.
The program has received recognition and awards from the local community and regional government. In 2008, the Indonesian Ministry of Manpower and Transmigration recognised the program as the best apprenticeship offering in Indonesia.