Ethan Laska

In the fast-paced business landscape, prioritising investment in the next generation is crucial. Companies that champion growth, knowledge-sharing, and community empowerment often lead the way in innovation and sustainability.

The Cairns Regional Jobs Committee works to promote training and skills development for future job and collaborates with education providers, industry and government to align training with skills needs. Community Solutions – Group Training Organisation (GTO) are at the coal-face when it comes to placement of apprentices and trainees with local host businesses, as they actively shape the future of skilled professionals.

Through partnership with Australian Hydraulic Services, Community Solutions was able to align apprentice Ethan in a fulfilling role helping to cultivate a more sustainable workforce.

“My experience with Community Solutions has been good,” Ethan acknowledges.

Born and raised in Innisfail, Ethan Laska was always interested in building and fixing things. He enjoyed working on is parents farm, fixing tractors mowers and other forms of machinery. After high school, he chose to do an apprenticeship as a fitter and turner through Community Solutions, who placed him with Australian Hydraulic Services.

“I chose to do an apprenticeship because I was interested in building and fixing things and thought it would help develop my skills, knowledge, and understanding of how things are made and work,” Ethan added.

From coordinating TAFE dates to providing travel and accommodation subsidies, Community Solutions ensures a smooth journey for apprentices like Ethan, offering regular face-to-face visits to further reinforce a sense of support and guidance throughout the
apprenticeship.

“This mentoring is so important”, says Cairns RJC Chair, Jodie Duignan-George. “Keeping in contact with the employer and apprentice throughout the process goes a long way to ensure completion of training and successful job placement”.

Ethan’s passion for hands-on work and machinery resonates well in his chosen field of fitter-and-turner trade within Australian Hydraulic Services, where he aspires to deepen his expertise.

Australian Hydraulic Services’ decision to embrace apprenticeships stems from a desire to foster a culture of learning and growth within their organisation.

As Natalie Austin, Administration Manager from Australian Hydraulic Services said, “Training new and young people takes considerable time and effort not only as business owners but for our qualified staff, who invest time in their colleagues. Getting that
right is very rewarding and creates a great working environment where everyone feels valued.”

“Our experience with Community Solutions is a positive one. We call it a partnership because it is. The communication doors are always open, and we know we can make a phone call or shoot an email and questions are always answered and delivered in a timely manner,” said Mrs Austin.

The partnership has also been instrumental in hiring reliable apprentices and supporting the growth of Australian Hydraulic Services. “We really wanted a service that we could rely on that provided, continuous and consistent support so we can get
the best out of our employees, and we’ve found it,” confirmed Mrs Austin.

Community Solutions remains committed to contributing towards community growth and nurturing talent through partnerships with local businesses.

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