MAX Cranes Launch Academy in Port Augusta, South Australia

MAX Academy – It’s not just a ticket, it’s your future

South Australian MP for Stuart, Dan van Holst Pellekaan spoke at the launch of the MAX Academy and National Traineeship Program today in Port Augusta on Friday 10th September.

Fifteen trainees (13 from MAX and 2 from CBCH) signed their Certificate III or Certificate IV in Mobile Crane Operations contracts of training today – the first qualifications accepted in South Australia. One additional apprentice entered a contract in Commercial Trailer Technology. Another initiative through MAX Academy is the employment of a candidate who successfully completed a Rigger Pre-Apprenticeship program and will be offered a traineeship next week.

Managing Director Mark Kuhn has always championed young people from the Upper Spencer Gulf region, more than 50 trainees have learned their skills at MAX … and as Mark said today, ‘young people are the future of our industry’.

Lou Sapio for MAX Strategy, Business & People, put in the hard yards to pull all the elements of the Academy together – strategic partnerships, culmination of MAX training programs and support from Department for Innovation and Skills – South Australia . Lou states ‘The MAX Academy offers nationally recognised qualifications in the specialist lifting industry, delivered by the industry leaders, providing world class training through guaranteed experience and exposure.’

Lou Sapio talking to the first recruit of trainees

Trainees from Port Augusta and Heavy Lift Depots

Far left – Director from CBCH, trainees from Adelaide and Whyalla depots, Matt Cimarosti – Whyalla Business Manager, Mark Kuhn – MAX Managing Director, trainees from Port Pirie depot, Steve Williams – Port Pirie Depot Manager

This group started the internal trainee model over 12 years ago – John Noll – Trainee Mentor (retired), Mark Kuhn, Geoff Shultz (Shultzy) – Trainee Recruiter, TAFE SA (retired)

Mark Kuhn

South Australian MP for Stuart, Dan van Holst Pellekaan

Tonia Packard far left – trainee administration, first group off all trainees. Second in from the right – Derek Davies – WHS & Risk Manager (semi retired)

Source MAX Cranes