Machinist, Mechanical fitter
Sunbeam Foods

Sunbeam Foods offers a School-Based Apprenticeship (SBAT) in Engineering – Mechanical Trade as an Engineering Mechanical Trades Apprentice. Based in Mildura, Sunbeam Foods has been producing high-quality dried fruits and nuts since 1926, sourcing from trusted local and global growers. The company is known for delivering wholesome, flavourful products that support healthy living.
This SBAT is ideal for VCE, VCE-VM, or VPC students interested in a career in engineering while completing school. Students currently undertaking VET Engineering Studies will be highly regarded.

This opportunity provides hands-on experience, practical skills, and formal training while working toward a nationally recognised qualification. Apprentices will work alongside qualified tradespeople, developing skills under supervision in an engineering environment.

Candidates should have a positive attitude, be self-motivated, willing to learn, and able to follow instructions. This role suits students keen to build practical skills alongside their studies.

Interested students should speak with their Careers Advisor, VET/VCE-VM Coordinator, or Head Start Coordinator to apply.

Note: Year 10 students must complete one year of Structured Workplace Learning (SWL) in a relevant engineering setting before being considered.

Skills You Might Learn

As part of this School-Based Apprenticeship (SBAT), the student will have the opportunity to develop a broad range of skills through paid employment, structured training, and workplace experience. These include valuable employability skills such as:

○ Communication
○ Teamwork
○ Attention to detail
○ Punctuality and reliability
○ Personal presentation
○ Workplace hygiene standards
○ Problem solving
○ Planning and organisation
○ Initiative
○ Ability to follow instructions
○ Ability to work under supervision and progressively with greater independence
○ Industry-specific Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) knowledge

In addition, the apprentice will develop important industry-specific skills that align with their secondary school studies and training program, including:
○ Gaining hands-on practical experience in an engineering and manufacturing environment
○ Observing and learning from qualified and experienced tradespeople
○ Working in real-life industry scenarios
○ Using tools, machinery, and equipment relevant to the engineering trade
○ Communicating and working effectively with supervisors, colleagues, and other industry personnel
Engaging with customers/clients and suppliers where appropriate

Typical Tasks & Duties

As an Engineering Mechanical Trades Apprentice (SBAT), the student will work alongside and support qualified Engineering Mechanical Trades Workers in the workplace. The apprentice will be employed and trained under supervision, progressively building skills and competency within the engineering environment.

The apprentice may undertake the following tasks and duties:
○ Apply occupational health and safety (OHS) principles in an engineering and manufacturing environment.
○ Safely use hand tools and handheld power tools for a range of engineering applications.
○ Interpret and assist in preparing basic two- and three-dimensional engineering drawings.
○ Read and interpret routine information from job instructions, specifications, and standard operating procedures.
○ Assist with basic machining processes.
○ Apply introductory fabrication techniques.
○ Contribute to engineering projects as part of their training and development.
○ Perform intermediate engineering computations relevant to workplace tasks.
○ Assist with basic welding and thermal cutting processes.
○ Follow written job instructions accurately.
○ Respond to and carry out verbal instructions from supervisors and tradespeople.

Undertake additional duties relevant to the apprenticeship and workplace requirements as directed.

Student Requirements

Prior to applying for this SBAT, students must:

○ Be enrolled in, or willing to enrol in, a relevant VET qualification, such as Certificate II in Engineering Studies, with progression into a related apprenticeship pathway (e.g. Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade).
○ Demonstrate a commitment to undertaking paid employment, structured training, and school studies concurrently as part of the SBAT program.
○ For Year 10 students, have successfully completed one year of Structured Workplace Learning (SWL) in a relevant engineering or manufacturing setting.

Review the Sunbeam Foods website to develop an understanding of the company and its operations: www.sunbeamfoods.com.au

Dress Requirements

The student will be required to present in a neat and hygienic manner in the following work attire;
• Work pants or work shorts.
• Steel capped work boots.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) appropriate to the tasks and duties carried out by the student and uniform will be supplied by the Host Employer.

Special Transport Requirements

Public Transport is limited, students to check bus transport availability and or speak to parents/carer to organise transport prior to contacting employer. CDC Victoria - Mildura: Ph: 5023 0274, Website: https://cdcvictoria.com.au/travel-information/timetables-and-maps/mildura/.

RELATED COURSES INCLUDE

• MEM20105 - Certificate II in Engineering
• MEM20219 - Certificate II in Engineering - Production Technology
• MEM30219 - Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade
• MEM30319 - Certificate III in Engineering - Fabrication Trade
• MEM31419 - Certificate III in Engineering - Fixed and Mobile Plant Mechanic