Melchor Contracting hosted its annual Apprentice Training and Golf Day on the 2nd of December. The weather was kind to us, there was a fine display of golfing prowess, and the Marketing Department took the ‘ugly golf polos’ brief seriously!
Committed to fostering the next generation of industry tradespeople, Melchor Contracting is supporting approximately twenty apprentices through their Carpentry, Concreting, or Earthworks apprenticeships. Usually spread across sites, the ‘Apprentice Day’ allows them to spend time together with our senior management team. Although considered a social event on the Melchor calendar, the day’s focus is to promote a holistically healthy workplace. Creating a culture of well-being is a high priority at Melchor.
Our training with MATES in Construction has taught us that financial stress can contribute to poor mental health. Wanting to provide our apprentices with the tools to control their finances, we arranged for Lacey Filipich from Money School to run a ‘Make the Most of Your Money’ workshop to start the day. As Lacey expertly phrased it, “worry is the absence of a plan”. Engaging and delivered with candour, the workshop received positive feedback on the practical money management tips and planning advice it provided.
The Ninja Academy facilitated the day’s second session focused on physical well-being. Perth’s premier mixed movement and obstacle training facility, the Ninja Academy got the body moving and blood pumping, challenging the apprentice’s perceptions about what is possible. The apprentices rallied around each other, and it was great to hear the cheers of support when peers succeeded at completing tough obstacles.
The afternoon saw apprentices teamed with project and senior management to play nine holes at Wembley Golf Course. As players made their way around the course, there was opportunity for open conversations, development of networks and building on relationships. There was much good-natured banter as the teams trickled back and recorded their scores. Congratulations to Kevin Russell (Senior Site Supervisor), Corey Taylor (Senior Supervisor), Kane McMenamin (Apprentice), and Dhontayne Berryman (Apprentice) on taking home the trophy.
As a company, we hope prioritising mental health awareness from day one of an apprenticeship will result in employees continuing this awareness throughout their careers. Roll on 2023 Apprentice Training and Golf Day – we’re currently accepting ‘ugli-er golf polo’ designs!