Transforming Apprenticeship Success with Mas National and LAI Switchboards Australia

Introduction

Mas National (Mas), a subsidiary of the IntoWork Group, celebrates 13 years of a successful partnership with LAI Switchboards Australia (LAI), a leading player in the electrical industry. Since 2011, Mas National has played a crucial role in supporting LAI’s growth and success, having signed up over 162 apprentices, including 107 electrical and 55 metal fabrication apprentices.

The Challenge

LAI, established in 1969, has expanded significantly with offices and manufacturing facilities across South Australia, Victoria, Queensland, and New South Wales. Despite its growth, the company faced several challenges in its apprenticeship program:

1.Recruitment: Finding apprentices with the right skills and professionalism from Registered Training Organisations and labour hire companies was a significant hurdle.

2. Retention: Keeping apprentices engaged and committed to their training and the company was another challenge

3.Quality of apprentices: Ensuring that the apprentices met the high standards of LAI’s craftsmanship and timely production was essential but difficult to achieve.

The Solution

LAI chose Mas National as its Apprentice Connect Provider due to the exceptional support and guidance they offer. Mas National’s approach has been transformative, addressing LAI’s challenges in the following ways:

1. Proactive recruitment: Mas National has been proactive in identifying and recruiting apprentices who align with LAI’s values and requirements.

2.Comprehensive onboarding: They provide assistance and guidance throughout the entire onboarding process, ensuring a smooth transition for new apprentices.

3. Mentoring app: Mas National’s mentoring app has been invaluable in supporting the well-being of LAI’s apprentices. It offers a support network and one-on-one sessions, which have been particularly beneficial in addressing issues such as mental health.

4.Ongoing support: The relationship between Mas National and LAI is described as relaxed and comfortable, with regular check-ins and a natural, supportive dynamic.

Carmine Signoriello, a representative from LAI, couldn’t be more enthusiastic about the partnership. “Mas National has truly transformed the way we hire and support apprentices. Their approach is simple, exciting, and perfectly aligned with our company values. It’s like having an extra team member who genuinely cares about our success,” he said.

The Results

The partnership between Mas National and LAI has yielded significant results:

1. Increased apprenticeship success: Over 162 apprentices have been successfully signed up, contributing to LAI’s growth and success.

2. Enhanced well-being: The mentoring app has provided crucial support for apprentices, particularly in addressing mental health issues. “We had an apprentice who was going through a tough time with mental health. Mas National stepped in, offering a support network and one-on-one sessions. It made a world of difference, and the apprentice found it incredibly beneficial,” Carmine said.

3. Stronger company culture: The partnership has fostered a supportive and collaborative environment, making apprentices feel valued and integrated into the LAI family. “They come in, have a chat, and we enjoy a coffee together. It’s a relationship that feels natural and supportive,” Carmine added.

4. Future expansion:” LAI is committed to expanding its operations into other states. It will continue working with Mas National, so that it can get the same level of support and success in new areas. “We will definitely be using Mas National in Victoria and Queensland when the time comes,” Carmine said.

Conclusion

The partnership between Mas National and LAI Switchboards Australia is a testament to the power of collaboration and mutual support. By investing in each apprentice, LAI ensures they have the skills and ability to grow within the company, contributing to its long-term success and vision. Mas National’s adaptability and commitment to meeting LAI’s changing requirements have been key to their shared success. As both companies look to the future, they are eager to build on this success with new initiatives and plans, further solidifying their partnership and driving mutual growth.

Mas National Acting CEO Ruth Hundertmark highlighted the importance of this partnership: “By investing in each apprentice, LAI ensures they have the skills and ability to grow within the company, contributing to its long-term success and vision. Our adaptability and commitment to meeting LAI’s changing requirements have been key to our shared success.”

Carmine is optimistic about the future: “We are excited to continue our relationship with Mas National and explore new ways to support our apprentices and expand our operations.”