When Ben Solly finished high school in Melbourne, university wasn’t really on his radar. He was much more interested in a career in the trades, so he started out as an electrician working on Jayco caravans – practical work, hands-on from day one. Then a friend who worked for aircraft manufacturer Leonardo mentioned there was an apprenticeship opportunity going at Babcock’s Essendon base. Ben applied and got it.
Four years later, Ben has just graduated and is now officially an Avionics Engineer – the first avionics apprentice to complete his training with Babcock in Australia.
Ben spent much of his apprenticeship working the helicopters at the heart of one of our Emergency Medical Services operations.
“Doing the apprenticeship was the best decision I’ve ever made,” Ben says. “You get to contribute to keeping people safe, rescuing people.”
Along the way, Ben has grabbed every opportunity that came his way – including a six-month secondment with Avionics 2000 to gain broader experience (a Babcock initiative and a first), two weeks at Adelaide Airport Base carrying out radio installations and a three-week stint on Horn Island. Experience that has set him up well for what comes next: a long-term contract on Babcock’s Horn Island base, where he’ll be putting his new qualification to work – and making the most of his downtime with some serious fishing.
Babcock’s Aviation Maintenance Manager Mike Leaver said, “We’ve always believed in building our own workforce from the ground up. Investing in people like Ben isn’t just good for our business, it’s good for the communities we serve.”
“Two new apprentices have joined the program at Essendon and we look forward to a third starting in early June.”
Ben’s advice for anyone considering applying for an apprenticeship with Babcock?
“Give it a go – you won’t regret it.”
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