Refining the art of welding

inspected and finished off by the welding team.

Rowena works on the wide range of trailers that are built at the Ballarat plant: semi-trailers, tautliners, vans for refrigerated and dry goods, as well as roll-back lead trailers.

“We also fabricate the main rails for our Hamelex White tipper products produced at our Ballarat site, whether they go through the automatic welder or if they are off-set. For off-set tipper rails we have a jig we use to tac-weld them, before they are fully welded down the line.”

When she became pregnant, Rowena says MaxiTRANS supported her through 18 weeks of maternity leave and the opportunity to extend the leave for a further 12 months.

WHILE studying an Arts degree, Rowena Kilbourne’s dream was to sculpt steel into works of art. Today she is a welder at one of the country’s biggest trailer manufacturers.

Rowena is close to finishing a welding apprenticeship with ry a million tonnes or more of freight on Australia’s highways.

Her career began when she enrolled in a TAFE course for welding to further the creative side of her arts degree. With her husband, Nathan, the couple learned the craft and and today she is a proud mother of Colt, her 19-month-old son. She is on the cusp of completion of her apprenticeship after seven years with MaxiTRANS.

As a welder, Rowena works mostly on the main chassis working out well so far.”

Working three days a week at present, Rowena has trade school on Friday, so the flexibility of shifts afforded by MaxiTRANS works for her.

“I only have two units to complete. I’m pretty close to finishing and that’s really exciting.”

Rowena’s husband Nathan worked for some years with MaxiTRANS and he then completed a Cert 4 Training and Assessment course and now teaches welding at the Federation University TAFE in Ballarat.

Rowena says the workplace culture is great and continues to change for the better since

Australian Trailer Solutions Group (ATSG) took over the MaxiTRANS business in September 2021.

“I really enjoy working for the company. The new MaxiTRANS under ATSG is continuing to make improvements and creating a very supportive environment for its staff.”

According to Rowena, there are numerous career paths open to MaxiTRANS workers.

“I’d like to become a welding inspector or even go down the training route. Be a mentor even, I’d love to go there. I’m excited about it, but I have to get confidence in myself first.”

She chose to take 10 months of leave and returned to work.

“They were happy to have me when I was ready. They never pushed or anything, which was really nice.”

Balancing motherhood and work is definitely a learning challenge, says Rowena, and finding a balance can be difficult.

“But it’s something I enjoy,” she said, “having time to watch Colt grow on my off-days is really good. It’s all

Easter Group Pty Ltd Easter Group Pty Ltd

73 Formation St, Wacol

GTS Freight Group (GTS) is expanding our fleet in 2023, and as a result currently have some great opportunities for transport professionals (direct employed and Tow Operators) living in the Sunraysia district and Adelaide looking to begin a new career with an iconic Mildura based business operating since 1980.

Does this sound like you?

• I am looking for an employer who values and respects me

• Wanting to drive fresh, well maintained equipment (predominant Kenworth based fleet)

• I have a great attitude, and I am looking for a stable, secure future

• I want to drive new, modern equipment that is well maintained

• I would like to have work patterns that suit my lifestyle and personal circumstances

• I am a safe, professional driver that cares for my equipment and the freight I am carrying

• Great earnings potential

• MC Licenced with night highway driving experience and a good history as an operator

If this is you, then GTS can provide that opportunity!

GTS is a privately owned, market leader in linehaul transport and logistics solutions, servicing a range of blue-chip companies nationally. GTS is about customer service, safety, and compliance, and we are looking for new Team members who can continue to build that reputation.

GTS currently has career opportunities for roles around the country, but specific to our Mildura and Adelaide office:

• MC Interstate Drivers

• Tow Operators who are looking for consistent, secure work with a weekly pay cycle and

Easter Group, located in Wacol, provides time sensitive road transporting solutions to many companies throughout Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria. We are a family owned business, operating since 1976. We currently have the following positions available:

OPERATIONS ALLOCATORS (Brisbane

based only)

You will be required to work on a rotating roster including Days-Nights-Weekends

Previous Operations experience preferred.

MC LOCAL, LINEHAUL & 2-UP DRIVERS WANTED

(Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide Based)

Come and work for us as we are committed to:

• Training and further education • Your safety

• Maintaining an impressive Fleet

On offer are permanent full time and roster positions including paid leave entitlements and public holidays. Drivers will need to be available to be scheduled for work falling across the 7 days of the week.

The successful Applicant will:

• Hold a current MC licence (minimum two years)

• Have knowledge of the HVNL and Load Restraint

• Be professional • Be reliable

To apply for the Operations/Driver positions please contact Operations Manager or by emailing your resume to

WORKSHOP MECHANICS & TYRE FITTERS WANTED

(Brisbane based only)

To apply for Mechanic positions please forward your resume to Workshop Manager via email to employment@kseaster.com.au