Not Just a Plumber
Leadership and Development at HTS
POSTED: 8 July 2020
AUTHOR: Kian Bullock, Director
Coming from a family of plumbers, HTS Plumber Devin Thackrah thought he knew what he was in for. Years later, he recalls the challenges in the first few years, realising that learning a trade meant having to learn much more than the job at hand. As Devin explains “I found it hard at first because it required a much more diverse skillset than I had imagined!” From one challenge to another, Devin’s “logical choice” of career has seen him rise to meet his greatest challenges, none more so than at HTS. “Challenging but rewarding,” he says. Working in construction projects saw him take on more supervisory roles and presented further opportunities to develop and define himself in what can be a competitive industry with many ups-and-downs. Devin realised very quickly he was no longer just a Plumber.
The opportunity to work in various locations in Australia and Overseas was part of the attraction to HTS. However, working and interacting with a steady flow of stakeholders and project staff doesn’t always come naturally. “That’s where work ethic comes in,” he says “You have to find a way to work with others, and taking on a leadership roles means managing tasks from start to finish, providing instruction to others and demonstrating that work ethic also.” A work ethic that has seen Devin meet tight deadlines on numerous occasions for HTS.
Devin Thackrah, Plumber at HTS Constructions
On each HTS project, a feeling shared by all is that no two days are the same. What never changes is the daily pre-start with Devin’s team and a safety check for vehicles and plant. A key aspect of communication, the daily pre-start allows Supervisors to feed information to the group about other activities occurring at the site and the critical requirements for the day’s project schedule. From digging trenches to testing and commissioning, all jobs must follow HTS high standard of safety and safe work procedures as well as quality assurance, which includes an array of documentation and reporting. For Devin, this also means staying up to date with regulatory requirements, a frustrating exercise due to frequent change.
Through HTS leadership and development support, Devin continues to realise his potential, not just for himself but for the company that has supported him. He hopes to continue this trajectory and grow with the company, developing into more senior roles in the future.
It seems the four-year commitment Devin made to his first employer (a family friend) as an apprentice has paid-off; However, it’s not a favourable landscape these days as COVID-19 has small business reeling from the construction downturn. Sadly in 2020, apprenticeships have taken a massive hit. In WA, apprenticeships are still down 40% on this time last year. If economic confidence is gauged by how many apprentice and trainee vacancies are advertised, Australia was looking bleak, but signs of improvement are emerging. Boosted by Government support like the Commonwealth Wage subsidy for apprentices and trainees and other state-based incentives, employers continue to tap into additional opportunities to retain and rebuild their teams.
While the economy recovers, companies like HTS continue to foster and develop internally. Rising through the organisation structures leaves room in the future for onboarding of new apprentices and trainees ready to meet the same challenges Devin has during his time. “I think it’s important that employers give you something to strive towards. Working with HTS wasn’t just about money but lifestyle factors and opportunity to progress.” Developing staff into leaders who set the same high standards of safety and production that HTS commit too means you build a project team with exceptional ‘DNA’. It also implies room to secure more futures as apprentices and trainees join the team ready to learn from others more experienced in their field. Devin agrees “It’s how I learnt, and the reason why I am where I am today.”
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