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IN THE INDUSTRY: A Marine Technician participating in the mentoring program. |
Volume 49, No. 19 ,October 19, 2006
By LSMT D.L. Field
One of the key areas of the Sea Change program is providing sailors with the opportunity to work in a Smart Navy.
In pursing this objective, a new mentoring program has been developed, offering Marine Technicians the opportunity to work in a civilian company.
Selection process for the program, RAN/MTUDDA (Royal Australian Navy/Motor Turbine Union Detroit Diesel Australia) began in late 2005.
Applicants sat a basic diesel theory exam followed a few weeks later by a selection board made up of RAN and MTUDDA members.
Three candidates were selected to be the first to take part in the 12-month program.
In March, two sailors were placed in MTUDDA in Bassendean WA and the third was placed in Kings Park in Sydney.
The idea behind the mentoring program was to build contractor and client relationships between MTUDDA and Navy by providing sailors with an opportunity to work in a civilian company.
During their placements, sailors have been given the opportunity to complete a Diesel Competency Log, and develop more accurate fault-finding skills and improved maintenance skills.
The benefit to Navy is that the participants in the program return to sea with a much greater knowledge of the diesel engines fitted to RAN vessels.
Prior to starting their placements, an induction process was carried out by MTUDDA staff at respective branches.
During this initial stage, it was found that there were many similarities between RAN and MTUDDA safety regulations and work practices.
MTUDDA provided uniforms and RAN supplied tools to the participants to ensure the sailors felt part of the team, and then work commenced.
The participants in the program are rotated through many different aspects of diesel engine maintenance.
In addition, some work during a refit on an RAN vessel has been undertaken to give people from industry a chance to see what it was like on the other side of the fence.
The program has started well and the participants are fitting into the team in their respective branches.
The program is expected to continue beyond this year, which means that more Marine Technicians will be given the chance to be a part of the mentoring program.
This will further build relationships between Navy and MTUDDA, while giving Navy more experienced sailors to complete the tasks that arise during their period of service in the RAN.
