The scope of works that Nuform do is impressive. Project work includes large scale structural steel installations, balustrades, ornate stairwells, sunshades, detailed brassworks and so on. Business owner Greg lists projects like the Forum Theatre, the Lilydale Civic centre, Belgrave Train Station, and Bendigo Law courts as the locations of some of their work.
Nuform Steel apprentices work toward a certificate 3 in engineering fabrication. The company also takes paid work experience students regularly and Greg says that while “everyone picks up the broom”, they are also taught welding, and instructed in an intensive way as soon as they are involved with the company. The evidence is there – Over the years they have produced two ‘Apprentice of the Year’ winners; Quintin in 2012 and most recently Carley in 2020.
Greg feels passionately about skilling up fresh workers as much as possible prior to their school-based learning.
“They are then properly prepared to ask more complex questions and gain more from their educational experience”.
Greg, Owner
The company is diverse both in skillset and personality. “We do a very wide range of works here and the diversity of our workforce means both that there is something for everyone to work on and we have a great collective problem solving brain to respond to our clients needs”.
With two women on the team already, Greg says they are keen to hire more. “There are stereotypes about who is supposed to do what job. We don’t believe in those stereotypes. We just want people with a good attitude and a passion for the work. Some people have an artistic approach, some are more brutal but it works because we have such a diverse shop.” Nuform has several new apprentices starting in early 2022 is keen to hire more.
The apprentices are now taking on more responsibility and stepping into their leadership and authority which is exciting for the company because its an essential part of their growth. Carley is conducting on site discussions about plans with site managers for example. Hannah is seven months in and already building staircases. Shes also working on creative metalwork projects in her spare time too – most recently building an ornate table as a gift for a friend.
