In 2021, Apollo Fabrication group introduced the Steel Fabrication Training Opportunities Program with the objective of building a tailored workforce development program to support Apollo’s growth and needs as a regionally based employer.
Since the program’s inception, 34 participants have been engaged, 30 qualifications have been awarded, and currently, 12 employees are undertaking training, culminating to a Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade and Certificate IV in Engineering.
The program, which is uniquely tailored to Apollo’s project pipeline, allows genuine flexibility, made possible through a continuous feedback loop between Apollo and training partner, Educational Living.
Theory units of course competencies are contextualised to align with the specific projects in the factory, meaning trainees can put their theory straight to practice and
learn by doing, applying skills immediately on active projects.
Participants of the program, who age from 17 to 50, have access to a clearly defined career pathway in steel fabrication—beginning at entry level and extending through to Diploma-level qualifications.
This visibility and structure around career progression provides motivation, clarity, and long-term opportunity.
With a total workforce of 70, Apollo are pleased to provide high-quality training and stable employment in the Hilltops region, and the long-term economic and social benefits that brings.
We are enabling local people to live, learn, and earn in their community, our program is setting a new benchmark in regional
training delivery,” Apollo Managing Director, Caleb Jackson said.
Founded in 2000, Apollo Fabrications Pty Ltd (Apollo) is an Australian owned and operated family business managed from their headquarters in Young, NSW.
A farmer for most of his life, Terry Jackson spotted an opportunity to manufacture specialised waste handling equipment for agriculture and industry.
In 2003 Terry, his wife and two boys packed up in Western Australia to seize the opportunities in regional NSW, moving to Young.
His sons Caleb and Nathan joined the growing business.
In 2006 after building their capabilities on smaller projects, Apollo won its first major project as part of the team building New Creation Church in Canberra.
Word of mouth attracted more complex architectural design projects like Warragamba Dam, The Scots College, SCG Trust Office and Caringbah High, by 2010 Apollo invested in a 2,200 sqm facility to enable major projects like Sydney Airport (T1), Emmanuel Baptist Church, Bunnings, Newington College, Coles, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and Sikorsky.
Between 2015 and 2018 Apollo's plant grew to 2,400 sqm and began global steel importing with projects including Hornsby PCYC, Wellington Jail, Norwest Hospital, Parramatta Leagues Club, UTS Central and Dubbo Hospital.
During the period between 2019 and 2022 Apollo invested in state of the art automation tools, a purpose built 3,500 sqm training facility and new 600 sqm office and undertook projects including Barker College, Ashfield Aquatic Centre, Wagga Hospital, Greenacre Processing Plant and plenty more.
Since 2023 Apollo has built a foundation to handle even larger projects including the iconic Sirius Building, a landmark development alongside Sydney Harbour Bridge.