A Jamestown teenager has turned the practical skills he developed growing up in a farming community into a career helping build Australia’s future naval fleet — while continuing to stay connected to home.
Now a second-year boilermaker apprentice at BAE Systems Australia’s Osborne Naval Shipyard, Samuel Richmond is putting those skills to work on the Hunter Class Frigate Program.
Samuel’s interest in working with his hands started early. At just five years old, he was given his first hand saw by his dad and spent weekends building birdhouses and learning how to use tools.
That interest continued through school, where he discovered welding in Year 9 before completing a Certificate II in Engineering through TAFE SA at Port Pirie.
His pathway into shipbuilding began when his year-level coordinator shared an opportunity to complete work experience at BAE Systems Australia.
During the placement, Samuel got a first-hand look at the work happening at Osborne
While still completing Year 11, Samuel relocated to Adelaide to begin his apprenticeship. Two mates from Jamestown also made the move, with the three sharing a house as they started the next chapter of their lives.
The move was a significant step for the 16-year-old, who says support from BAE Systems Australia helped make the transition easier.
“I was really nervous before I came. There were nights where I’d go home to Mum and say, ‘I don’t want to do this. Can I withdraw my application?’ But they encouraged me to give it a go.
“I’m glad I did it. It’s amazing down here.”
Now in his second year, Samuel works alongside experienced tradespeople developing the skills needed to fabricate and assemble the steel structures that will form part of Australia’s future Hunter Class frigates.
“As a second-year apprentice, I have a bit more independence, but your tradesperson is always there to support you and teach you. It’s a really good environment to learn,” he said.
While his apprenticeship has taken him to Adelaide, Samuel remains closely connected to Jamestown.
The company’s nine-day fortnight gives him more time to return home and catch up with family and friends, while the friendships he has made at work have helped him build a new community in Adelaide.
“It’s great because every second weekend you get three days instead of two. It gives me more time to head home and catch up with everyone,” he said.
For Samuel, moving away from home has been an opportunity to build on the practical skills he developed growing up in Jamestown while continuing to stay connected to the community he calls home.
“I know moving to the city can feel like a big barrier, especially if you’ve grown up in the country, but you can always go home on the weekends, and while you’re young it’s the best time to give it a go.
“If you don’t like it, you can always go home. But you’ll never know unless you take the jump.”
Looking ahead, Samuel hopes to complete his apprenticeship and continue building his career in the defence industry.
“Working on a Navy ship is something really special. Seeing it finished one day and knowing I helped build it will be pretty amazing.”
More information about BAE Systems Australia’s apprenticeship opportunities is available through BAE Systems Australia Careers.