How footy led to Monos

For Rowan and Isaiah, mates from the local footy club, a bit of banter and teamwork has taken them from the field to our Port Hedland workshop, where they’re now learning the ropes as paint and blast traineeships.

Their coach, Craig Turner, first got them interested in the trade, and now both are thriving in their traineeships.

Craig’s a familiar face around town, having worked at Monadelphous for years and played a big role with the Hedland Reds, the local footy club supported through the Monos community funding.

His involvement with both the team and the business made him the perfect person to help connect the lads with this opportunity.

Isaiah, two months in, has already discovered a knack for painting.

“I’m enjoying the painting part, it’s interesting to learn how it all mixes together and things like that,” he said.

“I get the measurements right, so the paint doesn’t spoil quicker or set too fast. I reckon that’s pretty cool.”

Rowan, who joined a month earlier, said he’s been enjoying learning new skills and getting hands-on experience every day.

“When we tried out blasting, I just kept doing it, it wasn’t too bad,” he laughed.

“I enjoy blasting the most.”

They both agree that having Craig guide them through their traineeships has made the move from footy mates to workmates an easy one.

“It makes working here a bit easier, you know, because he looks after us well. The same way he looks after us on the footy field,” Rowan said.

It’s the people that make the difference, with both saying the team environment keeps things fun and motivating.

“It’s awesome to have someone around that can help guide you if needed,” Isaiah added.

With plenty of paint, a fair bit of dust, and a lot of laughs, these two are well on their way to mastering their craft.