Brown and Hurley welcomed a select group of apprentices into the business last week, marking the beginning of their careers in the transport industry through a comprehensive induction program designed to set them up for long-term success.
Chosen from thousands of applications, the new apprentices participated in a week-long induction that went far beyond standard orientation, focusing on building strong foundations, practical skills, and support networks that will serve them throughout their careers.
“Programs like this reflect what Brown and Hurley stands for,” said Brown and Hurley CEO Ryan O’Doherty.
“We believe in investing in people, developing skills from the ground up, and creating pathways for young people to build meaningful, long-term careers. Apprenticeships are not just about filling roles; they’re about passing on knowledge, upholding standards, and ensuring our industry remains strong for generations to come.”
The induction week covered essential areas including workplace health and safety, PPE usage, truck and tractor product knowledge, spare parts processes, and branch operations. Apprentices also visited key suppliers including Cummins and smash repair facilities, providing hands-on exposure to the broader industry ecosystem.
Hannah Gaskain, Group HR Manager at Brown and Hurley, said the program had strategic importance.
“Induction week is about far more than ticking boxes or handing out manuals. We create a strong foundation by covering safety, workplace standards, and practical expectations upfront, which reduces risk and builds consistency as apprentices transition into the workforce,” she said.
In a unique addition to this year’s program, Brown and Hurley invited apprentices’ families to a welcoming afternoon, reinforcing support networks and providing insight into the company’s values and operations.
Brown and Hurley also introduced financial literacy resources, presented by its Chairman, Rob Brown, alongside his business partner, Sue Howard, using the MoneyLike learning resources; recognising that career success extends beyond technical skills.
These practical tools around budgeting and money management aim to support apprentices in building strong futures both professionally and personally.
“I was impressed with how the week was set out. I learned a lot,” said apprentice Anton, from Tolga.
“Being split up into small groups and having shorter sessions was good. I also liked the trip to some suppliers and smash repairs, seeing their facilities and extent of repairs.”
The week concluded with team-building activities including ten-pin bowling, putt-putt golf, and slot car racing, helping apprentices bond and form support networks they can rely on throughout their apprenticeships.
As the formal induction ends, apprentices now transition to their respective branches across the network, where they’ll apply their learning in real-world settings supported by experienced mentors.