'The best years of their lives': Apprentices and their Training

Abstract

This chapter explores the experiences of apprentices at the East Perth Power Station over 60 years. It examines the nature of their training and the changes that occurred over time, working conditions and pay, accommodation, travel to and from work, apprentices' support systems, and 'rites of passage' in the workplace. For the majority of apprentices whose memories provide the fabric of this chapter, training at the East Perth Power Station was an overwhelmingly positive experience - indeed, in the words of one, 'it was the best years of my life'.