TASMANIAN shipbuilder Incat welcomed 15 new apprentices this week, including the highest intake of female apprentices in the company’s history.

Incat is taking on the new apprentices as it looks to expand the workforce as part of a vision to expand its Hobart facility and workforce.

Incat chairman Robert Clifford said it was great to have the new apprentices on board.

“It has never been a more exciting time to join the company,” Mr Clifford said.

“We are currently building the largest battery electric zero emission ship in the world, and we are also well advanced with our discussions for the next build as well.”

Mr Clifford said the company had a record number of applications for the apprenticeship intake – almost three times the number for the same period last year.

“This shows that people want to be a part of our plans to revolutionise the industry by delivering more zero emission ships more efficiently than anyone else,” he said.

“Because of our commitment to build zero emission ships, our apprentices can undertake Clean Energy Apprenticeships and receive additional support from the Australian government over the course of their apprenticeships.”

Incat CEO Stephen Casey said plans to grow the workforce and shipyard were progressing well.

“With this latest intake of apprentices, it brings the total number of apprentices on site to 63 and we’re proud to be employing more Tasmanians,” Mr Casey said.

“Our apprentice training program is one of the best in the world and this shows in the number of people who want to work at Incat.”

Mr Casey said plans were progressing to increase the workforce to meet the market for zero emission vessels, and the company’s goal to double the number of employees.

“Incat is the only shipyard in Australia capable of building zero emission ships in a state which has already achieved net-zero,” he said.

“This is something we are extremely proud of, and the rest of the world is starting to take notice.”

This intake of apprentices will undertake a Certificate III in Welding and Fabrication. Incat’s next apprenticeship intake will be in July 2024.

Incat claims it is the largest single site employer of trainees and apprentices in Tasmania.