Last week Ken celebrated 50 years to the day of his working life in the fabrication and engineering industry when he brought up the milestone at Fitzpatrick Fabrication.
Ken said he still recalls starting out.
“My first day was the second of the second in 1976.
“I still remember coming into town fresh as a 16 year-old and ever since I’ve only worked in the same kilometre or so squared area.”
Ken started at KGR with Kevin Renwick and was there for about six years before 12-months with Trevor Jones, then on to Deni Steel Fabrication for 22 years before his recent stints at Brunker Fabrications and then Fitzpatrick Fabrication.
In his time he has fabricated some of Deniliquin's most prominent structures, including helping to build the world-class Deni Ute Muster stage.
Ken also taught Certificate III Metal Fabrication and Engineering at the Deniliquin TAFE for 19 years and night classes after work in Finley and Hay for nine years on a part-time basis, bringing many young tradesmen through the ranks.
He continues to train and mentor young fabricators with current apprentices Dean McDonald and Jesse Jervis on the job at Fitzpatrick’s.
In his time Ken said he has seen quite a few changes in the industry including added help and distractions of technology.
“It’s changed a lot. The young workers always seem to be on their mobile phones and I don’t think this helps you concentrate on the job.
“Not always being on a phone has definitely helped me get through 50 years and not have any workplace injuries.”
Fitzpatrick Fabrication owner Jack Fitzpatrick said Ken’s 50 years of experience provides an invaluable asset to the team and the milestone is a significant achievement.
“Mostly Ken is teaching and quality assurance these days,” he said.
“He’s a great worker; one of the best and we are grateful to have him.
“It’s an amazing achievement that we want to acknowledge and celebrate and we’re looking forward to 60 years already.”
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