A teenage apprentice has lost his arm in a devastating workplace accident at a Perthengineering workshop, just weeks before he was due to formally qualify as a tradesman.

Chaz Gordon, 18, was critically injured on Monday, January 12, after becoming caught in machinery at Ardello Engineering, a family-run manual machining business in Welshpool, in Perth’s south-east.

His dominant right arm was severed above the elbow in the incident.

He was rushed to Royal Perth Hospital in a critical condition, where doctors attempted reconstructive surgery, but the limb could not be saved.

WorkSafe WA has confirmed it has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident, including machinery use and safety procedures at the time.

Mr Gordon left school in Year 10, just weeks before his 15th birthday, to begin a fitter and machinist apprenticeship at the workshop.

He completed his apprenticeship in December and was only weeks away from receiving his formal trade certification.

A GoFundMe has since been launched to help fund a robotic arm, with the fundraising page describing Mr Gordon as a ‘hands-on creator’ who hopes to remain in the trade.

Chaz Gordon (pictured) as raced to Royal Perth Hospital in critical condition, where medical staff attempted reconstructive surgery on the limb, but his arm could not be saved
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Chaz Gordon (pictured) as raced to Royal Perth Hospital in critical condition, where medical staff attempted reconstructive surgery on the limb, but his arm could not be saved


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Chaz (pictured) left school at 14 and began a fitter and machinist apprenticeship at family‑run manual machining workshop Ardello Engineering in Perth

‘While he will receive support, it does not cover the equipment he truly needs to regain his independence and return to the hands‑on life he loves,’ the statement said.

‘A new arm will allow Chaz to return to his passions of creating, building, working, and reclaiming parts of his life that bring him joy and identity.’

Mr Gordon’s father said the trans-humeral robotic arm would help.

‘This will enable him to continue doing what he loves, but also in his field of passion,’ he wrote on Sunday night.

WorkSafe WA confirmed an investigation had been launched into what happened.

‘WorkSafe confirm a serious incident occurred at Ardello Engineering in Welshpool in which an apprentice suffered a traumatic arm injury,’ it said.