Having only completed his apprenticeship just seven months ago, Callum Apelt’s skills as a diesel fitter are already up there with many experienced tradespeople.
At just 20 years of age he has shown a maturity far beyond his years and he is relishing the opportunity to apply his skills in a large rural engineering company.
Callum’s new found confidence is a far cry from the shy young man who began his apprenticeship with Dalby company HEQ Services, in October 2012, after completing a year of school-based training.
Callum said he had always enjoyed working with his dad on their family property.
“My dad always did his own maintenance on the farm machinery. I used to help him service the tractors and harvesters and found I really enjoyed the hands-on aspect of the work. Getting a trade is definitely one the best things I’ve done and I’m really pleased with the work I’m doing now,” Callum said.
Callum’s supervisor at HEQ, Jason White was full of praise for Callum, describing him as “an exceptional diesel fitter”.
“Early on he showed great promise and with the support of the QGC Strengthening Local Workforces Program, Callum really blossomed in his apprenticeship.
“He always had a high level of technical ability and you only had to show him once and know the job would be done right. To complete his apprenticeship by June last year was a great accomplishment and well deserved,” Mr White said.
To date the QGC Strengthening Local Workforces Program has helped generate more than 200 new jobs in fields including health, hospitality, administration and automotive services.
The program began in February 2012 when QGC partnered with BUSY At Work to match apprentices and trainees with businesses outside the natural gas industry in regional Queensland. The program provides support, mentoring and coaching to help boost retention and completion rates.
Callum believed the QGC Strengthening Local Workforce Program had played an important role in helping him achieve his trade qualification so quickly.
“Through the BUSY At Work program coordinator I was able to set goals and keep on track. She helped me keep my training books up to date and taught me some important life skills such as budgeting and time management,” Callum said.
Paul Miles, CEO BUSY At Work said Callum was an outstanding example of a young tradesperson just starting out.
“With the right training and support from the QGC Strengthening Local Workforces Program and HEQ Services, Callum is now empowered with the skills, ability and confidence to make a very positive contribution not only to his employer but to the local Dalby region,” Mr Miles said.
