Guests from across the Western Downs celebrated at Mary’s Commercial Hotel, Dalby, on Thursday as 24 apprentices and trainees graduated from the QGC Strengthening Local Workforces Program.
QGC’s $3.5 million investment in the Strengthening Local Workforces Program over three years has helped generate more than 200 new jobs overall in sectors ranging from health to hospitality and administration to automotive services. The partnership between natural gas producer QGC and BUSY At Work was formulated to attract apprentices and trainees into careers outside the resources sector. The program has provided career mentoring and soft skills development to apprentices and trainees and recruitment coaching to participating employers across the Western Downs, Gladstone, North Burnett and Banana regions. BUSY At Work CEO, Mr Paul Miles congratulated the achievements of the second cohort to graduate from the program since it was launched in early 2012.
“The proof is in the pudding, when you see the apprentices and trainees who have participated in the program gain their qualifications,” Mr Miles said.
“Our focus is on completion and retention rates and this is achieved through a structured program with mentoring and skill development.”
“We are thrilled to be part of this innovative program and congratulate all graduates and wish them every success.”
QGC Vice President External Affairs and Sustainability, Joanne Pafumi, said fostering local employment and training was part of a plan to manage impacts and maximise benefits to communities during the major construction phase of the Queensland Curtis LNG Project from 2010 to 2014.
“This benefits both the participants, the local businesses who employ them and the sustainability of local economies,” Mrs Pafumi said.
“Programs like Strengthening Local Workforces make a positive difference in our communities and we’re pleased to be part of it.”
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Image Caption: Some of the 24 apprentices and trainees who recently graduated for the QGC Strengthening Local Workforce Program.
Back Row: Tye Hughes, Matthew Brandt, Blake Darbey, Monique Daff, Danial Cubby, Caitlyn Barry, Front: Janah O’shea, Alli Fox, Rebecca McHugh, Sarah-Jane Morris, Kaylah Anderson
MEDIA CONTACT:
Leanne Macnamara, Public Relations Coordinator 0438 173 960 leanne.macnamara@busyatwork.com.au
Kester Hubbard, QGC Communications 0408 727 261 kester.hubbard@bg-group.com
