When BJ Hydraulics gave Kaleb Gaul an opportunity to finish his apprenticeship at Dalby in May last year he was over the moon.
Seventeen months later Kaleb completed his apprenticeship and is looking forward to a successful career as a qualified Fitter and Turner.
Kaleb Gaul is one of the first graduates from 200 trainees and apprentices expected to come through the QGC Strengthening Local Workforces Program.
The three year partnership between QGC and BUSY At Work was formulated to attract apprentices and trainees into careers outside the natural gas industry.
BJ Hydraulics specialise in hydraulics sales and service including a mobile field service for agricultural, mining and energy companies and currently employ 15 staff.
Director of BJ Hydraulics Dalby, David Johnson said that he found Kaleb to be a positive impact on their business. “Kaleb has contributed to our company’s work place through his undertaking and commitment.
“He has been forthcoming in sharing training concepts and techniques he has learnt and he has implemented many of these strategies in the work environment,” said Mr Johnson.
BUSY At Work CEO, Mr Paul Miles said that BUSY At Work played an integral role to the success of the program. “Our function at BUSY is aimed at improving completion and retention rates through matching local businesses with the right apprentice or trainee.
“To achieve this we provide a structured and continuous mentoring, skill development and care program throughout the life of the apprenticeship helping to safeguard our participants and keep them on the right track and focussed on their career goals.
“Further to this we provide important life skills training such as budgeting, communication and teamwork skills to compliment the technical aspects of the formal training,” Mr Miles said.
QGC Vice President of Sustainability, Mr Brett Smith, said QGC was delighted to partner with BUSY at Work on this important community initiative
“QGC’s $3.5 million investment in the Strengthening Local Workforces Program has helped generate 200 new jobs in non-resources industries spanning sectors from health to hospitality, administration to automotive services,” said Mr Smith.
“In addition to providing participants with learning opportunities and job skills, the Program is ensuring that people across the Western Downs, Gladstone, North Burnett and Banana regions have diverse employment options outside the resources sector.”
Kaleb Gaul said he was very excited about completing his apprenticeship. “It is great that BJ Hydraulics was willing to take me on as an apprentice, particularly as I was part way through my apprenticeship with a different company which hadn’t worked out,” he said.
“The QGC program has helped me keep on track with my apprenticeship and has provided me with extra support in completing and BJ Hydraulics gave me the opportunity to complete it.
“I’ve been looking forward to this day for a fair while,” he said.
“The graduation dinner was a great night and I really enjoyed celebrating the evening with other apprentices and trainees,” he added.
Kaleb Gaul now holds a Certificate III in Engineering (Fitter and Turner). He was one of thirteen trainees and apprentices who celebrated with over 50 guests including family members and employers from across the Western Downs at the Chinchilla Palms Motor Inn on Thursday evening. The second graduation from the Program will take place in Gladstone this Thursday.
For further information about apprenticeships and traineeships call 13 BUSY (13 28 79) or go to www.busyatwork.com.au
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Photo Caption: Photo 1: Kaleb Gaul proudly displays his Certificate III in Engineering (Fitter and Turner)
Photo 2: QGC Strengthening Local Workforces Program graduation. Left to Right: Laura Smith, Thomas Barlow, Michelle Elder, Zane Watson, Cassandra Rush, Kaleb Gaul, Leesa Davies, Kelsie Barber, Sue Loch – Busy at Work, Brett Smith – QGC
MEDIA CONTACT: Leanne de Toerkenczy, Public Relations Coordinator
0438 173 960 or (07) 5585 4403
leanne.detoerkenczy@busyinc.com.au
