Twenty nine year old Gladstone local Steven Strathdee knows what hard work is all about and it comes as no surprise that Steven has received a well earned promotion following the completion of his apprenticeship in November 2014.
Steven signed up for his Certificate III in Sports Turf Management in April 2010 and has worked diligently and enthusiastically to ensure his efforts would not go unnoticed with his employer, The Yaralla Sports Club.
After initially being employed as a Grounds Keeping Attendant, Steven was recently rewarded for his efforts by gaining the senior position of Assistant Superintendent at the club following the completion of his apprenticeship.
Steven was thankful for the assistance he had received through the QGC Strengthening Local Workforces Program. The program is a partnership between natural gas producer QGC and BUSY At Work and was formulated to attract apprentices and trainees outside the resources sector.
“The program provided me with great mentoring assistance as well as helping me improve my business management and organisational skills to compliment the on-the-job training I received during my apprenticeship,” Steven explained.
Steven said his apprenticeship had been a big learning curve and he was enjoying taking on new responsibilities.
“Since starting my apprenticeship I have learnt a lot about grounds management, machinery maintenance, irrigation systems, working with different grasses and turf pests and diseases. I like working outdoors and learning new things so the job has worked out really well for me,” Steven said.
He credits his interest in turf management to his father who owned a gardening and landscaping business in Gladstone for 14 Years. Steven said he was looking forward to gaining more skills on the job and maybe working in a golf resort at some point in the future.
Steven’s supervisor, Martin Lewis said Steven had shown great dedication and a positive attitude throughout his apprenticeship.
“Steven showed great commitment and was always wanting to improve himself. He regularly asked questions and worked very well not only with general club members but also with the Yaralla Golf Club staff. We had no hesitation in appointing him to a senior position when it became available,” Martin said.
BUSY At Work CEO, Paul Miles said Steven had set a great example for other apprentices to follow in securing his dream job through his apprenticeship.
“Through the support of the QGC Strengthening Local Workforces Program and his supervisor, we have witnessed a fantastic result for Steven and the Gladstone region.
Steven’s commitment and dedication to his apprenticeship sets a great example for other young people wanting to make a positive contribution to the place where they live,” Mr Miles said.
MEDIA CONTACT: Leanne Macnamara, Public Relations Coordinator
0438 173 960 leanne.macnamara@busyatwork.com.au
