Origin style skills shown
Five CQUniversity TAFE-trained Glencore apprentices put their skills and knowledge to the test in a state of origin style interstate skills competition in New South Wales recently.
The group of Central Queensland-based apprentices performed extremely well against their southern counterparts with several of them achieving many standout accolades during the event.
Out of the 41 competitors from across Australia, Glencore’s apprentices placed second, fourth, 12th, 14th and 15th – a testament to the training delivered by Glencore and CQU.
- Thomas Berry from Oaky Creek placed second overall out of 41, achieving first in Electrical (Overall – Theory & Practical), fourth in Safety and fifth in Machining (Overall – Theory & Practical).
- Finlay Dibden from Hail Creek placed fourth overall out of 41, first in Safety, first in Fabrication (Practical) and third in Fabrication (Overall – Theory & Practical).
- Khan O’Brien from Collinsville placed fifteenth overall out of 41, achieving second in Hydraulics (Overall – Theory & Practical), first in Hydraulics (Practical) and second in Machining (Theory).
- Arliek Evans from Clermont placed twelfth overall out of 41, achieving second in Hydraulics (Practical).
- Rhys Haigh from Rolleston placed fourteenth overall out of 41, achieving third in Machining (Practical) and fourth in Machining (Overall Theory & Practical).
Glencore Queensland Engineering Coordinator for Training and Development Jarryd Townson congratulated the apprentices on their achievements and representing their state.
“The apprentices were proud to wear their maroon colours. They were consistent across all aspects of the competition, showcasing their performance, skills and knowledge – it’s a fantastic result for all involved,” he said.
CQU Associate Dean for the School of Trades Rob Buttery said the apprentices should all be proud of their achievements.
“This is a great result, brought about by the students’ efforts in a robust training program, which sets them up for success through their careers,” he said.
“The training program is supported by our dedicated CQU teachers and staff at the Emerald Campus, the Glencore supervisors and mentors at the apprentices’ work sites and their families at home throughout their apprenticeship.”
