CQUni's vocational education and training the right fit for Queensland Training Awards finalist, Jack

Fitter and Turner Jack Mitchell has acknowledged his training at CQUniversity's Mackay Ooralea campus as giving him an in-depth understanding of his trade' after he was named as a finalist in the Central Queensland Regional Queensland Training Awards.

The 20-year-old is a finalist in the Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year category and is one of five CQUniversity-trained students nominated in the Awards.

'It's definitely a good feeling to be nominated'' Jack said.

'It's an honour just to be nominated' but to make it to the top three is pretty cool.'

Jack is now a qualified tradesman for Jennmar Australia' providing mechanical maintenance of equipment and facilities in various underground mining operations in the Mackay region.

'When I was in school' I tried out all sorts of different trades' but I enjoyed fitting and turning the most'' he said.

'The appeal is that I can use my skills on and off the job because I have a general understanding of how things work.

He credited his Certificate III in Mechanical Engineering – Fitter and Turner at CQUniversity TAFE for helping him excel in his role at Jennmar.

'I enjoyed the training – there were good facilities with all the lathes and mills and all the teachers were good with the students'' he said.

'At Jennmar I don't necessarily get to focus on all the different aspects – one day I might just be machining' the next hydraulics or welding' but the VET classes gave me more in-depth knowledge around each speciality.'

He said regardless of the outcome of the Queensland Training Awards' he looked forward to seeing where his career with Jennmar takes him.

'I'd like to keep working for them – they've got some robotics coming in that has huge potential' but maybe down the track I'd like to learn more and maybe specialise in hydraulics'' he said.

The winners of the CQ Regional Queensland Training Awards will be announced on 30 July.

To learn more about CQUni's Mechanical Engineering training visit https://www.cqu.edu.au/courses/certificate-iii-in-engineering-mechanical-trade