Apprentice and Trainees recognised at awards
November 23, 2022
WEDNESDAY night was cause for celebration at Gladstone Ports Corporation (GPC) as part of the annual Apprentices and Trainee Awards ceremony.
Apprentices and trainees walked away with awards across fifteen categories, including: Drafting, Mechanical, Diesel Fitting, Building Trades, Electrical and Refrigeration.
Fourth year apprentice, Joshua Pedersen, took out two awards on the night, GPC’s Overall Apprentice of the Year award and the Fourth Year Electrical Trade award.
Resources and Infrastructure Trainee, Gracie Moore, was awarded the Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander & Australian South Sea Islander Trainee of the Year.
Apprentice Diesel Mechanic, Dirk Holmes, took out the Brent Holland Merit Award, which recognises positivity and humility in the face of adversity and encourages apprentices and trainees to strive for success – no matter what obstacles are placed in front of them.
GPC Chief Executive Officer Craig Haymes said he was impressed by the breadth and depth of talented apprentices and trainees that GPC had attracted.
“Congratulations to all our apprentices and trainees who were recognised for their accomplishments,” Mr Haymes said.
“Our apprentices and trainees are valued members of our workforce, and make a vital contribution to the future of our port operations.
“GPC provides a solid, hands-on learning foundation, where existing highly-skilled employees with many years of experience invest their time into mentoring, ensuring that on-the-job trade skills and invaluable operational knowledge is passed on to the next generation of workers,” he said.
This year, GPC had a total of 63 apprentices and trainees, ranging from first to fourth year. A total of 20 are expected to graduate by the end of 2022.
“To those graduating from your final year, we wish you all the best for your careers and we look forward to watching you grow and prosper in your future endeavours,” Mr Haymes said.
Mr Haymes said even though they have lots to be proud of on the work front, GPC’s apprentices and trainees should also be recognised for their philanthropic achievements amongst the community.
“During 2022, our apprentices and trainees supported numerous awareness and fundraising campaigns, raising over $14,570 in donations for charity organisations such as Relay for Life, the World’s Greatest Shave, and Gladstone Paws.”
GPC looks forward to welcoming their 2023 apprentice and trainees in January; as home to over 750 employees, GPC is proud that over eight per cent are apprentices and trainees.
| 2022 GPC Apprentice and Trainee Award Categories | Winner |
| Overall Winner Apprentice / Trainee of the Year | Joshua Pedersen |
| Brent Holland Merit Award | Dirk Holmes |
| Most Improved Apprentice or Trainee of the Year | Matthew Hall Special mention: Brin Baumgart |
| Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander & Australian South Sea Islander Apprentice/ Trainee of the Year | Gracie Moore |
| Resources & Infrastructure Trainee | Saria Cakau |
| Computer Aided Drafting/ Parks and Gardens | Fiona Pedroza |
| Warehouse/ Operations / Rigging | Ben Sanders |
| First Year Mechanical /Diesel Fitting / Building Trades | Braiden Harrison |
| First Year Electrical / Refrigeration Trade | Abbey Downie |
| Second Year Mechanical /Diesel Fitting / Building Trades | Jack Mackenzie |
| Second Year Electrical / Refrigeration Trade | Lachlan Black |
| Third Year Mechanical / Diesel Fitting / Building Trades | Lleyton Baquely |
| Third Year Electrical / Refrigeration Trade | Christopher Benson |
| Fourth Year Mechanical / Diesel Fitting / Building Trades | Jack Skuthorp |
| Fourth Year Electrical / Refrigeration Trade | Joshua Pedersen |