An on-site apprenticeship program at the North Queensland export terminals is allowing workers to convert their experience into formal qualifications, keeping a steady flow of jobs and skills in the Bowen region.
The program, developed by Abbot Point Operations with Bowen Industrial Hire (BIH), saw five workers from BIH gaining their Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication (surface finishing).
The partnership began after BIH won the protective coating contract for the terminal’s offshore infrastructure in 2023, with Abbot Point Operations general manager Damien Dederer saying that the program allows BIH’s workforce to earn, learn, and achieve a nationally accredited qualification at the same time.
“When we first contracted BIH to do this work, many of their workers had years of experience but no formal trade qualifications,” Dederer said.
“BIH wanted to keep those local jobs secure, and that’s what sparked the idea for the apprenticeship program; and we’ve seen the program pay dividends already.
“Experienced workers now have trade certificates that recognise their skills, and young people are stepping into careers they never thought possible.”
Dederer emphasised that part of Abbot Point Operations’ core is to “grow local”, and to create opportunities for its region, done through local jobs and procurement, and that the program perfectly encapsulates that.
Blast painter Jesse Brown said that a school visit from BIH inspired him to join the trade.
“When BIH came to our school and talked about the blast painter apprentice program, I knew it was for me. I called them the next day and signed up,” Brown said.
“Now, as I head into my third year, I’m still loving it and proud of how far I’ve come.”
BIH business development and resource manager Liz Little said the program had delivered opportunities for both the businesses’ “old hands” and new starters.
She said some of BIH’s abrasive blasting and protective coatings team have spent decades in the industry without formal qualifications.
“Through this program, our senior supervisor for quality assurance, with years of experience, gained the certification that formally recognised and validated his skills,” Little said.
“At the same time, our youngest apprentice, who is 18, has started his career in Bowen. This means he can stay close to home and build a future in our community.
“We wouldn’t have been able to achieve this success without Abbot Point Operations’ support.
Little said both BIH and Abbot Point Operations share the “same commitment” to live local and support local, factors that make the partnership successful.
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