Dana, Painter

"I started my training with the Army under an AACAP Program where we build BBQs, playgrounds and pathways on the foreshore at Palm Island. When I finished that I started an apprenticeship as a painter.

QBuild and the Council then employed me as a second year apprentice.

Although I am an apprentice painter, I work jack hammers, lay blocks, fill concrete, lay out sites – wherever I am needed.

I work with eight carpentry apprentices and tradesmen from Palm Island and I am the only female.

I look forward to finishing my apprenticeship and hope to teach younger students from Palm Island when they finish school. Soon I will be leaving Palm Island to go to Charters Towers to get some more work experience."

Michael, Clinical Nurse

“After completing my nursing degree, I had always wanted to work in the public health sector.

Through a graduate program, I have been able to consolidate my skills and knowledge and have been greatly supported by my employer, through access to courses and programs as well as a preceptored work environment.

I have been working within Queensland Health now for over seven years and by working for such a large organisation I have had the opportunity to work within many different areas.

Through the support I have received I am now able to return something by preceptoring new employees, something I found so helpful when I started and would recommend.”

Aimon, Economic Analyst

“For as long as I care to remember, I’ve always had an interest in economics. After completing my degrees in international business and commerce I joined the Department of State Development's Graduate Program. Quite simply, this was the best decision I could have ever made after uni.

Throughout the 12 month program I received exceptional training in a whole host of areas, was able to see and work in many different areas of the department, but most of all, was able to put the theory that I had spent 4 years learning into practice.

Now, I work as an Economic Analyst in DSD, and I couldn’t imagine myself working anywhere else at this point. My work is challenging, interesting and rewarding, but most of all I have a wealth of support from my managers and co-workers, and I have a great time coming into work each day.”

Russell, Carpenter

"I have been an apprentice on Palm Island and I am now a qualified tradesman carpenter, teaching apprentices now so that they too can become qualified carpenters.

I enjoy teaching carpentry. At the moment, I am working with five carpenters and two blocklayers and a female young painter, all from Palm Island that are doing an apprenticeship with QBuild and the Palm Island Council.

I have also obtained knowledge of working in a Queensland Government workplace.

I look forward to working with the apprentices so that they too can get through their training to be qualified tradesmen or women."

Emily, Senior Project Officer

“The Department of State Development's Graduate Program was a great launching pad for my career in the Queensland Government.

One of the most valuable aspects of the program for me was working in three different areas within the department. This was great for developing my understanding of the function of the department as a whole and how my work contributed to the bigger picture.

Also, the Graduate Program focused on developing and shaping other transferable skills such as team work, leadership and communication skills.

The graduate year was challenging but I always felt supported by program staff and my colleagues. Ultimately, I think the program has allowed me to find and maintain an excellent job match within the department – a job that matches my skills, my career aspirations and my values."