Winning the South East Queensland Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year Award is just the beginning of a bright career in civil construction for Tegan Moleswoth, who recently completed her Certificate III in Civil Construction.

“I absolutely love my work and what I do with RoadTek - having the recognition along with my enthusiasm for my job is an amazing feeling. I have a lung and heart disease but have never felt labeled as someone with an ailment. And as a female in a male dominated industry, I have never felt different or segregated.

There are so many aspects of my job that I love, especially the people I work with and knowledge they have given me. They help me be the best I can in whatever role I am doing.

Being a trainee with the Queensland Government has opened many doors and given me more pathways to my upcoming career. I have my sights set on completing more study and qualifications to one day being a project manager in the industry.”

What has being an apprentice with the Queensland Government given you?

I believe the most worthwhile thing this apprenticeship has given me is the ability to work under very experienced tradesmen who are able to take the time to explain procedures and safe work practices to a level above you would receive working for a subcontractor.

What would you tell your friends about apprenticeship opportunities with the Queensland government?

I would, and do say that it's great way to expand your skills and to set yourself up for a lifelong career.

- Daniel Marsden, Apprentice (Department of Housing and Public Works)

The DNRME Indigenous Pathways Traineeship program was a great opportunity for me to start my career in government and also gave me the chance to study and work at the same time.

The best part of the program was being able to work in and experience different business units which has helped me form a pathway of what I would like to do in my future career.

I would encourage any young person to take this same opportunity and to also work for DNRME, the diversity and respect for others in the department is great and everyone always wants you to achieve your best.

- Aiden Love, DNRME Indigenous Pathways Trainee

Tanara is completing a Bachelor of Animal Ecology and as part of her industry placement is working with Queensland Parks and Wildlife on its value based management framework.

“I have spent time conducting surveys in parks and discovering the magnificent ecosystems we are striving to protect. I have learned how the input from many different staff, both in and out of the field , work together to help conserve parks.

“I have really enjoyed meeting so many friendly, intelligent and passionate people. They have kindly shared their time, knowledge and love of Queensland’s parks.”

- Tanara Hinschen, Industry placement, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service

Melanie’s industry placement was with the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) at North Cooloola.

Melanie was part of a team that developed and implemented a new monitoring survey to assess the Pandanus leaf hopper insect and parasite wasp populations on Teewah Beach and Double Island Point Headland.

“My placement was relevant to my studies. I have completed a Bachelor of Animal Ecology and found much of my duties with QPWS involved techniques I had been taught during my degree e.g. surveying techniques, animal trapping and identification.

“What I have enjoyed most about my placement with QPWS was the variety of work in which I was involved. I undertook compliance duties as well as general duties and natural resource management work.”

- Melanie Sullivan, Industry placement, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service

Queenie’s industry placement in the department’s environmental planning team involved research and analysis to further the development of climate change policy in Queensland.

“I have learnt that there is no simple answer in policy, and often identifying the question is harder than expected. Climate change policy in particular is a challenging space to work in when there are overlapping values, interests and impacts to consider across government and public stakeholders.

“What I have enjoyed the most is feeling inspired by the team I worked with every day and being able to pick their brains on their expertise and opinions. Being immersed in a field that I am extremely passionate about and being able to apply what I have learnt at university has been hugely rewarding, especially nearing the end of my degree.”

- Queenie Fensham, Industry placement, Department of Environment and Science

To complement his studies, Jake chose to work in Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) on a project which analyses the impacts of campground use within Mount Barney National Park.

“I study environmental science/marine science and management. The placement has primarily focused on the management component of my studies along with aspects of plant identification, geology, GIS mapping, outdoor education, land degradation and rehabilitation, and environmental information analysis.

“Learning how the government functions and being out in the real world has been a great experience. What I have enjoyed most would be the field work and getting hands-on outside.”

- Jake Elward, Industry placement, Queensland parks and Wildlife service

What has being an apprentice with the Queensland Government given you?

The apprenticeship has provided a great opportunity to become a tradesperson.

What is the best thing about the work you do?

I enjoy the experience and able to learn everyday.

What would you tell your friends about apprenticeship opportunities with the Queensland Government?

That it is a great job and that working for the government gives you a lot of opportunities into the future.

- Jake Thomson, Apprentice (Department of Housing and Public Works)

What has being an apprentice with the Queensland Government given you?

The apprenticeship has provided me an opportunity to learn a trade I have always wanted to do and help transition from the Australian Defence Force.

What is the best thing about the work you do?

Being hands on and being challenged both mentally and physically.

What would you tell your friends about apprenticeship opportunities with the Queensland Government?

It is a great opportunity that will set you up for the future.

- Michael Patston, Apprentice (Department of Housing and Public Works)