QAL apprentices trade up for dream careers

Thousands of Central Queensland apprentices have recently returned to CQUniversity’s TAFE workshops in Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay and Rockhampton for their 2026 training. 

Among the cohort is a new group of 11 apprentices who have just started roles with Gladstone’s largest employer – Queensland Alumina Limited (QAL).

The addition of the new apprentices means QAL has 51 team members currently completing apprenticeships – 21 in Mechanical Fitting, one in Boilermaking, and 29 in the dual-trade Electrical and Instrumentation – while being supported by CQU TAFE to complete their qualifications.

The 11 new QAL apprentices were recently introduced to CQU’s Gladstone trade training facilities, and they're keen to hit the ground running.

First-year Mechanical Fitting apprentice, Linzi McBean, was very excited to get to work.

“I’m most excited about learning new skills for my trade and about working with the machines at CQU, which will help me boost my career at QAL,” she said.

“I am also excited about meeting and working with new apprentices and tradespeople in different disciplines.”

Fellow first-year Mechanical Fitting apprentice, Mitch Sutherland, said he was looking forward to getting his “hands dirty”.

“Gaining skills and experience while undertaking my trade is what I’m anticipating the most,” he said.

“Getting my hands dirty and working as a mechanical fitter has been something I have aspired to achieve for a while now.

“Getting that mix of hands-on work, theory and safety is incredibly valuable and it’s what is done at both QAL and CQU. Overall, this experience will set me up for my trade, and an amazing future career for me in mechanical fitting.”

First-year Electrical and Instrumentation apprentice Tayla Dicton agreed.

“I’m really looking forward to diving into my trade because it’s a completely new experience for me, and I can’t wait to meet and work with new people,” she said.

“I am also keen to start at CQU because of the hands-on training, the support services provided and the opportunity to collaborate with other apprentices.”

QAL Apprentice Trade Training Officer Lauren Faulke said it was a proud moment to see the new apprentices begin their training.

“Before they start at CQUniversity TAFE, we run a short foundational program at QAL that introduces them to the basic fundamentals of their trades and safe work practices,” Lauren said. 

“Doing this means that when they arrive at TAFE for their training blocks, they have some context around the tools, terminology and expectations, which really helps their confidence. 

“Watching their skills grow both at CQU and on site is incredibly rewarding for QAL.”

QAL Apprentice and Trade Coordinator John Burgess said QAL’s relationship with CQU had been strong for many years.

“Our partnership with CQU is proving time and time again that the facilities and trainers in Gladstone are second-to-none,” he said.

CQUniversity delivers trades training in several disciplines including building and construction, electrical, engineering and automotive.

For more than a decade, CQUniversity has been the public provider of TAFE in Central Queensland and has invested millions in new facilities and equipment to support employers and industry and help future trade professionals to build their skills. 

This week (9 – 15 February), CQUniversity is celebrating National Apprenticeship Week by recognising its many skilled teachers and the apprentices who will play an important role in driving the region’s future development and economic growth.

Employers and prospective apprentices can learn more about the apprenticeship journey on the CQUniversity website.

Those interested in finding out more about careers and apprenticeships at QAL can visit the QAL Careers page.