Apprenticeship puts Slater’s diesel fitting dream into gear
For Slater Talonga-Querro, a career in diesel fitting was always on the cards.
After completing work experience during high school, the proud Gubbi Gubbi, Vanuatuan and Tongan man was drawn to the trade and the opportunity to work with heavy machinery. While he wasn't sure exactly what the journey would look like, he knew where he wanted it to lead.
"When I was in school, I wasn't expecting to be where I am today, but I kept my head down because I’ve always wanted to be a diesel fitter," he said.
Today, Slater is turning that ambition into a reality through an apprenticeship with Thiess at its Caval Ridge mine site while studying a Certificate III in Mobile Plant Technology at CQUniversity.
The first person in his family to undertake vocational training, Slater admitted he was initially unsure of what to expect when he arrived at the School of Trades.
"I came to CQU thinking it was going to be hard and that I wouldn’t have enough experience, but I’ve realised that’s exactly what you’re here to learn," he said.
"The teachers have all been really supportive and I've learned so much already. It’s given me a great head start for my career."
Studying alongside 11 fellow apprentices, Slater is developing the skills needed to diagnose, repair and maintain the heavy machinery that powers Australia's mining and construction industries. From engines and electrical circuits to hydraulic systems and fault finding, the qualification provides a comprehensive foundation for a career working on mobile plant equipment such as excavators, dozers and graders.
For Slater, one of the biggest advantages of an apprenticeship has been the ability to immediately apply what he learns in the classroom to the workplace.
"It's been great working at Thiess and then coming back to CQU to learn more because whenever I go back to site, I have a lot more understanding," he said.
"I don't mind learning from a book, but if I'm doing things in a hands-on way, I'm a lot more confident."
Thiess Manager, Future Talent Australia Dea Smith said the company's apprenticeship program provides opportunities for apprentices to build both technical skills and long-term careers.
"The Thiess Apprenticeship program provides more than technical training," she said.
"It creates opportunities for individuals to build confidence, develop leadership capability and establish rewarding long-term careers.
"By investing in apprentices such as Slater, we are not only building critical trade skills for today but supporting the future leaders who will drive our business and industry forward."
That practical learning is supported by CQUniversity's state-of-the-art training facilities at its Mackay Ooralea campus. As part of his studies, Slater has access to specialised equipment including Ohm's Law trainers for electrical circuits, a Festo Hydraulics Bench Trainer and a mini excavator.
Ooralea School of Trades Campus Leader Jackie Campbell said the equipment plays a vital role in helping apprentices build skills and confidence in a safe environment before taking those skills back to the worksite.
"Our Hydrostatic Transmission Simulator, Air Brake Trainer, Cummins and CAT diesel engines are invaluable tools for apprentices learning to diagnose and repair faults without the risk of damaging operational equipment," she said.
"We also have seven Cummins engines that students completely dismantle and reassemble multiple times throughout the year, giving them extensive hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of how the systems work."
Beyond the technical skills, Slater said one of the most rewarding parts of the experience has been the strong friendships and support network he has built along the way.
"I've made a lot of friends at CQU and on site – we've all got each other's backs," he said.
As he continues to build his skills and gain experience in the field, Slater hopes his journey encourages others considering an apprenticeship to take the first step.
"For anyone thinking about an apprenticeship, I'd say it's not as hard or as scary as you think it is," he said.
"Let people know it's on your mind. You never know where it could take you — it could change your career."
Jackie said stories like Slater's highlight the value of vocational education in helping address industry demand while creating meaningful career opportunities for regional Queenslanders.
"Apprenticeships give students the chance to earn, learn and build confidence in a real-world environment from day one," she said.
"Seeing apprentices like Slater grow their skills, develop industry connections and work towards long-term careers is exactly what vocational training is all about."
Take the first step towards a hands-on career and find an apprenticeship or traineeship at CQUniversity.
