CQUniversity student Latitia 'ecstatic' about Queensland Training Awards nomination
CQUniversity's training has helped Latitia Briggs secure a full-time job in the mining industry and a nomination in the Central Queensland Regional Queensland Training Awards.
Latitia' who belongs to the Githabul/ Yidinji people' is a finalist in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year category' alongside fellow CQUniversity student Litia Pitt.
Latitia studied a Certificate II in Engineering - Production Technology with CQUni through BHP's FutureFit Academy and is now working full-time at Saraji Mine as a Heavy Diesel Fitter – Maintenance Associate.
She said she was very excited about being named as a finalist.
"To be honest' I never thought I would come this far in the nomination process' but I am extremely ecstatic and over the moon about it. It's definitely something I am proud of."
"Definitely CQUni gave me the basic skills to do my job and I use what I learn in my day to day role."
That day-to-day role includes component removal and installation' filter and oil changing on both haul trucks and bulldozers' inspections on all equipment' use of hand tools and power tools for fabrication. She has also acquired other certifications such as rigging and forklift operation.
"Becoming a tradesperson has been a dream of mine for many years - to set my life up for both myself and my son and inspire others to do the same'" she said.
"I wanted to have an opportunity to not only give my son the life he deserves' but to be a role model in his life to show him what he one day could be capable of.
"This opportunity with BHP and the traineeship has changed my life immensely."
CQUniversity has four finalists in the Central Queensland Regional Queensland Training Awards' in the categories of Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year' Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year and Equity VET Student of the Year.
The winners of the CQ Regional Queensland Training Awards will be announced on 30 July.
